British music stars born in 1915
Here are 8 famous musicians from United Kingdom were born in 1915:
Alan Watts
Alan Watts (January 6, 1915 Chislehurst-November 16, 1973 Mount Tamalpais) a.k.a. Dr. Alan Watts or Watts, Alan was a British philosopher, physician and mountaineer.
His most important albums: This Is It and Om: The Sound of Hinduism.
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Eric Hope
Eric Hope (January 17, 1915-August 2, 1999) was a British , .
Eric Hope (January 17, 1915-August 2, 1999) was a British film editor and producer. He began his career in the film industry as an assistant editor in the 1930s, working on films such as "Pygmalion" (1938) and "The Four Feathers" (1939). Hope went on to edit notable films including "The Red Shoes" (1948), "Oliver Twist" (1948), and "The African Queen" (1951), for which he was nominated for an Academy Award.
In the 1950s, Hope became a producer and worked on several successful films, including "The Cruel Sea" (1953) and "The Colditz Story" (1955). He later produced the science-fiction film "Quatermass and the Pit" (1967), which became a cult classic.
Hope was also involved in the early days of television, producing and directing programs for the BBC. In the 1970s, he returned to film editing, working on films such as "The Great Gatsby" (1974) and "Absolution" (1978).
Throughout his career, Hope was highly respected by his colleagues for his creative vision and technical skill. He received numerous awards and honors, including the British Film Institute Fellowship in 1987.
In addition to his successful career in film and television, Eric Hope was also known for his contributions to the development of film education. He was a founding member and former chairman of the British Film Editors Guild and helped establish the National Film and Television School. Hope also served as a mentor to many aspiring film editors and producers throughout his career.
Hope's impact on the film industry has been recognized posthumously with the naming of the Eric Hope Editing Suite at the National Film and Television School, which was dedicated to him in 2001. His legacy continues to inspire and influence aspiring filmmakers and editors to this day.
Hope was born in London, England, on January 17, 1915, and attended the University of Cambridge where he studied English. However, he found his true passion in the film industry and began working for film studios in the 1930s. In his early years as an editor, he worked closely with acclaimed filmmakers such as Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, with whom he collaborated on several iconic films.
Hope's extensive knowledge and experience in film education led him to become a lecturer at the National Film and Television School, where he taught for many years. He also wrote several books on film editing and was a sought-after speaker at industry events and conferences.
In addition to his impressive resume in film and television, Hope was also an accomplished musician and composer. He played the piano and violin and even composed original scores for some of the films he worked on.
Throughout his life and career, Eric Hope remained committed to promoting and advancing the art of film editing, and his contributions have shaped the industry in countless ways. He passed away on August 2, 1999, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire filmmakers and editors around the world.
Hope's dedication to film education extended beyond his work at the National Film and Television School. He was also involved in creating educational programs for schools and libraries to teach children about the art of film. He believed that film was a powerful tool for education and encouraged young people to explore the medium.
In addition to his work as an editor and producer, Hope was also a pioneer in the use of video editing technology. He was one of the first editors to work with the new electronic editing systems that emerged in the 1970s and 1980s, and he embraced the technology as a way to streamline the editing process and explore new creative possibilities.
Throughout his career, Hope remained deeply committed to the art of storytelling and the power of film to move and inspire audiences. His passion and dedication to the craft of film editing continue to influence and inspire editors and filmmakers around the world.
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Norman Wisdom
Norman Wisdom (February 4, 1915 Marylebone-October 4, 2010 Ballasalla) also known as Sir Norman Joseph Wisdom, Norman Joseph Wisdom, Sir Norman Wisdom or Wisdom, Norman was a British comedian, actor, singer-songwriter and screenwriter. He had two children, Nicholas Wisdom and Michael Wisdom.
During his career, Norman Wisdom made numerous appearances in films, television shows and stage productions, earning a legion of fans with his physical comedy style and lovable character. He is best known for his roles in several classic British comedy films including "The Square Peg" and "Trouble in Store". In addition to his acting career, Norman Wisdom was also a talented singer-songwriter, and released a number of popular albums throughout his life. In recognition of his contributions to entertainment, he was awarded a knighthood in 2000. Despite suffering from Alzheimer's disease in his later years, Wisdom remained an icon of British comedy until his passing in 2010.
Norman Joseph Wisdom was born in Marylebone, London, England. He had a difficult childhood, marked by poverty and the absence of his parents, who both struggled with mental illness. He was placed in a children's home at the age of nine and eventually joined the army at the age of 14, lying about his age.
After leaving the army, Wisdom pursued a career in entertainment, initially working as a stagehand and dancer before discovering his talent for comedy. He began performing in variety shows and made his film debut in "The Night They Raided Minsky's" in 1968.
Wisdom's popularity grew rapidly, and he became a major star in the UK and across Europe. He was particularly beloved in Albania, where his films were banned by the communist government but became widely circulated on bootleg video tapes.
In addition to his acting and music career, Wisdom was also a talented painter and sculptor. He held his first solo exhibition of sculptures in London in 1989.
Throughout his life, Wisdom remained a humble and generous man, known for his kindness to his fans and his charities. He was awarded the OBE in 1981 and was made a knight in 2000. He died at the age of 95 at a nursing home in Ballasalla, Isle of Man.
Despite his difficult childhood, Norman Wisdom overcame his struggles and became a beloved icon in the world of entertainment. His famous catchphrase "Mr. Grimsdale!" became a part of British pop culture and his physical comedy style inspired many comedians who followed in his footsteps. In addition to his successful career, Wisdom was also recognized for his charity work and was a patron of several organizations, including the Variety Club Children's Charity and the National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital. He will always be remembered as one of the most talented and lovable comedians in British history.
Although Norman Wisdom never remarried after his first marriage ended in a divorce, he had a long-term relationship with a woman named Freda Simpson, who he met in 1953. The couple lived together for over 30 years until Freda's death in 1980. In his later years, Wisdom was forced to retire from performing due to his declining health, but he continued to be active in various charitable endeavors. He was a supporter of several causes, including animal rights and children's charities. In 2010, he was posthumously awarded the Freedom of the City of London in recognition of his contributions to the world of entertainment. Norman Wisdom's legacy is still celebrated in the UK and around the world, with his films and television shows continuing to entertain audiences of all ages.
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Humphrey Searle
Humphrey Searle (August 26, 1915 Oxford-May 12, 1982 London) was a British composer and film score composer.
His related genres: Ballet, 20th-century classical music, Opera, Incidental music, Film score and Chamber music.
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Dorothy Squires
Dorothy Squires (March 25, 1915 Pontyberem-April 14, 1998 Llwynypia) otherwise known as Edna May Squires was a British singer, nurse and actor.
Her albums include The Best Of Dorothy Squires and Say It With Flowers. Genres she performed include Pop music and Traditional pop music.
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Pamela Harrison
Pamela Harrison (November 28, 1915 Orpington-August 28, 1990 Firle Place) also known as Harrison, Pamela was a British music teacher, composer and pianist.
She studied at the Royal College of Music and became a professor of piano in 1947. Harrison wrote a range of music including works for orchestra, chamber ensembles, and operas. Some of her most notable works include "Concerto for Piano and Wind" and "Phantasmagoria" for orchestra. She was also a prolific writer of educational music for children, which helped inspire a love of music in generations of British schoolchildren. Alongside her teaching and composing, Harrison was a frequent broadcaster on BBC Radio. She was made a Fellow of the Royal College of Music in 1967 and was awarded an OBE in 1986 for her services to music education.
Harrison was also a passionate advocate for women in music and worked to break down the barriers that prevented female composers from achieving recognition and success. She founded the British Federation of Women Graduates’ Music Section in 1946 and was also a founding member of the Society for the Promotion of New Music. In addition to her musical accomplishments, Harrison was an accomplished writer and poet, publishing several works including "A Dartmoor Suite" and "In Praise of Orpington." She also wrote a series of detective novels under the pen name Elizabeth Ferrars. Despite her many achievements, Harrison's contributions to music have often been overlooked, in part due to the male-dominated music world of her time. However, her dedication to music education and championing of women in music continue to inspire musicians and educators today.
Harrison was born into a musical family, as her father was a music teacher and her mother was a music enthusiast. At the age of six, she began taking piano lessons from her father and later studied composition with Ralph Vaughan Williams at the Royal College of Music. Harrison's musical education was disrupted by World War II, during which time she worked for the British Red Cross. Upon returning to music after the war, she dedicated herself to teaching and composing music.
Along with her classical music compositions, Harrison also composed for film and television. She worked on the music for several popular British TV shows, including "The Forsyte Saga" and "The Duchess of Duke Street." Additionally, Harrison was a passionate advocate for animal rights and wrote several pieces of music inspired by nature and animal sounds.
Despite struggling with health issues throughout her life, Harrison remained dedicated to music until the end. She passed away in 1990 at the age of 74, leaving behind a legacy of inspiring others to pursue music and work towards gender equality in the arts.
Harrison's dedication to music education extended beyond her work as a professor and composer. In 1964, she founded the Harrison Music Education Service, a company that produced educational materials for children such as "The Recorder Course" and "The Ukulele Course." She believed that music education should be accessible to all children, regardless of their socioeconomic background or musical ability. Through her work with the company, Harrison helped to bring music education to schools throughout the UK and around the world.
In addition to her advocacy for women in music, Harrison was also a champion for music therapy. She believed that music had the power to heal and improve the lives of those suffering from physical and mental health issues. She worked with several organizations to promote the use of music therapy in hospitals and other healthcare settings.
Despite facing discrimination and obstacles throughout her career, Harrison remained committed to her work and her passion for music. Her legacy continues to inspire musicians and educators today, and her contributions to music education and the promotion of women in music have helped to pave the way for future generations of female composers and performers.
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Dick Emery
Dick Emery (February 19, 1915 Bloomsbury-January 2, 1983 Denmark Hill) also known as Richard Gilbert Emery or Emery, Dick was a British comedian and actor. He had four children, Gilbert Richard Emery, Nicholas William Emery, Eliza Emery and Michael Emery.
Emery began his career in the 1940s as a stage actor, performing in various theaters in London's West End. He ventured into television in the 1950s and became a household name in the 1960s and 1970s with his own TV series "The Dick Emery Show". He was known for his quick-witted comedy and an ability to effortlessly play multiple characters, often dressing in drag.
Emery also appeared in several films such as "Ooh... You Are Awful" (1972) and "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" (1972). He was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1978 for his services to entertainment.
Emery was married twice, first to Sheila Steafel, and then to Ruth Ison. He passed away at the age of 67 due to complications from a heart attack. His legacy continues to live on through his comedic performances, which are still enjoyed by audiences today.
Aside from his successful television and film career, Dick Emery was also noted for his charitable work. He actively supported various causes, including the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. In 1973, he participated in a charity walk across the Sahara Desert to raise funds for the NSPCC. Emery was also an accomplished singer and released several singles throughout his career. He was particularly known for his rendition of the song "If You Love Her, Let Her Go" which reached number 32 on the UK charts in 1976. Emery's unique style of comedy and his ability to connect with audiences of all ages cemented his place as a beloved figure in British entertainment.
During his career, Dick Emery won many accolades for his contribution to the entertainment industry. In 1965, he was awarded the Variety Club of Great Britain's BBC TV Personality of the Year Award, and in 1975, he received the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for his services to entertainment. Emery was also a frequent guest on several popular TV shows, including "The Morecambe and Wise Show" and "The Two Ronnies". He was admired by his contemporaries and was considered a role model for future generations of comedians.
In addition to his on-screen work, Emery was a gifted writer and penned several books, including his autobiography "Ooh! You Are Awful!" (1978) and a book of humorous anecdotes and stories called "Dick Emery's Comedy Album" (1981). He was also a devoted family man and enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Despite his success, Emery remained humble and grounded, always prioritizing his fans and his charitable work. He was remembered fondly by those who knew him and his contributions to British comedy continue to be celebrated today.
Aside from his career in the entertainment industry, Emery had an interest in politics and was an active member of the Labour Party. He was a vocal supporter of socialism and frequently attended party events and rallies. Emery also used his platform to raise awareness for social issues and was a strong advocate for the working class.
Emery's impact on British comedy can still be seen today, with his trademark catchphrases and memorable characters continuing to be referenced in popular culture. He is remembered not only for his talent, but also for his kind and generous nature, his commitment to charitable work, and his dedication to his family.
In recognition of his contributions to British comedy, a blue plaque was unveiled in his honor at his former home in Barnes, London in 2015, marking the centenary of his birth. This plaque serves as a testament to Emery's enduring legacy and his lasting impact on the entertainment industry.
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Elton Hayes
Elton Hayes (February 16, 1915 Bletchley-September 23, 2001 Bury St Edmunds) was a British composer, actor, guitarist, film score composer and singer-songwriter.
Elton Hayes began his career as a child performer, mastering the ukulele and guitar at a young age. He eventually became a prolific composer, penning numerous tracks for films and TV shows throughout the 1940s and 1950s. Hayes also dabbled in acting, taking small roles in films like "The Saint in London" and "The Ghost Train Mystery."
As a singer, Elton Hayes was known for his clear and confident voice, often performing traditional British folk songs alongside his original compositions. He released several albums throughout his career, including "Elton Hayes Sings," "Elton Hayes at the Savoy," and "Elton Hayes and Dorothy Squires."
Despite achieving success as a composer and performer, Elton Hayes remained humble throughout his career, often referring to himself as a "jobbing musician." He was a beloved figure in the British music scene and is remembered to this day for his contributions to folk music and film scores.
In addition to his work in music and film, Elton Hayes was also an accomplished author. He published a book of poetry in 1957 entitled "Verse and Worse" and went on to write a number of children's books throughout the 1960s and 1970s, including "The Adventures of Hilda and Pickles" and "The Christmas Mouse". He was a frequent guest on BBC Radio, where he would entertain listeners with his music and storytelling. Hayes was a lifelong advocate for animal rights, and often spoke out against animal cruelty. He passed away in 2001, at the age of 86, leaving behind a legacy as one of Britain's most beloved folk musicians and entertainers.
Elton Hayes grew up in a musical family, with his mother being a singer and his father being a piano player. This musical upbringing inspired Hayes to pursue a career in music, and he began performing professionally at the age of 14. He quickly became a popular performer in his hometown of Bletchley, and by the late 1930s, he was performing in London's West End.
In 1940, Hayes was drafted into the military and served in the Royal Air Force during World War II. He continued to perform and write music during his service, and even wrote a musical production that was performed by fellow servicemen. After the war, Hayes returned to his music career and continued to write and perform popular songs.
Hayes remained a popular performer throughout the 1950s and 1960s, but by the 1970s, his popularity began to decline. He continued to perform and record music, however, and remained a respected figure in the British music scene until his death in 2001.
In addition to his musical and literary accomplishments, Elton Hayes was also a talented painter and illustrator. He created numerous illustrations for his children's books and even designed some of his own album covers.
Overall, Elton Hayes was a multi-talented artist who made significant contributions to the worlds of music, film, literature, and visual art. He is remembered as one of Britain's most beloved entertainers and a trailblazer in the folk music scene.
Throughout his career, Elton Hayes collaborated with many British folk musicians, including Terry Dene, Joan Regan, and Anne Shelton. He was also a regular performer at the Palace Theatre in London and appeared on a number of popular TV programs, including "The Ed Sullivan Show" and "Top of the Pops." Despite his success as a performer, Hayes remained an unassuming musician who valued the art of storytelling over self-promotion. In an interview with The Guardian in 2000, Hayes remarked, "The stories and songs that I do... have been collected from around the world throughout the centuries. And they're alive because they are stories. And because people pass them down." Elton Hayes' work continues to inspire generations of artists and entertainers, cementing his place as a true legend in the world of British music and culture.
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