A man who used to be known as “the Tom Jones of Dundee” has passed away in a city nursing home following a short illness.
Tributes have been paid to Charlie Barber, a “shy, handsome” man who entertained thousands of Dundonians in his day.
Mr Barber grew up in the West End. When he was 18 he lost his sight due to a genetic condition that also affected other members of his family.
He went to work at Dundee’s Blind Craft workshop making mattresses.
He was a lifelong fan of the Beatles and in the 1960s won a DC Thomson competition to meet the band backstage after their concert in the Caird Hall.
His sister, Pauline Barber, said: “That was a real highlight for him.
“He loved the Beatles all his life and when he died he was wearing his Beatles T-shirt.
“Charlie was a fabulous singer and was very well known in pubs and clubs throughout the city back in the 1960s and ’70s.
“He used to be known for his amazing voice. People used to call him the Tom Jones of Dundee.”
Mr Barber’s love of music extended to dancing. On one occasion he did the twist for 28 hours and was among the last half-dozen still dancing at the end of the dance marathon.
Suffering health problems, he stayed in a succession of hostels before arriving at Forebank Care Home around four years ago.
Another highlight in Mr Barber’s life was when Pauline took him to a Tom Jones concert at Edinburgh Castle last year.
She said: “He couldn’t see Tom perform but he could hear him, which was what counted.”