The life and career of a key figure in Manx music and entertainment is the subject of new book.

Known as ’Manxland’s King of Music’, Harry Wood was the most eminent and well known musical figure in the Isle of Man in the years from the start of the twentieth century, up to the outbreak of World War Two.

He led many of the orchestras that performed to the thousands of tourists, brought the big musical hall stars of the time to the island and was instrumental in organising and establishing local choirs.

The book, ’The Life and Times of Harry Wood’, has been written by Maurice Wood, himself a conductor of the Isle of Man Symphony Orchestra.

He said that Harry’s career in the island coincided with the island’s height as a tourist destination, when the island would regularly see thousands of holiday makers visit the island, and Douglas in particular.

He thinks that Harry deserves to be remembered as having a key role in creating such a vibrant entertainment scene and boosting the island’s appeal during that period.

’During the summer season, the Isle of Man was like a mini Blackpool, and one of the main reasons people came here for their holidays was for the excellent entertainment,’ said Maurice.

’There were so many venues, like the Palace, Derby Castle, the Gaiety, and many places which aren’t here anymore.

’Harry was a key figure in all of that, and also in making the island such an important place for music, especially in the 1920s and 30s, when huge numbers of people came here.’

Harry and his family moved to the island from Lancashire in 1880s.

Harry became the musical director of the Palace and Derby Castle music company, conducting the orchestras for the visiting singers and developed friendships with some of the biggest music hall stars of the day.

’He knew the concert singers who came here, such as Vesta Tilley, Marie Lloyd, and he was a good friend of Florrie Forde too, and she came here summer after summer, year after year,’ said Maurice.

’It was his efforts, working with the famous publishers, helped to popularise some of the famous pieces of music of the day.

’Many songs were played here during the summer months first, by Harry and his orchestra, and if it was any good or proved to go down well with the audiences, the publishers would then pick the songs up and promote them.

’His life went from the very first music hall stars and right through to the jazz age, adapting his repertoire to go along with the changes of fashion.

’Harry was an instantly recognisable figure. He was into everything and was well known by a lot of people.

’He was busy throughout the summer with the big bands and the orchestras, and during the winter months he was working with the local choirs and groups, playing with the local smaller orchestras.’

’The Life and Times of Harry Wood’ is published by Lily Publications, priced £16, and is available online and in all local bookshops.

by Mike Wade

twitter:@iomnewspapers