The widow of LONNIE DONEGAN will reveal why her skiffle legend husband died a poor man when she completes his unfinished autobiography.

Donegan, who had 27 top 20 UK singles in one six-year period, died in November 2002 aged 72, when he was halfway through writing the story of his life.

Now his wife SHARON DONEGAN will finish the book, and is set to shock music fans by confirming Donegan made a paltry $6.65 (GBP3.50) from his smash 1956 hit ROCK ISLAND LINE.

Sharon says, "Now I have to get to grips with taking the story on, from the mid-1970s.

"Everyone had better hide. It might just ruffle a few feathers."

Donegan famously inspired late BEATLE John Lennon to form a band.

11/04/2005 13:59