In the UK, people pride themselves on their distinctive regional identities and accents. And there's no better demonstration of this than in the plurality of voices that are heard on television, both now and over the last five decades. Famous examples include Cilla Black - whose Liverpudlian voice is recognised across the country - and Terry Wogan, who is Irish, as well as Paul Gascoine (Newcastle), Sean Connery (Edinburgh) and Shirley Bassey (Cardiff). But what about famous people from Birmingham? Here's a quick rundown of famous Brummies - some of whom you may not have realised hail from the great capital of the Midlands.
When it comes to great British literature, a surprising number of classic and modern writers were brought up in or are in some way associated with Birmingham. Perhaps the most famous is JRR Tolkein, author of The Lord of the Rings. Tolkein was brought up in Birmingham and some of the city's landmarks - such as Sarehole Mill, Perrott's Folly and Moseley Bog - are known to have inspired scenes in his world-famous trilogy. Poet WH Auden, though born in York, was brought up in Birmingham and fellow-poet Louis MacNeice also lived here. In terms of modern authors, perhaps the most famous Brummie is Dame Barbara Cartland, born in Edgbaston in 1901, while Jim Crace and Benjamin Zephaniah are also from Birmingham.
There's no shortage of famous Brummie musicians either. Ozzy Osbourne - one of the most famous musicians to have come from Birmingham - still retains his distinct Brummie accent, while Higher Love-singer Steve Winwood, Grammy award-winner Joan Armatrading and pop star Jamelia also hail from the city. Some of the UK's most globally successful musical groups are also from Birmingham, including UB40, Duran Duran, Musical Youth, Wizzard and Electric Light Orchestra.
Additionally, Birmingham claims some of the UK's most famous actors and entertainers as its own: Jasper Carrott, Tony Hancock, Sid Field and Felicity Jones were all born in Birmingham, while Julie Walters and Victoria Wood are both closely associated with the city too. However, its most famous entrepreneurial son is George Cadbury, whose Cadbury's chocolate is known across the world over as a high quality confectionery brand. The late 19th/early 20th century statesman Joseph Chamberlain is perhaps Birmingham's most famous political figure, while in art the late pre-Raphaelite painter Edward Burne-Jones was also a Brummie.
Across Birmingham, you'll find blue plaques commemorating its famous sons, daughters and residents, so visitors will find it simple to locate sights associated with famous Brummies. If you're having trouble locating a particular attraction, staff at well-established Birmingham hotels or at the city's tourist office should be able to give you further information.
Sean Burke writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.
