Jimmy Jones: Jimmy Jones [2010] hardback

Jimmy Jones is the guv'nor of comedy. He was the first adult comedian to break big in the UK. His uncompromising act made him a hero to hundreds of thousands of blue collar Londoners. He became known for his catchphrase "kin 'ell!" and established himself as an underground legend - in the process attracting everyone from rock's royalty to real Royalty. The Rolling Stones, the Nice, the Small Faces, Iron Maiden and Status Quo were among the many stars who flocked to his gigs. The Beatles played his tapes on their tour bus. His fans included fellow comedian Dudley Moore and Chubby Brown and soap star Martine McCutcheon and Dean Gaffney. In a long and successful career Jones has told jokes to Michael Jackson, etertained the Kray Twins and performed for a surprising number of Royal Family members - Prince Charles, Prince Philip and Princess Margaret. TV bosses hated him but Jimmy's outrageous comedy made him a millionaire by his 40s. Not bad for a kid from the rough end of Essex who grew up thinking he'd become a priest.