Pianist Jack Wilson led the Versatile Five, one of the most popular ensembles to emerge from the variety music circuit that flourished in pre-World War II Britain. Born September 28, 1907 in the mining community of Bedworth, Warwickshire, Wilson studied piano under the tutelage of his mother, and at the age of 14 was hired as an accompanist at the local cinema. Upon graduation, he worked an accounting job at the Triumph motorcycle company before forming his own dance band. On February 21, 1927, Wilson made his debut on BBC Radio, later teaming with fellow pianist Jack Venables as the Two Knaves.