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Joe Stilgoe
Joe Stilgoe
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Key Information

Joe Stilgoe (born 29 May 1979)[1] is an English singer, pianist and songwriter.[2]

Early life and education

[edit]

Stilgoe was born in Sevenoaks, Kent. He is the son of the lyricist and entertainer Richard Stilgoe,[3] and opera singer Annabel Hunt.[1]

Educated at Sevenoaks School,[4] Stilgoe went on to study music at the University of Southampton[5] achieving a First Class degree. After spending a year performing on cruise ships, Stilgoe continued his musicianship at Trinity College of Music.[6]

Musical career

[edit]

During his time at Trinity College, he began to get noticed in bars and clubs, with a long term residency at The Dorchester hotel, London.[7]

Stilgoe's first public engagement was at the Pizza on the Park, London in 2004. Following the performance, Dame Cleo Laine later called Stilgoe in to perform with her and husband Sir John Dankworth on their Radio 2 show Live at the Stables.[7] He then signed with jazz label Candid in 2007, Candid released his debut album I Like This One in 2008 to praise from national press.[8]

In 2007, Stilgoe supported Melody Gardot at the Queen Elizabeth Hall.[9] His debut solo appearance at Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2011 with sell-out show 'One Hour!' received a five star review from The Scotsman.[10]

With producer James McMillan, Stilgoe recorded a new album We Look to the Stars, released in July 2012. The album went to number 1 in the Amazon Jazz Chart[11] on its day of release. From the album, "We Should Kiss" was released as a single in July 2012. The single was used by French shoe designer Christian Louboutin in his showcase Fue at Le Crazy Horse in Paris and exhibition at the London Design Museum.[12][13] In February 2014, Stilgoe released a live album Songs on Film, which includes songs from classic American films and Stilgoe's original compositions inspired by them.[14] The album was commercially released by Linn Records on 17 November 2014, alongside his earlier albums. Stilgoe has participated in numerous recording sessions as both a pianist and singer; including the single "Elephant" by Alexandra Burke.

A publishing contract with Kassner Music was signed in 2012, and after a series of album releases, Stilgoe then transferred to the Music Sales Group in 2019. His album first album with the company, The Heat Is On! Swinging the 80s, a big band swing-inspired re-composition of 80s blockbuster themes was released in 2019.[citation needed]

Comedy and radio

[edit]

Stilgoe's radio work includes contributions and special guest appearances with Alan Carr, Sir Michael Parkinson and for Friday Night Is Music Night. Stilgoe also appeared on The Now Show in 2011 and 2013, was previously a member of BBC Radio 4's The Horne Section with Alex Horne, and hosts Joe Stilgoe & Friends at Ronnie Scott's, a gala featuring comedians, musicians, and performance acts.

Personal life

[edit]

Stilgoe lives in west London with his wife, actress and director Katie Beard.[13]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Joe Stilgoe (born 29 May 1979) is a British singer, , and songwriter celebrated for his innovative contributions to contemporary , blending sophisticated original compositions with witty and audience interaction in live settings. Born in , , as the youngest of five children to lyricist and opera singer Annabel Hunt, Stilgoe grew up immersed in music, which shaped his multifaceted career as a performer, , and broadcaster. His work spans recordings, productions, and orchestral collaborations, earning acclaim for revitalizing jazz traditions with modern flair. Stilgoe has released nine albums to date, five of which have topped the Jazz & Albums Chart, including Stilgoe in the Shed (2020), a pandemic-era project recorded from his home that raised over £50,000 for charities and amassed more than 250,000 views. His discography features critically praised works like (2022), a collaboration with the premiered at 's alongside the , and earlier releases such as We Look to the Stars (2013) and New Songs for Old Souls (2017), which showcase his songwriting prowess through originals and reimagined standards, along with more recent albums Pulman & Stilgoe - A Couple of Swells (2024) and Welcome to the Club (2025). As a touring , he has performed globally at prestigious venues including Ronnie Scott's in , the , and New York's Birdland, often with his band or as a solo act, and made his debut in 2017. He has also guested with ensembles like the and , and hosted 2's on 14 occasions. In theatre, Stilgoe starred as the pianist Joey Powell in the 2015 Old Vic revival of High Society and performed in the 2018 Royal Albert Hall production of Guys and Dolls. As a composer, he contributed songs to the UK tour of The Jungle Book (2017–2018), The Midnight Gang at Chichester Festival Theatre (2018), and Zog for children's theatre. His performances have graced royal events, including Queen Elizabeth II's 70th anniversary celebrations and appearances for then-Prince Charles, while off-stage, he serves as an ambassador for organizations like and Place2Be, and delivered a 2018 talk at the Science Museum on the science of music.

Early life and education

Early life

Joe Stilgoe was born on 29 May 1979 in , , . He is the youngest of five children born to lyricist, songwriter, and entertainer and opera singer Annabel Hunt. is renowned for his contributions to musical theater, including co-writing shows like Cats and Starlight Express, as well as his work as a television personality and broadcaster. Annabel Hunt, a professional opera singer, gained recognition for performances such as L'Umana Fragilità in Peter Hall's production of Monteverdi's Ulisse. Growing up in , Stilgoe was immersed in a musical where his parents' professions created a constant backdrop of creativity and performance. The family environment frequently featured live , with his composing and performing songs at home and his mother practicing operatic arias, fostering an early appreciation for diverse genres from classical to popular. This exposure shaped his innate interest in , as his parents actively supported and occasionally enforced musical practice, providing a rich, informal education in the arts. During his childhood school years in , Stilgoe developed his initial musical interests through hands-on experiences with and singing. He began studying classical piano, influenced by a broad spectrum of artists introduced by his family, including , , Bach, , , and . Alongside piano, he started singing as a child, blending these skills in informal settings that sparked his passion for performance and improvisation.

Education

Stilgoe attended in , where he received classical training in and as part of his early formal education. During his time there, he participated in musical activities, including performances with the school's , which helped nurture his interest in and ensemble playing. This schooling built on his family's musical heritage, providing a foundation in structured performance and vocal techniques. He then pursued higher education at the , initially studying philosophy before switching to music to align with his passions. There, he earned a degree, with significant emphasis on extracurricular musical pursuits such as and group performances that expanded his collaborative skills. These experiences at honed his ability to blend academic rigor with practical musicianship, preparing him for advanced specialized study. Stilgoe continued his training at College of Music in , where he focused on piano performance, composition, and vocal techniques in a jazz context. This postgraduate work exposed him to influential educators and peers who emphasized creative songwriting and live , bridging his academic background to broader artistic aspirations through hands-on ensemble work and mentorship in professional-level performance. The environment at fostered connections that reinforced his development as a multifaceted .

Musical career

Early career

Joe Stilgoe's professional music career commenced with his debut performance at the renowned cabaret venue Pizza on the Park in in 2004, where he showcased his skills as a singer and pianist in an intimate setting. This appearance marked his entry into the jazz scene, drawing on the foundational training he received at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Early in his career, Stilgoe performed in diverse ensembles, including pit bands for musicals, wedding bands, and groups, while also taking on arranging work for established artists such as and . By 2007, Stilgoe had gained momentum, serving as the support act for jazz vocalist at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in , an event that highlighted his emerging presence in the contemporary jazz circuit. That same year, he signed with the jazz label Candid Records, which released his debut album I Like This One in 2008, further solidifying his professional trajectory. These early opportunities allowed him to refine his songwriting. Stilgoe developed his signature style during this period, blending elements of swing, , pop, and to create a fresh, theatrical sound inspired by figures like and . This fusion emphasized virtuosic piano playing, witty lyrics, and audience engagement, distinguishing him in intimate club environments. In 2010, he secured management with & Associates and established affiliations with NSA Productions, providing crucial support for his growing profile.

Recordings and discography

Joe Stilgoe's recording career spans a diverse range of jazz-infused pop, original compositions, and thematic tributes, with eleven albums released between 2008 and 2025. His debut, I Like This One, marked his entry into the music scene with a collection of witty, piano-driven originals that showcased his songwriting prowess. Released on Candid Records, the album featured six tracks blending humor and melody, establishing his signature style of sophisticated entertainment. Subsequent releases expanded on this foundation, incorporating jazz standards reimagined through his lens. We Look to the Stars (2012, NS&A Production) topped the UK Jazz & Blues Albums Chart upon release and also reached number one on the Amazon Jazz Chart, highlighting tracks like "We Should Kiss," which was issued as a promotional single. By 2014, Songs on Film Live (Beard Records) paid homage to cinematic scores, capturing live energy with selections from film soundtracks, while New Songs for Old Souls (2015, Linn Records) returned to originals, including the single "Totally." Stilgoe's discography evolved toward thematic explorations in the late and beyond. The Heat Is On! Swinging the (2019, Silva Screen Records) reinterpreted hits in a big-band swing style, demonstrating his versatility in bridging eras. That same year, Joe Stilgoe's Album (Storyville Records) offered seasonal interpretations. Stilgoe In The Shed (2020, Silva Screen Records) emerged during the as an intimate, home-recorded project that also topped the UK & Albums Chart. Later works emphasized theatrical and collaborative elements. Theatre (2022, Westway Music), featuring the Metropole Orkest and guest vocalists like Anna Jane Casey and Louise Dearman, celebrated musical theater with orchestral arrangements and reached number one on the UK Jazz & Blues Albums Chart. In 2024, Pulman & Stilgoe: A Couple of Swells (with Liza Pulman) captured their duo's live chemistry through 10 tracks of classic standards and medleys, blending vocal jazz with comedic flair. His most recent album, Welcome to the Club (2025, Westway Music), evokes the vibrancy of jazz clubs with 10 original songs performed alongside his band, The Entertainers, continuing his tradition of immersive, narrative-driven recordings. Overall, five of Stilgoe's albums have topped the chart, underscoring his consistent commercial success in the genre: We Look to the Stars, New Songs for Old Souls, Stilgoe In The Shed, The Heat Is On! Swinging the 80s, and . This body of work reflects a progression from personal originals to genre-blending tributes, all unified by his piano-centric arrangements and lyrical wit.
Album TitleRelease YearLabelNotable Details
I Like This One2008Candid RecordsDebut studio ; 6 original tracks
We Look to the Stars2012NS&A Production#1 & Albums Chart; #1 Amazon Chart; single: "We Should Kiss"
Songs on Film Live2014Beard RecordsLive recordings of -inspired songs
New Songs for Old Souls2015Linn RecordsOriginal compositions; single: "Totally"
Songs on Film: The Sequel2016Linn RecordsFollow-up to tributes
The Heat Is On! Swinging the 80s2019Silva Screen Records#1 & Albums Chart; 1980s swing covers
Joe Stilgoe's Christmas Album2019Storyville RecordsSeasonal interpretations
Stilgoe In The Shed2020Silva Screen Records#1 & Albums Chart; pandemic-era home recordings
2022Westway Music#1 & Albums Chart; with
Pulman & Stilgoe: A Couple of Swells2024Universal Collaboration with ; 10 tracks of standards
Welcome to the Club2025Westway MusicOriginals with The Entertainers; theme

Live performances and collaborations

Joe Stilgoe's live performances have established him as a dynamic presence in the jazz and cabaret scenes, blending virtuosic piano playing with improvisational wit and theatrical flair. His debut solo show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2011, titled One Hour! and staged at Underbelly's Cowgate venue, sold out and received critical acclaim for its innovative mix of original songs and audience interaction. This breakthrough led to a series of high-profile appearances at the London Jazz Festival, where he developed award-winning themed productions. Notable among these was A Tribute to Gene Kelly at LSO St Luke's in 2016, celebrating the dancer's legacy through reimagined jazz standards, and Songs on Film at Cadogan Hall, which explored cinematic scores and drew sell-out crowds during its subsequent UK tour and Edinburgh runs. Stilgoe's touring schedule has expanded internationally, showcasing his ability to adapt performances for diverse audiences. In 2025, he launched the Welcome to the Club tour with his ensemble The Entertainers, a project tied to his album of the same name that evokes the of clubs; additional dates were announced in , including a high-energy show at Le Duc des Lombards in on October 15. Earlier international engagements include headlining at the Perth International Festival in , where his sets highlighted tracks from his nine chart-topping albums. Domestically, he maintains a residency at in under the banner Joe Stilgoe & Friends, featuring rotating guest artists from and music for intimate, collaborative evenings that emphasize spontaneity and ensemble interplay. Key collaborations have enriched Stilgoe's stage work, often resulting in joint recordings and shared tours. In 2024, he partnered with singer Liza Pulman for the album A Couple of Swells, a collection of classic standards that inspired live tie-in shows, including a vibrant performance at Cadogan Hall in May and subsequent dates at venues like Chichester Festival Theatre. His work with the Metropole Orkest culminated in the 2022 album Theatre, featuring orchestral arrangements of Broadway-inspired pieces, with live excerpts performed in subsequent promotions. Stilgoe has also lent his talents to fashion designer Christian Louboutin, contributing original music to the designer's 2012 Paris showcase Fetish at Le Crazy Horse cabaret, where his compositions underscored the event's theatrical elements. Festival appearances underscore Stilgoe's headlining appeal, particularly in the UK circuit. He served as the closing headliner for the 2024 Southport Jazz Festival on February 4 at The Grand, delivering a trio set that capped the three-day event with improvisational flair and audience engagement. Recent highlights include his orchestral arrangement and piano accompaniment for Hannah Waddingham's rendition of "Time After Time" at the 2024 BAFTA Film Awards, broadcast live on and praised for its emotional depth during the ceremony at the Royal Festival Hall. These performances, often drawing from his discography like Songs on Film: The Sequel, continue to evolve his reputation as a versatile live artist capable of bridging traditions with contemporary spectacle.

Broadcasting and comedy

Radio work

Joe Stilgoe has made significant contributions to through hosting, performances, and guest appearances, often blending his expertise with and interviews. His radio involvement began gaining prominence in the early 2010s, including guest spots on BBC Radio 4's satirical panel show The Now Show in 2011 and 2013, where he contributed musical segments. Stilgoe serves as a regular host on BBC Radio 2's long-running big band program Friday Night Is Music Night, having presented episodes multiple times—14 occasions by recent accounts—often featuring live orchestras and guest artists like Madeleine Bell. He also regularly hosts and performs on BBC Radio 3's In Tune, delivering live sessions, artist interviews, and improvisational medleys, such as reinterpreting classical works with jazz flair. These roles have included conducting on-air interviews with musicians and leading live broadcasts, including collaborations with the BBC Concert Orchestra. In 2025, Stilgoe continued his radio presence with the series Joe Stilgoes to the Proms, a weekly feature during the Proms season where he improvised on classical themes from the repertoire, bridging and orchestral traditions. Amid the UK's crisis, he contributed to jazz-focused broadcasts, including discussions on Radio 4's PM emphasizing the role of jazz clubs in community building and artist development. Stilgoe's extensive radio work has expanded his reach beyond live performances, attracting diverse listeners and elevating his profile in the entertainment industry; for instance, a 2010s Radio 2 led directly to his casting in the Old Vic's revival of . His hosting on shows like a 2013 Radio 2 Christmas special further showcased his ability to engage broad audiences through high-profile collaborations, solidifying his reputation as a versatile broadcaster.

Comedy and television

Joe Stilgoe's comedic style is characterized by witty, improvisational humor integrated with performance, drawing influences from entertainers like and to create engaging, audience-interactive shows that blend music and . His debut in comedy-infused came in 2011 at the with the solo show One Hour!, a mix of songs, stories, and humor that sold out and earned a five-star review from for its entertaining blend of elements. Early key appearances highlighted his emerging comedic presence, including guest spots on the BBC Radio 4 panel show in 2011 and 2013, where he contributed sketches combining topical wit with musical parody. On television, Stilgoe appeared as a panelist on the comedy music quiz in 2012, showcasing his quick humor alongside musicians and comedians. He composed music for the 2011 short film Flowers. In theatre and cabaret, Stilgoe developed award-winning productions with strong comedic threads, such as Songs on Film, which ran for three sold-out seasons at the Fringe starting in 2014 and toured the , featuring one-liners, impersonations, and humorous cinematic tributes that elicited laughter through clever song adaptations. His annual Joe Stilgoe and Friends at London's Crazy Coqs invites theatre and comedy guests for improvisational banter, while Christmas specials at the Lyric incorporate festive humor, evolving into a longstanding tradition. Additionally, during the 2020 pandemic, he launched the series Stilgoe in the Shed, a humorous, improvised format from his home that attracted over 250,000 viewers and raised £50,000 for charities through witty musical segments. Stilgoe's evolution in comedy reflects a shift from supporting roles, such as musical director and in Alex Horne's comedy troupe The Horne Section—which toured the UK and performed at in 2011—to headlining his own humorous music acts, including hosting BBC's Young Jazz Musician awards and a guest spot on . This progression underscores his ability to fuse virtuosity with comedic timing, establishing him as a versatile performer in visual media.

Advocacy and philanthropy

Jazz advocacy

In September 2025, Joe Stilgoe launched a national movement titled "UK Jazz in Crisis" to safeguard Britain's jazz clubs from closures driven by underfunding and economic pressures. The initiative, announced on September 9, called for three key actions: equitable access to funding for , formal recognition of the genre within , and targeted support for venues to ensure their . Supported by prominent figures including trumpeter Guy Barker, vocalist Claire Martin OBE, pianist Ian Shaw, and Ronnie Scott's owner Sally Greene, the campaign highlighted stark disparities, noting that receives only 2% of Arts Council England's live music funding compared to 49% for , despite UK music venues, including jazz clubs, generating over £500 million annually for the economy. Stilgoe spearheaded public awareness through an to Culture Secretary , urging a meeting to integrate into national cultural strategies, which he shared via social media platforms like and . In media appearances, including a interview, he emphasized the cultural devastation of venue losses, stating, "Every time a closes, it rips the soul out of the community," and warned of an "existential threat" to the ecosystem that sustains talent. These statements amplified the campaign's reach, drawing attention to recent closures like Kansas Smitty's in as emblematic of broader vulnerabilities. A core element of Stilgoe's advocacy involves promoting by underscoring jazz clubs' vital role in nurturing emerging artists, such as the band , which began in such spaces; this effort draws on his family's musical legacy, where education and performance have long intersected to foster accessibility in . Through interviews and articles in outlets like , he has been positioned as a leading ambassador for preservation, advocating for venues that not only host performances but also support community engagement and talent development amid financial margins below 0.5% for music venues. Stilgoe's recent tours, including the 2025 "Welcome to the Club" series with his band The Entertainers, further bolster venues by prioritizing performances in at-risk clubs to drive attendance and visibility.

Charitable activities

Joe Stilgoe has been actively involved in charitable performances and fundraising efforts, leveraging his musical talents to support organizations focused on , youth development, and . As an ambassador for the Orpheus Centre, a charity founded by his parents in 1997 to provide experiences for young disabled adults, Stilgoe headlined the "Joe Stilgoe & Friends" concert at London's Theatre on March 13, 2025, which featured performances by Orpheus students and raised significant funds for the organization. In 2009, Stilgoe performed at the Queen Elizabeth Foundation's ladies lunch club event, with all proceeds directed to the QEF Development Centre in , which assists young adults with complex disabilities in developing and independence. He has also supported disadvantaged youth through collaborations such as his 2013 work with pupils from in , where he rehearsed and accompanied their choir for a Classic FM Christmas Eve carol concert at , providing opportunities for children from underserved communities. Stilgoe serves as a champion for Place2Be, a children's charity, and has performed at their annual events, including the 2023 Carol Concert at , which raised over £117,000 through musical medleys and celebrity collaborations. In October 2025, he hosted a special online "Shed" stream on October 29 in memory of Jacquie Churchill, directing contributions to an Alzheimer's charity in reflection of the illness that affected both Churchill and Stilgoe's mother. His family ties extend to philanthropy through The Alchemy Foundation, established by his mother Annabel Hunt (also known as Annabel Stilgoe), which provides grants ranging from £5,000 to £30,000 for projects addressing and social welfare. Stilgoe is a sought-after performer at corporate and society fundraisers, including a private performance for Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh's 70th wedding anniversary at in 2017, where such events often tie into charitable causes.

Personal life

Family

Joe Stilgoe is the son of Sir , a prominent British lyricist, songwriter, and broadcaster known for his collaborations with on musicals such as Starlight Express and Cats, as well as his work in television and charity founding. His mother, Lady Annabel Stilgoe (née Hunt), was an opera singer, magistrate, and campaigner who passed away in January 2025; she performed professionally and supported musical endeavors within the family. Stilgoe grew up as the youngest of five children in a musically immersive household, where his parents' professions fostered early exposure to performance and composition; family traditions included annual carol-singing sessions led by his father, which influenced Stilgoe's own affinity for jazz standards and improvisation. Stilgoe married actress, theatre director, and choreographer Katie Beard in 2012. The couple shares professional interests in the performing arts, having collaborated on stage adaptations of Julia Donaldson books, including The Baddies (2024), where Beard served as director and choreographer and Stilgoe composed the music and lyrics. They have two daughters, but the family maintains privacy regarding details of their children.

Residence and lifestyle

Joe Stilgoe resides in , , with his wife, having moved there from around 2016. His lifestyle reflects a balance between extensive touring and home-based creative pursuits, including composing and recording in nearby studios such as those in . During the , he adapted by streaming daily concerts from a shed in his garden, highlighting his resourcefulness in maintaining artistic output from home. Stilgoe incorporates low-key hobbies into his routine, such as jogging on the for inspiration and visiting garden centres, which provide a contrast to his professional demands. He also enjoys listening to commentaries and appreciates historic , often drawing from local heritage in his work. Amid his public career, Stilgoe emphasizes , valuing the tranquility of villages like Glynde and Beach for family relaxation away from the spotlight. He is scheduled to perform at Ronnie Scott's in in 2025.

References

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