92-Year-Old Singer Becomes TikTok Sensation After Wife’s Passing

Edwin Rayner, a singer throughout his life, experienced profound grief after the death of his wife of six decades, believing he had lost his purpose. Nearly ten years later, the 92-year-old has amassed close to 500,000 followers on the social media platform TikTok. “I was given a message and I’m sure it was Margaret telling me: ‘You can sing, come on you need to start again.’ So I did.” Initially, he began performing in care homes located near his residence in Bournemouth, Dorset, frequently featuring tracks by his preferred artist, Elvis Presley. He recounted that his granddaughters later approached him, informing him of their intention to introduce him to TikTok. “I had no idea what it was and after a few days I had over one thousand likes,” he said. “Big-headed of me I thought well, we’ll do some more of this, and it’s gone on and on from there.” On social media platforms, he is recognized as Grandad Sings. The grandfather of five has accumulated almost nine million views on TikTok and an additional 150,000 followers on Instagram. Collaborating with a local musician, he records his preferred songs at Sizzle Studios, with his granddaughters uploading one track per week to social media. “I made a Christmas album last year, I’ve just finished my eighth album. They’re for friends and family, I can’t sell them due to copyright”, he says. Although singing has always been a part of his life, Edwin served as an RAF medic in North Africa from 1950 to 1952, starting at age 18. Subsequently, he established and managed a prosperous tropical fish sales business in Tenerife. In response to inquiries about his success, Edwin attributes some of it to luck, but primarily credits his wife and family for his continued motivation. “Age doesn’t matter. People think at 90, 92, you’re finished, you’re not. Keep doing whatever you want to do. Only do it more so,” he said. Edwin’s most cherished song is “The Wonder of You” by Elvis Presley, a piece he performs as a tribute to his wife, Margaret. “I feel that she’s with me, she’s there all the time. She’s probably watching right now telling me what to say, or what not to say. I miss her.” BBC Dorset can be followed on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), or Instagram. This content is copyrighted by BBC in 2024, with all rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding the BBC’s policy on external linking is available.