Date of Birth: 04.04.1941

Place of Birth: Ardwick, Manchester. Moved to Bradford, Manchester when just a few months old.

Parents: Lilian and William Piddington. Mother re-married to Robert Cleworth following his father's death during World War 11.

Siblings: Robert, Linda, Anne and Alan Cleworth.

Schools: Bradford Memorial and Philips Park Secondary

Church: St. Paul's Anglican Chuirch, Bradford.

Wife: Alma whom he met at the Ebenezer Methodist Church Youth Club in 1955.

Married: 17.3.1962

Children: Carl born 04.08.1966 and Sara born 18.03.1970

Grandchildren: Leigh, Curtis, Matthew, Naomi, Callum and Elizabeth

Career

1956: Began apprenticeship as a Mastic Asphalt Spreader.

1968: Left Building Trade to pursue his dream of becoming a professional singer. His love of music began in early childhood when he joined the church choir and continued throughout his teen years with a rock band formed by him and his mates. At seventeen he also began singing in local pubs and clubs, mainly for charity

This decision had been encouraged by Alma and many professional musicians with whom he had worked, in particular, Mike Timoney. He soon showed his musical versatility by working with Big bands, Quartets, Dance Bands, Solo Cabaret performances, Session Singing and Voice-overs. etc. from which he earned a reasonable living.

1974: Began doing television extra work to supplement income and occupy his days. The extra work developed into many small parts including "Coronation Street" and a play for the BBC called 'Thicker Than Water' in which he played a slaughterman in an abattoir.

1979: Was offered and accepted the part of 'Jack Duckworth' who was making his first appearance at the wedding of Gail and Brian Tilsley. Bill at this time was working with the Take Ten Orchestra and was not really expecting the character to become a 'regular'. Although he continued singing for a while it soon became obvious that he could not continue to do both and sadly his musical career took a back seat.

1986: Bill had to undergo by-pass surgery and 'Jack remained in the cellar for a few months. Before going to hospital he recorded a tape with long time musician friend 'Mike Timoney' - just in case he didn't pull through and this was dedicated to Ali.

1989: Bill was invited by guest conductor Bill Connor to sing with the Halle Orchestra at the G.Mex and also with the Huddersfield Philharmonic Orchestra.

1994: This prompted Derek Wadsworth to contact him with regard to making an album for EMI. He made three albums for EMI, two of which went 'gold'., before his contract with them was terminated. Apart from another album which Bill made for Connoisseur this temporarily ended his musical career once again. Derek produced and arranged all the albums and they are now close friends.

1997: Bill took time out of 'Coronation Street' to do a country wide tour singing with the Andy Prior Orchestra which he thoroughly enjoyed.

2000: Bill recorded a documentary about his role as 'Jack' and also his musical /personal life. As part -01 this documentary Bill also recorded a new album 'In My Life' for EMI Classics.

This is obviously only a very brief synopsis of Bill's career/life to date, highlighting some of the most important dates. Should you require any further information or clarification of any points, then please feel free to contact me. bioginfo@billtarmey.com

Performing with the Halle Orchestra, The Huddersfield Philharmonic Orchestra, Opening and closing the Toronto Telethon, singing with the Toronto Children Bach Choir and Boss Brass , Touring with the Andy Prior Orchestra and working with St. Winifred's School Choir with whom he also recorded "One Voice", the proceeds of which went to The Aquinas Trust. This reached No 12 in the charts.