Harry Champion

Harry Champion was the stage name of William Henry Crump (17 April 1865 – 14 January 1942), an English music hall singer, composer, and comedian. He was born in Bethnal Green, London and fully embraced the Cockney identity of east London in his stage persona.

He made his stage debut at the age of 17 at the Royal Victoria Music Hall in Old Ford Road, Bethnal Green, in July 1882. He initially appeared as Will Conray and went on to appear in small music halls within London’s East End. In 1887 he changed his stage name to Harry Champion and started to perform in London’s music halls beyond the East End where he built up a wide repertoire of songs. He soon became known as one of music hall’s most successful artists performing in his trademark style of a fast tempo.