I truly enjoyed reading Billy Connolly's autobiography, which took me on a journey through his life in his own words. It was as if we were sitting down together enjoying a cup of tea and a biscuit [cookie], while he told me about the good and the bad and what he really cares about, his family and having the time and space to contemplate his own thoughts. In January 2016, he was presented with the Special Recognition award at the National Television Awards to honour his career. [98] For the very first time, Billy Connolly shares intimate details of his life, in his very own words in a full-length autobiography. Windswept and Interesting is inspired by a friend who he describes as 'exotic himself' that had just returned from Kashmir and said to Billy (who was wearing electric blue flairs and sporting long hair and a beard) "Look at you - all windswept and interesting".

It was heartbreaking to read of how he suffered at the hands of his aunt, his dad and school teachers. It was inspirational how he dragged himself out of that environment, through hard work, a sense of humour and a passion for music and reading. Publishers Two Roads explain: "Billy has wandered to every corner of the earth and believes that being a Rambling Man is about more than just travelling - it's a state of mind. Rambling Men and Women are free spirits who live on their wits, are interested in people and endlessly curious about the world. They love to play music, make art or tell stories along the way but, above all, they have a longing in their heart for the open road."

Customer Reviews

I really enjoyed the passion for which Billy spoke about Scotland and its culture – I learnt a lot! I only wish I had been a guest at one of his epic Highland parties! Reading of his life as a welder in the shipyards, and his love for my country were highlights which made me smile too. Frank Bruno and Connolly provided lead vocals on, "The War Song of the Urpneys" from The Dreamstone; although the version heard in the series was largely sung by composer Mike Batt.

Billy Connolly – Who Do You Think You Are – A tale of far distant exploits of the ancestors of one of Britain's best loved comedians..." The Genealogist. 2 October 2014 . Retrieved 29 December 2018. Connolly, who lives in the US, was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2013 and retired from live performances five years later. Walsh, John (16 December 2012). "Yin and Yang: How Billy Connolly calmed down (just don't mention Piers Morgan!)". The Independent . Retrieved 29 December 2018. Willoughby, Roger (2 May 2011). "Charles Mills (c1795-1870) at Bayleek etc". Coastguards of Yesteryear Forum . Retrieved 30 April 2018. As of 2021, he and his wife live in Florida. He published an autobiography, Windswept and Interesting, in October 2021. [48]I grew up watching Billy, first on VHS and then on DVD. I laughed along before I was even old enough to understand what was so funny. I was in the audience for three of his concerts, one of which was during his final tour of Australia. I met him twice and have the photos to prove it, including the one where my camera unexpectedly decided it needed a flash. Billy’s surprised expression is just as awesome as you’d expect. I even managed to get some Billy autographs and a Billy hug. Connolly, without any malice, simply as if it’s the only subject he ever has in mind, says: “Yeah.” It all feels behind you, in a good way. You’re telling the whole story However, he never felt sorry for himself, nor blamed others. He has had a life-long curiosity, always wanting to learn more, and to experience new things – be it becoming a paratrooper, welder, banjo player – or dancing naked in the streets. His delight in visiting new places, meeting new people, and performing is evident throughout the book.

Stanford, Peter (11 March 2020). "Billy Connolly: 'My art is about revealing myself – like being a flasher in a park' ". The Telegraph. Telegraph.co.uk. Archived from the original on 10 January 2022 . Retrieved 16 March 2020. Billy Connolly confronts his losing battle with Parkinson's disease". Newshub . Retrieved 3 January 2019. I now understand why this had been highly rated, it was an absolutely brilliant autobiography and possibly the best one I've actually read. To celebrate his 80th birthday on November 24, Billy Connolly chatted to Clair Woodward". The Oldie . Retrieved 30 August 2023.Billy wrote this autobiography via dictation, and the result is that it perfectly captures Billy’s voice. It’s impossible not to read this without Billy’s Glaswegian accent in your head. It has a wonderful whimsical ramble to it that is equal parts endearing and laugh-out-loud funny. It has been a long time since I regularly had to pause reading because it was making me laugh until tears rolled down my face. In November 1975, his spoof of the Tammy Wynette song, " D-I-V-O-R-C-E" was a UK No. 1 single for one week. Wynette's original was about parents spelling out words of an impending marital split to avoid traumatising their young child. Connolly's spoof of the song played on the dog owners using the same tactic to avoid worrying their pet about an impending trip to the vet. Connolly's song is about a couple whose marriage is ruined by a bad vet visit (spelling out "W-O-R-M" or "Q-U-A-R-A-N-T-I-N-E", for example.) His song, "No Chance" was a parody of J. J. Barrie's cover of the song, " No Charge". Mamie's father, Neil, was a Protestant, and her mother, Flora, was a Roman Catholic who "made clandestine arrangements for the children to be baptized as Catholics", although they were "formally raised as Protestants". Bryant, Corrina (22 January 2018). "Steve Brown obituary". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077 . Retrieved 2 June 2019. Being from Glasgow myself, I identify with a lot of his upbringing and his experiences of living there; it's the best place in the world.

In 1988, Connolly's father died after a stroke, while his mother died five years later, in 1993, of motor neurone disease. Later in the year, Connolly topped an unscientific poll of "Britain's Favourite Comedian" conducted by the network Five, placing him ahead of performers such as John Cleese, Ronnie Barker, Dawn French, and Peter Cook. In 2006, he revealed he has a house on the Maltese island of Gozo. [41] He and his wife also have an apartment in New York City near Union Square. [42] Connolly's paternal grandfather, whom—like his paternal grandmother—Connolly never met, was an Irish immigrant who left Ireland when he was ten years old. [62] [63] [14] His great-great-great-grandfather (Charles Mills, a coast guard, 1796–1870) [64] and great-great-grandfather (Bartholomew Valentine Connolly) were from Connemara. [62]Billy’s words continually transported me to different times and places; whether it was his childhood in post-war Scotland, the Glasgow dances he enjoyed, his time in the paratroopers, or his extensive travels around the world. Connolly, who was a welder in his home city before becoming an entertainer, said: "It's the first time I've done this. Other people have written about me, or for me, but this time it's just my own life in my own words. Gay Byrne interviews Billy Connolly on The Late Late Show