Sir Thomas Hicks OBE, known professionally as Tommy Steele, was an English entertainer known for his pioneering role in the music industry as a teen idol and Britain’s first rock and roll star.
His unique blend of rock and roll, skiffle, and traditional jazz made him a phenomenon with teenage audiences in the 1950s.
He remains recognised as an influential figure in British music and entertainment, with a career spanning over six decades.
File
- Full name: Sir Thomas Hicks OBE
- Stage Name: Tommy Steele
- Date of birth: December 17, 1936
- Age: 87 years old
- Place of birth: London, United Kingdom
- Nationality: UK
- Occupation: British entertainer
- Height: 1.7 m
- Parents: Thomas Walter Hicks and Elizabeth “Betty” Ellen Bennett.
- Siblings: 5, Colin Hicks, Sandra Hicks, Betty Hicks, Ron Hicks and Rodney Hicks.
- Spouse: Winifred Anne Donoghue
- Children: 1, Emma Hicks
- Relationship: married
- Net worth: $10 million
Childhood life and education.
Sir Thomas Hicks OBE, known professionally as Tommy Steele, is a famous English singer, songwriter and actor. He was born on 17 December 1936 in London, United Kingdom and was raised by his parents, Thomas Walter Hicks and Elizabeth “Betty” Ellen Bennett.
He grew up with five siblings: Colin Hicks, Sandra Hicks, Betty Hicks, Ron Hicks and Rodney Hicks. Thomas attended Bacon College in Rotherhithe, South London.
Career
Sir Thomas Hicks OBE, better known by his stage name Tommy Steele, has had a long and successful career in the entertainment industry. He began his career as Tommy Hicks in the 1950s, performing skiffle with his band. He was discovered in London’s coffee house scene and became one of Britain’s first pop stars under the management of Larry Parnes.
Steele quickly became known for his energetic stage presence and catchy rock and roll-influenced songs, although there is some debate about his actual classification within the genre. During this time, he had a series of hit singles on the UK charts, cementing his place in the music industry.
Sir Thomas Hicks OBE, better known by his stage name Tommy Steele, achieved great success as a versatile entertainer in the 1960s and beyond. He moved from rock and roll to other entertainment roles, including stage, film and television. Steele played the title role in the West End and Broadway musical Half a Sixpence and later reprised the role in the film adaptation.
He also established himself as a film actor, appearing in such popular films as “The Happiest Millionaire” and “Finian’s Rainbow.” On television, Steele became a regular performer, showcasing his singing, dancing, and comedy talents. His success was demonstrated by the fact that he holds the record for the most appearances at the prestigious London Palladium.
In the 1980s, Sir Thomas Hicks OBE, better known by his stage name Tommy Steele, continued to showcase his talents in various forms of entertainment. He performed in numerous stage productions, including several renditions of the classic musical “Singin’ in the Rain.”
In addition to his work on stage, Steele also dabbled in writing, writing novels such as children’s books and historical novels based on World War II. He also explored his artistic abilities by creating sculptures, some of which were publicly exhibited.
In 2020, Steele was knighted in recognition of his services to entertainment and charity. Despite his many achievements and accolades, Steele’s career is a testament to his ability to reinvent himself and adapt to the times. He remains a dynamic and respected figure in the British entertainment industry.
Awards and nominations
- Grammy Awards: Although he has yet to win a Grammy, Steele received a nomination for Best Recording Package at the 42nd Annual GRAMMY Awards for his album “Ultra-Lounge: Tiki Sampler.”
- Ivor Novello Award: Steele, along with collaborators Lionel Bart and Mike Pratt, won the 1958 Ivor Novello Award for Best Song of the Year for “A Handful of Songs”
Honor:
- Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1979 for his services to entertainment and acting
- Knighted in 2020 for services to entertainment and charity
Other potential prizes (Source not confirmed for sure):
- There are mentions of nominations for Tony Awards, Golden Globe Awards, Outer Critics Circle Awards, NME Awards for British Male Artist, and NME Awards for British Vocal Performance. However, reliable sources such as the awards’ official websites or IMDb have not confirmed these nominations.
Social media.
Sir Thomas Hicks OBE, known professionally as Tommy Steele, has no social media accounts.
Personal life
Sir Thomas Hicks OBE, known professionally as Tommy Steele, had a private life that included his marriage to Winifred Anne Donoghue or Donoughue in the spring of 1960.
Their wedding took place at St Patrick’s Catholic Church in Soho Square, London. The couple have a daughter together, Emma Hicks.
Music/Movie List
Discography
- Early Rock and Roll: This was the period when Steele had his biggest hits, including “Rock with the Caveman,” “Singing the Blues,” and “The Launching of the New Brave World.” These songs were a combination of rock and roll and skiffle, a popular British musical style.
- Pop and Show Music: As Steele’s career progressed, he moved away from rock and roll and began recording more pop-style songs and show music. He also appeared in several musicals, including “Half a Sixpence” and “Singin’ in the Rain.”
- Compilation: There are numerous compilation albums of Steele’s music, covering his entire career.
List of movies played
- The Tommy Steele Story
- Singin’ in the Rain (UK version)
- Half a pence and sixpence
- The stingy old man
Net worth
Sir Thomas Hicks OBE, known professionally as Tommy Steele, is an English entertainer with a net worth of $10 million. He is best known for his work as a singer, songwriter, and actor.
Throughout his career, he has released many hit albums and starred in many films and stage productions. He has also received several awards and honors for his contributions to the entertainment industry.
