Biography
Barney began his career in Concert Party as a light comedian, singer, and pianist. He later transitioned to the mainstream band scene and, just before World War II, found great success playing jazz on the accordion. He volunteered to stay with the quartet when they all joined the Royal Air Force, entertaining enlisted R.A.F. personnel from the south coast to Oban in the Hebrides. They were also highly popular with commissioned officers at Officers' Messes, essentially functioning as a top-tier nightclub band.
In 1942, they were stationed at an operational Spitfire base in southern England during the filming of "The First of the Few," starring Leslie Howard and David Niven. Witnessing the frequent requests from young men, barely boys, who often did not return from missions, Barney decided to seek a more direct role in the war effort. He applied to "remuster" and was offered the choice of cook or air gunner, selecting the latter despite his bandmates thinking he was crazy. During 1943-44, only 25 out of 100 air gunners survived a 30-mission tour. Barney completed his tour, but tragically, his crew was killed on their first mission without him.
After being demobilized post-war, he returned to the nightclub scene at venues like Ciro's, 21, and The Embassy. In the early 1950s, he shifted focus to choral work, excelling at sight reading music. His initial success came with Cyril Stapeton and the B.B.C. Showband, which included future notable figures like scriptwriter David Croft and countertenor John McCarthy. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, Barney and John McCarthy frequently collaborated, forming the "Bandits" alongside Rita Williams, Charlie Young, and Charles Granville. This group performed on television and radio with Billy Cotton and appeared under various names, including "The Barney Gilbraith Singers."
Barney also featured in shows with Tony Hancock, Arthur Haynes, Alfred Marks, Dickie Henderson, Morecambe and Wise, and Sunday Night at the London Palladium. He performed alongside international stars such as Rosemary Clooney, Billy Eckstine, Cliff Richard, Frank Ifield, and Tito Gobbi. Additionally, he had bit parts in TV series like Dixon of Dock Green, No Hiding Place, Z Cars, Crossroads, and Comedy Playhouse.
A steady source of income came from writing and performing in TV commercials for brands like Brolac Paints, Drings Pork Sausages, Sarson's Vinegar, Kit Kat, Birdseye, and Nescafé. With residuals paid for each broadcast, he earned a comfortable living from home. Choosing to pursue full-time acting, he spent two years in repertory at Wimbledon Theatre, performing opposite Hylda Baker in "A Taste of Honey." This led to national tours, including playing the chairman in Old Time Music Hall with Wee Georgie Wood. His final West End appearance was in "On The Level" at the Saville Theatre, featuring Sheila White, Gary Bond, and Phyllida Law.
Barney's last professional chapter was performing on cruise ships, where his musical talents shone but ultimately proved too demanding. He passed away just shy of 60 years old.
