Kenny Lynch: Multitalented performer and doyen of light entertainment

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Kenny Lynch, who has died of prostate cancer aged 81, was a pioneering black British singer, songwriter and actor who was a familiar face at the light entertainment end of TV. Born and raised in the area around the Stepney docks in London’s East End, Lynch was one of 11 children fathered by Oscar, a Barbadian sailor, and Amelia, who Lynch described as “Irish”. Lynch described himself as a “black Cockney”, noting that his family’s novelty value protected them from much overt racism. If Lynch never achieved major pop success, he showed a head for business, driving a gold Rolls-Royce and running the Kenny Lynch Record Centre in Walkers Court, Soho.