British music stars born in 1900
Here are 5 famous musicians from United Kingdom were born in 1900:
Alan Bush
Alan Bush (December 22, 1900 London-October 31, 1995 Watford) also known as Alan Dudley Bush was a British , .
Genres related to him: Opera.
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Mabel Mercer
Mabel Mercer (February 3, 1900 Burton-upon-Trent-April 20, 1984 Pittsfield) a.k.a. Mercer, Mabel was a British singer.
Her albums: Echoes of My Life, Songs, Volume 1, Mabel Mercer Sings Cole Porter, Midnight at Mabel Mercer's and Once in a Blue Moon.
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Victor Silvester
Victor Silvester (February 25, 1900 Wembley-August 14, 1978) otherwise known as Victor Sylvester was a British , .
ballroom dancer, instructor, and bandleader. He initially pursued a career in engineering before deciding to pursue his passion for dance. Silvester went on to become a World Ballroom and Latin American Dance champion and competed with his partner Phyllis Clarke. He is credited with popularizing ballroom dancing in Britain during the 1930s and 1940s through his television appearances, live performances, and dance instruction books. Silvester also formed his own dance band, the Victor Silvester Orchestra, which released many successful recordings. In addition to his dance career, Silvester also served as a wartime broadcaster and was awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire) for his contribution to dance and music. He passed away in 1978 at the age of 78.
Silvester was particularly noted for his smooth and precise ballroom dancing style, which was characterized by his elegant posture and poised movements. His dance instruction books, such as "Modern Ballroom Dancing," were widely circulated and helped to popularize ballroom dancing for generations to come. Silvester's orchestra also performed extensively in dance halls and on radio programs, and became well-known for their lively and romantic dance arrangements. Silvester's contributions to dance and music were celebrated in Britain and around the world, and he remains a prominent figure in the history of ballroom dancing.
Silvester's impact on dance and music was not limited to just Britain. He and his orchestra also toured extensively around the world, performing in countries such as Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. Silvester's televised dance instruction programs were also broadcast in numerous countries, helping to spread ballroom dancing as a popular pastime internationally.
Silvester's legacy continued after his passing- his dance instruction books remained in circulation, and his orchestra continued to perform and record music. In the 1980s and 1990s, his recordings were sampled and remixed by electronic music artists, bringing his signature sound to a new generation of listeners.
Today, Silvester is remembered as one of the most influential figures in the history of ballroom dancing, and his contributions continue to inspire dancers and musicians across the globe.
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Michael Head
Michael Head (January 28, 1900 Eastbourne-August 24, 1976) a.k.a. Head, Michael was a British , .
Michael Head was a British composer, pianist, and conductor. He was a prominent figure in the English musical scene from the 1920s until his death. He is best known for his compositions of classical music, including operas, symphonies, and choral works. In addition to his work as a composer, Head was a highly regarded pianist and conductor, and he was a professor of piano at the Royal College of Music in London for many years. His most famous works include "The Banks of Green Willow", "A Dream of Summer", and "The Little Road to Bethlehem". Head's compositions were influenced by the Romantic tradition, and he is considered one of the most important English composers of the 20th century.
Born in Eastbourne, Head was the youngest child in his family. He began playing the piano at a young age and showed great talent, leading his parents to encourage him to pursue a career in music. He studied at the Royal College of Music in London and quickly gained recognition as a composer.
In the 1920s and 1930s, Head was a leading figure in the English musical scene, often collaborating with other prominent musicians and composers of his time. He wrote a number of operas during this period, many of which were well-received critically.
During World War II, Head served in the Royal Air Force and was stationed in India. While there, he continued to compose music and even wrote several pieces for Indian instruments.
After the war, Head returned to England and continued to compose, conduct, and teach. He was highly respected in the music community and was awarded numerous honors throughout his career, including a knighthood in 1969.
Today, his music continues to be performed and recorded by orchestras and ensembles around the world. Head's legacy as an important figure in English classical music remains strong.
Head also composed numerous art songs, which are still beloved by singers and audiences today. He often set poems by prominent writers such as William Butler Yeats and Robert Graves to music, creating poignant and lyrical works that showcased his talents as both a composer and pianist. Head's art songs have been recorded by many great singers, including Dame Janet Baker and Sir Thomas Allen.
In addition to his career as a composer and performer, Head was also a respected music educator. He taught piano at the Royal College of Music for over two decades and was known for his dedication and enthusiasm in the classroom. Many of his students went on to successful careers as musicians themselves.
Despite his achievements, Head was known for his humble and unassuming nature, and he preferred to let his music speak for itself. He once said, "I have always tried to write the kind of music I would like to hear myself, and I have never been attracted by the idea of being different for the sake of it. Whatever originality there may be in my music is simply the result of trying to be as expressive and communicative as I can."
Michael Head's contributions to English classical music continue to be celebrated and cherished today, and his legacy as a composer, performer, and educator remains an inspiration to many.
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Jack Beaver
Jack Beaver (March 27, 1900 Clapham-September 10, 1963 Battersea) also known as Beaver, Jack or Jack Beauer was a British film score composer.
He was known for his work on over 200 films, including some of the most iconic British movies of the mid-20th century. Beaver began his career as a conductor, leading the orchestras for silent films in the 1920s. He then transitioned to composing film scores in the 1930s and became one of the most in-demand composers in the UK.
Some of his notable film scores include "For Whom the Bell Tolls" (1943), "The Captive Heart" (1946), and "The Dam Busters" (1955), which featured the famous march that has become synonymous with wartime England. Beaver's music was often characterized by its energy and charm, using light melodies and playful rhythms to add to the mood of the film.
In addition to his work in film, Beaver also composed music for radio and television. He was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1953 for his contributions to British music. Despite his success in the music industry, Beaver remained humble and dedicated to his craft until his death in 1963 at the age of 63.
Beaver's musical talents were recognized at an early age, and he received formal training at Trinity College of Music in London. After graduation, he became a conductor for various theatre productions and orchestras, developing his skills in orchestration and composition. In the 1930s, Beaver was hired by the Gaumont-British Picture Corporation to compose music for films, and his career as a film score composer took off.
Throughout his career, Beaver collaborated with some of the greats of British cinema, including the director Michael Powell and the producer Alexander Korda. His music was central in creating the atmosphere and emotional impact of many of these films, which cemented his reputation as a leading film composer.
Beaver produced such memorable scores as "The Stars Look Down" (1940), "The Overlanders" (1946), and "The Blue Lamp" (1950). In addition to film music, he also composed commercial jingles and theme tunes.
Jack Beaver's legacy continues to be celebrated today, and he is considered one of the most important British film score composers of his time.
Beaver was known for his ability to adapt to different genres of film, with his versatility showcased in films ranging from dramas to comedies to war films. He was also highly skilled in creating musical accompaniments for action sequences and suspenseful moments, using innovative techniques to heighten the tension on screen. Additionally, Beaver was admired for his willingness to collaborate with directors and producers, and his ability to elevate the visions of those he worked with.
Despite his success in the film industry, Beaver was known for living a simple life and avoiding the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. He remained dedicated to his craft, spending long hours working in his studio and often composing multiple film scores at once. His work ethic and professionalism earned him the respect of his peers and helped to cement his reputation as one of the greats of British music.
Today, Jack Beaver's music continues to be celebrated and enjoyed by audiences around the world. His scores for some of the most iconic British films of the mid-20th century remain beloved by movie-goers and film enthusiasts, and his influence can be seen in the work of many contemporary film composers. Beaver's legacy as a composer continues to inspire new generations of musical artists, and his contributions to the world of music and film will be remembered for years to come.
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