A music legend, known for penning a tune that's on the tip of everyone's tongue, sadly passed away penniless after living off "free champagne" for years. George Leybourne was a 19th-century music hall sensation, best remembered for his hits 'Champagne Charlie' and 'The Daring Young Man on the Flying Trapeze'.

The latter song, inspired by circus performer Jules Léotard, is renowned for its lyrics "He'd fly through the air with the greatest of ease / that daring young man on the flying trapeze".

Born Joseph Saunders in 1842, he soon adopted the stage name George Leybourne to tour the UK's music halls, debuting his track 'Champagne Charlie' in 1866. He eventually landed a gig at the Canterbury Music Hall, earning £25 a week and even had his own carriage pulled by four white horses.

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