The truth behind 'Billericay Dickie' is revealed in a new book about Essex singing legend Ian Dury.
Dury, who died of cancer four years ago aged 57, leapt to fame in 1977 when his debut album New Boots And Panties sold a million copies.
Now writer and near-namesake Jim Drury has written Ian Dury And The Blockheads: Song By Song, with the blessing of both Dury's family and the band, in an attempt to uncover the truth behind one of Britain's most controversial singers.
He said: "Ian was very popular in Essex because he shattered the myth that it was uncool to sing about where you came from, especially on songs like Billericay Dickie and Upminster Kid. No-one had sung pop songs about Essex before.
"Ian was a one-off who helped put Essex on the map in terms of pop music. Without Ian artists like Billy Bragg would never have been able to sing the songs about the county they did. My only regret is that I never got to meet Ian, because he was one of the best songwriters of the last 50 years."
Despite its official backing the book pulls no punches and includes tales of the singer's bullying and bad behaviour.
For a signed copy call Jim on 0796 148493.
Published Friday April 9, 2004
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