Wilson 1

JOE WILSON (1841 - 1875)

The favourite 'Keep your Feet Still Geordie Hinny' was written by Joe Wilson, one of the best of the region's song-writers and poets. He was a music hall performer and kept a pub, the Adelaide in New Bridge Street, Newcastle, from 1871 before becoming a temperance reformer. He died of tuberculosis.

Originally meant for the printing trade, Wilson had his first book published at 17. Influenced, however, by Geordie Ridley and Ned Corvan, he turned to the popular song. Among his well-loved pieces are 'Aw wish your Mother wad cum' , 'Dinnet clash the Door' and 'The Row upon the Stairs' - as well as the exquisite 'Bonny Gatesheed Lass'. His later temperance songs received no such welcome from his tolerantly thirsty audience.

Wilson said of himself: 'It's been me aim to hev a place i' the hearts o' Tyneside, wi' writing bits o' hyemly sangs aw think they'll sing'. These words are inscribed on his tombstone.

Myers Literary Guide:	The North-East
JOE WILSON (1841 - 1875) The favourite 'Keep your Feet Still Geordie Hinny' was written by Joe Wilson, one of the best of the region's song-writers and poets. He was a music hall performer and kept a pub, the Adelaide in New Bridge Street, Newcastle, from 1871 before becoming a temperance reformer. He died of tuberculosis. Originally meant for the printing trade, Wilson had his first book published at 17. Influenced, however, by Geordie Ridley and Ned Corvan, he turned to the popular song. Among his well-loved pieces are 'Aw wish your Mother wad cum' , 'Dinnet clash the Door' and 'The Row upon the Stairs' - as well as the exquisite 'Bonny Gatesheed Lass'. His later temperance songs received no such welcome from his tolerantly thirsty audience. Wilson said of himself: 'It's been me aim to hev a place i' the hearts o' Tyneside, wi' writing bits o' hyemly sangs aw think they'll sing'. These words are inscribed on his tombstone.
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