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Mike HardingEnglish singer, songwriter, comedian, author, poet and broadcaster
Date of Birth: 23.10.1944
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
Biography of Mike Harding
English singer, songwriter, comedian, author, poet, and broadcaster, Mike Harding, was born on October 23, 1944 in Crumpsall, Manchester, England. He is known as "The Rochdale Cowboy" after recording one of his hit songs.
Early Life and Education
Mike Harding's father, who was a pilot, was killed during World War II just a few weeks before Mike's birth. He has Irish roots from his mother's side. Harding received his education at St. Anne's in Crumpsall and St. Bede's in Manchester.
Career
Throughout his life, Mike Harding tried his hand at various professions including being a photographer, traveler, director, playwright, and musician. After exploring different paths, he enrolled at the University of Manchester. He later became a folk singer and played in several Manchester bands. Harding's sense of humor became evident during their concerts when he would crack jokes between songs. Over time, this took on a narrative character, with Harding sharing funny stories from his life.
In 1972, his first album titled "A Lancashire Lad" was released. In 1974, he followed up with his second album, "Ardin's Kid." His track "The Rochdale Cowboy," written in 1975, caught the attention of listeners and became popular.
As a comedian, Mike Harding appeared on television and radio shows. He also played rock and roll with his band "The Stylos" and with the Lowe brothers. He has released numerous albums and singles, including "The Rochdale Cowboy/Strangeways Hotel" and "Man 'nited Song." In addition to his comedy work, he has released albums with serious songs. One notable song is "Bombers Moon," which is about his father's death. Mike has also written many musical compositions for shows such as "DangerMouse," "The Reluctant Dragon," "The Fool of the World," and "Flying Ship for Cosgrove Hall."
In addition to his comedy work, Mike Harding has written humorous books such as "The Armchair Anarchist's Almanac" and two collections of jokes, anecdotes, and songs titled "The Unluckiest Man in the World" and "The 14½ Pound Budgie." He has also written a comedy-thriller-fantasy book called "Killer Budgies." His other books explore aspects of British folklore and history, including "The Little Book of the Green Man," "The Little Book of Stained Glass," "The Little Book of Gargoyles," and "The Little Book of Misericords." He has also written his biography titled "You Can See the Angel's Bum, Miss Worswick!"
Later on, he directed several short films about minor religions in England for the BBC show "Heaven and Earth." He currently hosts the program "The Mike Harding Show" on BBC Radio.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Mike Harding is the vice-president of the Ramblers' Association. He writes a regular column for the magazine "The Great Outdoors," which is geared towards people who enjoy walking and hiking. He is also a patron of the Wensleydale Railway, a group advocating for the reopening of a railway line between Northallerton and Garsdale in Yorkshire, near Genevieve Tudor. He currently resides there with his wife.
