Judy Cook, Folksinger

The Man on the Flying Trapeze

Author: George Leybourne (1867)

Notes: Probably inspired by the success of French acrobat Jules Leotard who invented & made famous a skin-tight, one-piece, long sleeved garment which he wore for performances. It allowed him unrestricted movement and showed off his muscles. The costume was later named for him. *** Jules L??otard invented the flying trapeze act. He also, by the way, invented and made famous the one piece, long sleeved, skin-tight garment he wore in his act. The garment gave him complete freedom of movement, and showed off his musculature to great advantage. His first London performance was May 1861 at the age of 19. He was immensely popular. Sometimes Leotard performed on five trapezes, turning somersaults between each one. His notoriety was marked by George Leybourne's popular music hall song written in 1868. Sadly, Jules Leotard died at the young age of 28 from an infectious disease???possibly smallpox. (Start F# Chorus F# Key B for comfort - changed to enable more sing alongs 10/17)