Jack Judge

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Jack Judge (1878-1938) was born in Oldbury, Worcestershire and is credited with writing the song It's a Long Way to Tipperary. He allegedly wrote the song for a 5 shilling bet in Stalybridge, Cheshire on the 30 January 1912 and performed it the next night at the local music hall. Many people, including the Judge family dispute this and say the song was written in his home town of Oldbury.

"It's a long way to Tipperary" was bought by British music publisher Feldman for £5. However, late in his life and very unwell, the company gave him a weekly pension of £1 a week. The song was apparently written by jack judge in tandem with a man named Joseph Dunn who played piano for him and was also a fishmarket auctioneer. Maybe this is how they knew each other. Joseph Dunn was also from Oldbury. There may be according to rumours a painting somewhere of Jack judge and Joseph Dunn together.

He started out as a fishmonger, he became a singer-comedian after winning a talent contest.

A bronze statue of Judge now adorns Lord Pendry Square in Stalybridge.

He wrote the song with harry williams.