VETERAN musician Ron Jackson throws some light on a popular 1950s character famed for his one-song performances during the heyday of St Helens Co-op ballroom.

Reader Alan Gray had earlier asked if anyone else remembered the stocky, crop-haired fellow whose particular party piece was the bluesy old standard Georgia.

Says Ron, then trumpeter with the Co-op's resident Bert Webb band: "I certainly remember him. We always referred to him as Georgia, but I think his real Christian name was Charlie and he worked in the rollplate warehouse at Pilks".

Charlie's pattern was always the same. "During the first half of the dance, he remained totally anonymous. Then, after a pint or two at the Sefton Arms during the interval, he'd sidle up to the stage and wink a signal to Bert Webb who'd then allow him to step up to the mike".

This was always received with good-natured, enthusiastic applause by couples packing the dance floor.

Alan Gray believed Charlie knew only one song. But Ron (now turned 80 but still performing with his band at Sutton Cricket Club every Tuesday evening) says Charlie's repertoire extended to two tunes. Very occasionally, he'd perform the old Fats Waller number, Ain't Misbehaving as an encore.