Tom Clare (26 September 1876 – 30 January 1946) was a British music hall singer from the early twentieth century, who was born in London.
[2] In another of his songs, he poked fun at certain civilian decorations which had been (in the opinion of The Times) too generously bestowed.
[3] Songs of social criticism were rare at this time in the music hall, so Clare's tended to stand out.
[citation needed] He can be found on both the 1901 and 1911 census as an entertainer; he was also involved with the Bohemia Theatre at Broadstairs, Kent.
[4] Although, like most singers of his time, it was in live shows that he gained his reputation, he began recording his songs on cylinder as early as 1906, with his hit "The Girl in the Big Black Hat".