The Great Joe Wilson

Like Bob Dylan, singer/songwriter Joe Wilson was able to encapsulate an epic story in a song. His subject matter ranged from love, death and moving house to supporting workers on strike. In addition, he wasn’t afraid to tackle the horrors of domestic violence or drunkenness. His prose – a vibrant record of working class life in Victorian north-east England – is as relevant today as 150 years ago.

In April 1867, Joe performed at Darlington Theatre Royal Music Hall and The Era noted that: ‘Wilson introduced popular concert hall entertainment to the Darlington public for the first time…the house has been crowded’. Joe made his professional debut at Balmbras, Newcastle, in December 1864, and within a year, aged only 24, was the undisputed north-east concert hall superstar. Sadly, he died of TB in February 1875. Joe was only 33 years old but left behind a legacy of 360 brilliant songs, including the classic ‘Keep Your Feet Still, Geordie, Hinn