mlouis@thekmgroup.co.uk

Songster Keith Long from Ramsgate is limbering up his vocal cords in preparation for a karaoke marathon in aid of Children In Need.

Keith, 63, known as Karaokeith, will attempt 150 songs non-stop at Jackson Wharf’s in York Street where he is a regular attraction.

On Friday, November 8 , he will embark on a repertoire of hits from his favourite genres, including rock and roll, blues and reggae.

The karaokethon will be an encore to a previous 100-song eight and a half hour session for CIN.

Keith, of Pedmore Road, Northwood, Ramsgtate, said the most songs he has ever sung in one go was 120. The main challenge was not his voice holding out, but rather fatigue in his hips and legs.

He became hooked on karaoke seven years ago after a former girlfriend prompted him to have a go. He debut was Village People’s YMCA and he quickly discovered he had a penchant for reggae.

Keith never stopped singing. He bought a karaoke machine to plug into the television and said his girlfriend left him because he became too obsessed.

He does driving work for the University of Kent at Canterbury and has even sung for some of his clients, who have complimented him on his voice.

His favourite artistes to emulate includ Joe Cocker, Neil Diamond, Elvis and Jamaican pop singer and rapper Shaggy.

Keith said his own image was more karate master Mr Miyagi, from The Karate Kid films, due to his white goatee beard.

According to Keith, being good at karaoke is all about knowing the original song really well.

He keeps his voice in good order with a normal routine of about a dozen songs a day.

He would like to get into the Guinness Book of Records for karaoke but has a bit more practise to do first. The current record is held by Italian Leonardo Polverelli who sang 1,295 songs one minute short of 102 hours in Pesaro, Italy, for Telethon in September 2011.

Potential sponsors can contact him on 07768 191266.