The “Singing Milkman” who became one of Britain’s most beloved pop stars has died.
Legendary British singer Craig Douglas has died at 85 following a short illness, his family confirmed.
Born Terence Perkins on the Isle of Wight, Douglas worked as a milkman and farm worker before winning a local talent contest at 15. His mother encouraged his singing, eventually helping launch the career that would make him famous.
His manager gave him the stage name Craig Douglas, and in 1959 he was named Best New Singer by NME.
That same year, he recorded “Only Sixteen,” which became his signature song. Recorded at Abbey Road Studios, Douglas’s version reached No. 1 in the UK, even surpassing Sam Cooke’s version on the British charts.
He went on to score nine UK Top 40 singles, appear in the 1962 film It’s Trad, Dad!, and even headline an early major show featuring the Beatles.
Although his biggest hits belonged to the 1950s and 60s, Douglas continued performing for decades, including on cruise ships and at venues around Britain. He toured until 2010.
He sold more than 10 million records worldwide, yet never married or had children—something he later said he regretted.
Now, the voice once known as the “Singing Milkman” has fallen silent.
But every time “Only Sixteen” plays, Craig Douglas will live on in the memories of the generation that grew up with his music. ❤️