Scots music legend Jack Alexander ‘will be missed by millions’

Tributes were paid to Scottish music legend Jack Alexander after he died aged 77 yesterday.

The world of showbiz hailed the younger sibling of the world-famous Alexander Brothers duo as a “superb ambassador for Scottish music”.

Jack, who lived in Prestwick, passed away in Ayrshire Hospice yesterday, just weeks after suffering a serious stroke.

He and brother Tom’s most famous hit was Nobody’s Child which was released to great acclaim in 1964. It sold more copies in Scotland that year than recordings by the Beatles.

The song propelled the brothers to international fame and allowed them to give up their day jobs as painters and decorators.

A statement from Ayrshire Hospice revealed that Jack passed away at 1.40pm with his wife Lil and the rest of his family by his side.

Jimmy Shand Jnr, son of the late Scottish music legend, Sir Jimmy, said: “My dad, Jimmy, toured Australia with Jack and brother Tom and he said they were among the best days in the music business.

“Both he and Tom were superb ambassadors for Scottish music.”

Scots comedian and actor, Andy Cameron, added: “I worked with Jack many a time and he had a wonderful sense of humour. Jack and Tom took Scottish music to great heights worldwide and they’ll be missed by millions. Tom will be lost without him. He will leave a huge hole in the Scottish music scene.”

BBC host of Take The Floor, Robbie Shepherd, said: “It is so sad to hear that Jack has died.”

Iain Gordon, general manager of the Pavilion Theatre in Glasgow said: “He would make as much fuss over the workers here as he did with other celebrities and fans.”

Scots baritone, Peter Morrison, revealed: “People would always stop him in the street and he would make them feel like royalty.”

The brothers, originally from Cambusnethan in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, performed for more than 50 years.

Both brothers were awarded MBEs for services to entertainment in the 2005 New Year Honours List.