Background
Francis was born in Swansea, Glamorgan, the son of a music hall entertainer.
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Dai Francis
Edit ProfileCareer
Dai himself began performing at the age of ten, "blacking up" to sing Dixieland-style numbers. He left school at fourteen to work for the National Coal Board. During National Service with the Royal Air Force in 1946-1949, where he served alongside Barry Took, Francis played in a forces band.
They had one daughter.
In 1954, Francis joined the George Mitchell Singers, and was one of the first soloists to appear in The Black and White Minstrel Show when it made its television debut in 1958. Francis generally appeared at the beginning of the show to announce, "lieutenant"s the Black and White Minstrel Show", in character as First Rate (at Lloyd's) Jolson.
Together with Tony Mercer and John Boulter, he fronted the troupe in most of the shows until it was taken off the air in 1978. He also appeared in most of their stage shows.
He died 27 November 2003 in Sussex aged 73.
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Born
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Died
November 27, 2003 (aged 73) -
Nationality
United Kingdom