Details

Name

Billy Connolly

Brief Biography

born 1942, Scottish

Occupation

Artist; Musican, Comedian

Description

Billy Connolly was born in Anderston, Glasgow and brought up in Glasgow. He left school to work in the shipyards where he became a welder, joining the Territorial Army (in the Parachute Regiment) at around the same time. He developed an interest in folk music, eventually becoming an accomplished banjo player and a member of the band 'Humblebums' with Gerry Rafferty (later of 'Baker Street' fame). The jokes he told between songs eventually took over his act and he became a full-time comedian.

In 2010 he was awarded Freedom of the City in recognition of the distinction he had brought to the city through his "outstanding contributions in comedy and drama; on consideration of his many charitable works and in recognition of his pride in being a Glaswegian".

Bob Winter, the Lord Provost, said: "Billy Connolly is arguably the world's best known Glaswegian and is truly deserving of the Freedom of the City."