Wigan Album
Bob McKinlay
30 CommentsPhoto: Tim Cooke
Item #: 33630
Bob McKinlay was born in Ashton-in-Makerfield, Wigan in 1942. He was a prolific songwriter with ‘English Born - Dixie Fried’ becoming his signature song. He performed solo, duo, trio and with his band, Dixie Fried. In 2009 he became the 19th inductee into the British Country Music Hall Of Fame.
Another iconic Wiganer listed in the credits is the photographer Vic Jolley who took the cover photograph
This gentleman was a great performer and singer in his time, when the mill at the pier had country music in 80s and 90s he would be there to support all other bands who had travelled from afar to entertain, and i can tell you there has been some brilliant artists performing there, good old days, i used to have a drink with bob in ashton at weekends, a true legend.
he started out with a 60s band called "the long & the shorts".
I can remember seeing the 'Long and the Shorts' playing at the Monaco,Hindley in the 1960's.
The long and the shorts had a record I think it was the called the letter?.
Originally called Ringo Rhythm 4 which he started with a mate of his, Bob Taylor a lad i knew from Standish. They then became Le Ringos in around 1963 then very soon after that they became The Long and the Short. I don't know of Bob McKinley's situation now, but the last time i saw and spoke to him was a few years ago in the Unity club in Standish when he didn't appear to be in the best of health. He did used to go in the Sir Thomas Gerard (Wetherspoons) in Ashton, every lunchtime.
Remember bob in the long and the short, he played alongside bob taylor who was a relation of mine.
i believe he still goes out for a pint in ashton but iv,e also heard he,s got dementure .
I think he may have lived on Bickershaw Lane at one time. Quite a while ago.
You're right Broady...he did live in Bickershaw Lane at one time, in the eighties, I think.
BOB now lives landgate estate,not in the best of health,when the long and the short was playing the manager they had did/nt treat them right,
"when the long and the short was playing the manager they had didnt treat them right,"
Could you elaborate on that gp ?
i can guess ! .
What was the name of the pub Bob used to go in near Bryn traffic lights.
I believe he sang at the Oddfellows in Downall Green Road but he probably went in the Bath Springs and Britannia as well.
I knew Bob from 1st Bryn Boys Brigade where he was the lead on the bugle which I also played. Last time I saw him we were waiting for the Beatles at the Ritz in Wigan. Sorry to hear he isn't in the best of health.
I knew Bob when he did the rounds of labour clubs then he got involved in the heyday of country music doing the music festivals. He organised coach trips to Germany taking our own musicians with us. They were brilliant!!!!!! Such a gentleman and a lovely man with a brilliant voice.
A bit of bad news about Bob, sadly he has suffered a stroke over the christmas period and his not in a good way.
I’m just back from the hospital. He’s had a second stroke. He is conscious and aware now but he’s very very poorly.
I’m Wes Grindley’s daughter and Allan Grindley’s niece (drummer in the long and the short)
So sorry to hear that Bob is very poorly. Saw his hand many times in his heyday as a country singer in the 80s and 90s and became friends. Such a gent.
Bob sadly passed away this morning. He was a good friend of ours, he'll be missed dearly. R.I.P Bob.
I knew Bob at Hull University, 1968-71, and saw him perform a couple of times after that, an all round good egg, and an excellent Country musician, RIP
Wonderful friend of many years. Fantastic voice. Will be so sadly missed. Rest in Peace my Dear Old Friend.
Rest in peace uncle bob x
I’ve known Bob for over 50 years and he was my Best Man in 1982. I was his Roadie for a while after he he left University in Hull and was singing in the Clubs. We lost touch for some years and he got back in touch after he heard my wife had died. Sadly I hadn’t been in touch recently and regret not giving him a catch up call. If anyone knows when the funeral is can they post it on here
Berry: according to a post on the Lankykat's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/lankykats), the funeral will be at 12pm on Monday 5 February at Lower Ince Crematorium, Warrington Road, Wigan.
Very sad to hear that my dear friend Bob McKinley has passed away. He was a lovely person and we will miss him.
Bobs funeral was held on Monday 5th Feb 24. It was a good turnout and the small Chapple was packed. He sang at his own funeral, now ain't that something to remember. RIP Bob he will be sadly missed.