British music stars born in 1919
Here are 13 famous musicians from United Kingdom were born in 1919:
Donald Pleasence
Donald Pleasence (October 5, 1919 Worksop-February 2, 1995 Saint Paul de Vence) also known as Donald Henry Pleasence, Donald Pleasance, Don Pleasence, Donald Henry Pleasence, OBE or Donald Plesance was a British actor, soldier and voice actor. He had five children, Angela Pleasence, Miranda Pleasence, Lucy Pleasance, Polly Jo Pleasence and Jean Pleasence.
Pleasence began his acting career on stage and later transitioned to film and television. He appeared in numerous films throughout his career, including "The Great Escape," "You Only Live Twice," "Escape from New York," and "Halloween," where he played the iconic character of Dr. Samuel Loomis. He was also known for his roles in horror films, such as "The House That Dripped Blood" and "Prince of Darkness."
Apart from acting, Pleasence served in the Royal Air Force during World War II and was a prisoner of war for a brief period. He was also a keen linguist and spoke several languages fluently. In addition to his acting career, Pleasence lent his voice to several animated projects, including the voice of the Narrator in "The Wind in the Willows."
Pleasence was recognized for his contributions to the entertainment industry with numerous awards, including an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Sitges Film Festival. He passed away in 1995 in Saint Paul de Vence, France, at the age of 75.
Pleasence's interest in acting began at a young age when he joined a local theatrical group. He made his professional stage debut in 1939 and went on to work with several prominent theatre companies, including the Royal Shakespeare Company. His first appearance on television was in 1952 in the series "The Vise." In the following years, he appeared in various television shows and films, eventually becoming a household name in the UK.
Pleasence's performance in "The Great Escape" alongside Steve McQueen and James Garner catapulted him to international stardom. He continued to work in both British and American productions, including several collaborations with director John Carpenter, such as "Escape from New York" and "Prince of Darkness."
In addition to his acting work, Pleasence was also a published author. He wrote several books, including his autobiography "The Pigeon Tunnel" and a memoir about his time as a prisoner of war titled "Wings of War."
Despite his success, Pleasence was known for being a modest and unassuming man. He once stated in an interview, "I've never wanted to be a star, just a working actor." His career spanned over five decades and left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
Read more about Donald Pleasence on Wikipedia »
Hans Keller
Hans Keller (March 11, 1919 Vienna-November 6, 1985 Hampstead) was a British writer, music critic and violinist.
Genres: Classical music.
Read more about Hans Keller on Wikipedia »
Beryl Reid
Beryl Reid (June 17, 1919 Hereford-October 13, 1996 South Bucks) also known as Beryl Elizabeth Reid or Beryl Elizabeth Reid, OBE was a British actor and comedian.
She was born in Hereford, England and began her career in the 1940s as a stage performer. She later transitioned to television and film, appearing in popular films such as "The Killing of Sister George" and "Room at the Top." Reid was known for her quick wit and sharp tongue, which made her a favorite on British talk shows. She was also an accomplished stage actress, earning an Olivier Award for her performance in "The Killing of Sister George" and a Tony Award nomination for her work in the Broadway production of "Amen Corner." In 1987, Reid was awarded the OBE for her contribution to British entertainment.
Reid was often cast in character roles due to her distinct appearance and talent for bringing humor even to serious situations. She had a successful career in radio as well, starring in BBC Radio 4's "Ladies of Letters" and winning a Sony Award for her performance in "The Day We Sang." Despite her success, Reid was known to have struggled with anxiety and depression throughout her life. She spoke candidly about her experiences with mental health and became an advocate for greater understanding and support for those struggling with similar issues. Reid never married and was openly gay at a time when it was not widely accepted in society. Her honesty and willingness to challenge conventions helped pave the way for future generations of LGBTQ+ performers. Reid passed away at the age of 77, leaving behind a legacy as one of Britain's most beloved and talented performers.
Read more about Beryl Reid on Wikipedia »
Nigel Stock
Nigel Stock (September 21, 1919 Malta-June 23, 1986 London) also known as Nigel Hector Munro Stock or Stock, Nigel was a British actor and military officer. He had one child, Robert Stock.
Nigel Stock initially joined the British Army and served during World War II before embarking on a successful acting career. He made his debut on stage in 1948 and went on to appear in numerous stage productions in the UK, the US, and Canada. Stock also appeared in several British television shows and films, such as "The Saint," "The Avengers," "The Doctor Who," and "The Great Escape." He is perhaps best known for his role as Dr. Watson in the 1965 film "A Study in Terror" and on the BBC radio series based on the Sherlock Holmes stories. Despite his success on the stage and screen, Stock remained humble and was admired for his kind and approachable nature. He passed away in London in 1986, leaving behind a legacy as a versatile and talented performer.
In addition to his successful career as an actor, Nigel Stock was also a published author. He wrote a book titled "And Then Came Complex Analysis" which was published in 1972. He was also an accomplished linguist and spoke several languages, including French, German, and Italian.
Stock was known for his versatility as an actor and his ability to portray a wide range of characters. This led to him being cast in a variety of roles, from comedic to dramatic. He was also known for his strong work ethic and dedication to his craft, often going to great lengths to research and prepare for his roles.
Aside from his work in film and television, Stock was heavily involved in the theater world. He was a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company and appeared in several of their productions throughout his career. He was also a regular performer at the Old Vic Theatre in London.
Overall, Nigel Stock is remembered as a talented and hardworking actor who made significant contributions to the world of entertainment. His legacy lives on through his impressive body of work and the impact he had on the industry.
Read more about Nigel Stock on Wikipedia »
Arthur Wilkinson
Arthur Wilkinson (September 3, 1919-March 1, 1968) was a British , .
Arthur Wilkinson (September 3, 1919-March 1, 1968) was a British track and field athlete who specialized in the middle-distance events. He won a bronze medal in the 1500 meters at the 1948 Summer Olympics in London, and he also won gold in the 800 meters at the European Championships that same year. Wilkinson served in the Royal Air Force during World War II and was a physical training instructor, which contributed to his success as an athlete. He retired from competitive running in 1951 and went on to coach other athletes. He died of a heart attack at the age of 48.
During his competitive running career, Arthur Wilkinson also had success in the Mile and 880-yard events. He represented Great Britain in the 1948 and 1950 Empire Games, winning a silver medal in the Mile in 1950. In addition to his athletic achievements, Wilkinson was known for his unorthodox style of running, which involved swinging his arms widely during races. After retiring from competition, he worked as the director of the National Athletic and Physical Training School in London. Wilkinson was considered a trailblazer for black British athletes, as he was one of the first Black athletes to represent Great Britain at the Olympics.
Read more about Arthur Wilkinson on Wikipedia »
John Wooldridge
John Wooldridge (July 18, 1919 Yokohama-October 27, 1958 Hertfordshire) a.k.a. Dim, John De Lacy Wooldridge or Wing Commander John De Lacy Wooldridge, DSO, DFC and Bar, DFM was a British film score composer and pilot. He had three children, Susan Wooldridge, Hugh Wooldridge and Morris Latham.
During World War II, John Wooldridge served in the Royal Air Force (RAF) as a fighter pilot and participated in several important missions, including the famous 1943 attack on Berlin. Despite being shot down twice and spending months as a prisoner of war in Germany, he continued to fly and was ultimately awarded numerous medals for his service.
After the war, Wooldridge became a film composer, creating scores for several British films, including "Hamlet" and "The Third Man." He was also a member of the RAF Reserve and continued to serve as a test pilot. Sadly, Wooldridge died in a plane crash in 1958 while performing a test flight in Hertfordshire.
Despite his tragically shortened career, John Wooldridge had a significant impact on British film music. His score for the 1948 film "The Fallen Idol" was particularly groundbreaking, using unconventional sounds like a child's bike bell to create a sense of tension and unease. Wooldridge's music for the 1949 film "The Third Man" remains one of the most iconic film scores of all time, with its haunting zither theme becoming instantly recognizable. Additionally, Wooldridge was a skilled arranger and conductor, working with artists like Vera Lynn and Bing Crosby. His legacy continues to inspire composers today, with contemporary film composers citing him as an influence.
Read more about John Wooldridge on Wikipedia »
George Shearing
George Shearing (August 13, 1919 Battersea-February 14, 2011 New York City) also known as Shearing, George, Sir George Shearing, OBE, George Albert Shearing, The George Shearing Quintet, Stephane Grapelly and his Quintet, Sir George Albert Shearing, Sir George Shearing, The George Shearing Trio or The Serene Poet of Jazz was a British musician, pianist and film score composer.
His albums: Verve Jazz Masters 57, Alone Together, Ballad Essentials, Blues Alley Jazz, Breakin' Out, Dexterity, Favorite Things, George Shearing in Dixieland, Grand Piano and Jump for Joy. Genres: Jazz, Bebop, Swing music and Cool jazz.
Read more about George Shearing on Wikipedia »
Norman Del Mar
Norman Del Mar (July 31, 1919 London-February 6, 1994) a.k.a. Norman Mar was a British conductor. He had one child, Jonathan Del Mar.
His albums include Stanford: Irish Symphony / Elgar: From the Bavarian Highlands, Elgar Favourites, Enigma Variations / Pomp and Circumstance and .
Read more about Norman Del Mar on Wikipedia »
Norman Newell
Norman Newell (January 25, 1919 United Kingdom-December 1, 2004 Sussex) a.k.a. Newell, Norman was a British lyricist, record producer and songwriter.
Genres related to him: Popular music.
Read more about Norman Newell on Wikipedia »
Natasha Spender
Natasha Spender (April 18, 1919 London-October 21, 2010) also known as Natasha Litvin was a British pianist and author. Her child is called Lizzie Spender.
Natasha Spender was born in London in 1919 to Russian-Jewish parents. She received her education at Downe House School and The Royal College of Music. In the 1940s, she became a leading concert pianist and performed extensively throughout Europe and North America.
In addition to her musical career, Spender was also an accomplished author. Her books include a memoir about her marriage to the poet Stephen Spender, titled "Before the Beginning" and a novel, "African Daisies". She was also a regular contributor to several literary magazines.
Natasha Spender was married to the poet Stephen Spender from 1941 until his death in 1995. They had two children together, Matthew and Lizzie. She passed away on October 21, 2010, at the age of 91.
During her career as a pianist, Natasha Spender performed with some of the world's most renowned orchestras, including the London Philharmonic and the Royal Philharmonic. She was also known for her collaborations with contemporary composers, including Benjamin Britten and Michael Tippett. Spender's literary work often focused on her personal life, and she wrote candidly about her marriage to Stephen Spender, as well as her own experiences as a child of immigrants. In addition to her memoir and novel, she also published a collection of short stories titled "Almost Always Friends" and a children's book, "The Bedtime Story". In 1983, she was awarded the OBE for her contributions to literature and music. Despite her many achievements, Spender remained humble and often credited her success to hard work, dedication, and a love for the arts.
Read more about Natasha Spender on Wikipedia »
Ian Wallace
Ian Wallace (July 10, 1919 London-October 12, 2009 Highgate) also known as Wallace, Ian, Ian Bryce Wallace or Ian Bryce Wallace, OBE was a British singer and actor. He had two children, Rosemary Wallace and John Wallace.
His albums: My Music.
Read more about Ian Wallace on Wikipedia »
Alan Young
Alan Young (November 19, 1919 North Shields-) also known as Angus Young or Al Young is a British actor and voice actor.
His albums include Dinah Shore Sings … Songs from Aaron Slick From Punkin Crick a.k.a. Marshmallow Moon.
Read more about Alan Young on Wikipedia »
Deryck Cooke
Deryck Cooke (September 14, 1919 Leicester-October 27, 1976) was a British musician and broadcaster.
He is best known for his work as a musicologist, particularly for his completion of Gustav Mahler's unfinished Symphony No. 10. Cooke also wrote several books and articles on music, including his influential book "The Language of Music." In addition to his musicological work, Cooke was a prominent broadcaster, presenting numerous radio programs on classical music for the BBC. He was awarded the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in 1974 for his contributions to music. Despite his many accomplishments, Cooke died at the relatively young age of 57 from a heart attack.
Cooke's interest in music began at a young age, and he went on to study at the University of Cambridge, where he earned a degree in English literature. He then pursued a career in music, focusing primarily on the works of Mahler. In addition to his completion of Mahler's Symphony No. 10, Cooke also made important contributions to the field of music theory, particularly in the area of musical form.
Cooke's work played an important role in shaping the field of musicology, particularly in the mid-20th century. He was known for his ability to communicate complex concepts to a broader audience, and his books and radio programs on music had a significant impact on both scholars and the general public. In addition to his work as a musicologist, Cooke was also an accomplished composer, although his compositions are less well-known than his scholarly work.
Despite his success in the field of musicology, Cooke was known for his modesty and lack of self-promotion. He was admired and respected by his colleagues and students, many of whom went on to have successful careers in musicology and related fields. Cooke's legacy continues to be felt today, as his work on Mahler and his contributions to the field of music theory remain influential and widely studied.
Read more about Deryck Cooke on Wikipedia »