John Philip "Jake" Thackray was born on February 27, 1938, in Leeds, England. He gained recognition for his topical comedy songs performed on British television during the late 1960s and early 1970s. After teaching English abroad, including in France where he discovered the chansonnier tradition, Thackray returned to Yorkshire in 1963 and began performing in folk clubs. His debut album, The Last Will and Testament of Jake Thackray, was released in 1967. In the following years, he released albums such as Jake's Progress (1969) and Bantam Cock (1972). Thackray opened for Georges Brassens in 1973. His final studio album, On Again! On Again!, was released in 1977. Thackray passed away on December 24, 2002. Posthumously, compilations like The Very Best Of Jake Thackray (2003) and Jake in a Box (2006) were released.
