British music stars born in 1920
Here are 10 famous musicians from United Kingdom were born in 1920:
Edwin Morgan
Edwin Morgan (April 27, 1920 Glasgow-August 17, 2010) was a British writer, poet and teacher.
Morgan was Scotland's first national poet, appointed by the Scottish Parliament in 2004. He received many awards and accolades throughout his career, including the Queen's Gold Medal for Poetry, and was widely regarded as one of Scotland's most significant literary figures of the 20th century. Morgan studied at the University of Glasgow before joining the Army during World War II. After the war, he worked as a teacher, eventually becoming a professor of English at the University of Strathclyde. Morgan was known for his experimental style and his poetry often dealt with themes of love, politics, and the human condition. He was also an accomplished translator, with his translations of works from various languages including Russian, French, and Hungarian.
Morgan was openly gay and his sexuality was often explored in his work, making him a pioneer for LGBTQ+ literature. He was also a keen supporter of nuclear disarmament and campaigned for peace and social justice throughout his life. In addition to his poetry, Morgan also wrote plays, essays, and even a science fiction novel. His work has been translated into over 60 languages and he remains an influential figure in the Scottish literary scene. Despite his many achievements, Morgan remained grounded and humble, always encouraging and supporting emerging writers. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of poets and writers.
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Beryl Bryden
Beryl Bryden (May 11, 1920 Norwich-September 14, 1998 London) was a British singer.
Beryl Bryden was known for her powerful and distinctive voice that ranged from blues to jazz to swing. She started her career in 1942 as a singer with the Harmanaires, a popular British jazz band of the time. She also performed with other notable jazz bands including the Ken Johnson Band, Monty Sunshine's Band, and Alex Welsh and his Band.
Bryden's career took a bit of a hiatus in the 1950s when she moved to Trinidad and became a radio broadcaster. However, she returned to the UK in the 1960s and resumed her singing career. She was a prominent figure in the British traditional jazz scene and performed regularly with the Ken Colyer Band.
Throughout her career, Bryden released several albums, including "Beryl Bryden and the Backroom Boys" and "Beryl Bryden, Georgie Fame and Graham Bond." She was also featured in the documentary film "All This and World War II" where she performed a cover of "When I'm Sixty-Four" by The Beatles.
Beryl Bryden passed away in 1998 at the age of 78, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most talented and unique jazz singers of her time.
In addition to her musical career, Beryl Bryden was also an accomplished artist. She studied at the Central School of Art in London and exhibited her paintings and sculptures at various galleries throughout the UK. Later in life, she also became involved in humanitarian efforts and worked with organizations to address issues such as poverty and homelessness. Bryden's influence on the British jazz scene was significant, as she was one of the few female vocalists who could hold her own among the male-dominated jazz bands. Her powerful and soulful voice has been praised by music critics and fans alike, and her contributions to the genre continue to be celebrated to this day.
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Paul Hamburger
Paul Hamburger (September 3, 1920 Vienna-April 11, 2004 London) was a British , .
Paul Hamburger was a British pianist and musicologist of Austrian origin. He was born in Vienna in 1920 and moved to London in 1938 to escape the Nazi regime. In London, he studied at the Royal Academy of Music and later became a professor of piano at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. He was known for his interpretations of the music of Schubert, Schumann, and Brahms, among others. Additionally, he was a noted musicologist and edited several volumes of Schubert's songs for publication. Hamburger was also a gifted linguist and translator, fluently speaking and writing in several languages, which enabled him to bring a deeper understanding of international musical traditions to his work. Paul Hamburger passed away in London in 2004.
Throughout his career, Paul Hamburger gave numerous performances in prominent concert halls in London, Europe, and the United States. He was renowned for his ability to convey the intense emotions and depth of feeling in the pieces he played. Besides his work as a performer and a musicologist, Hamburger was dedicated to music education and was highly regarded as a teacher by his students. He mentored many successful pianists, some of whom have gone on to become internationally acclaimed themselves. Hamburger's contributions to classical music were recognized with several awards, including the Beethoven Medal, the Schubert Medal, and the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany. He also authored several books and articles on music, including a translation of Beethoven's letters into English. Paul Hamburger's prodigious talent, expert musicianship, and passion for music continue to inspire and influence musicians and scholars alike to this day.
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Ken Rattenbury
Ken Rattenbury (September 10, 1920-April 9, 2001) was a British writer.
His related genres: Jazz.
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Geoffrey Bush
Geoffrey Bush (March 23, 1920 London-February 24, 1998 London) was a British musician and organist. He had one child, Paul Bush.
Related albums: English String Miniatures, Volume 2.
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Dick James
Dick James (December 12, 1920 East End of London-February 1, 1986) also known as James, Dick was a British singer and music publisher.
He started his music career by working as a tea boy at a music publishing company, which eventually led him to start his own music publishing company, DJM Records. He signed several successful artists over the years, including Elton John, Bernie Taupin, and The Tremeloes. James also had success as a singer, with his most popular song being "Robin's Return" which he released in 1954. In 1973, James sold DJM Records to PolyGram for a reported £10 million, making him one of the wealthiest men in the British music industry. He later went on to establish a publishing company called Dick James Music. James died of a heart attack on February 1, 1986, at the age of 65.
Despite his success in the music industry, James is also known for his philanthropy. He was a generous donor to various charities, particularly those focused on children's welfare. James founded The Dick James Foundation, which was dedicated to funding research and causes related to children. He was also a patron of the British Red Cross and supported the organization through donations and fundraising efforts. In recognition of his contributions to the music industry and his philanthropic work, James was posthumously inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1986. His legacy continues to impact the music industry and charitable causes to this day.
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Clive Dunn
Clive Dunn (January 9, 1920 London-November 6, 2012 Portugal) a.k.a. Dunn, Clive, Clive Robert Benjamin Dunn, Clive Dunn O.B.E., Clive Dunn OBE or OBE was a British novelist, singer, actor, comedian and author. His children are Polly Dunn and Jessica Dunn.
Discography: Grandad.
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Roland Shaw
Roland Shaw (May 26, 1920 Leicester-May 11, 2012 England) a.k.a. Roland Edgar Shaw-Tomkins was a British film score composer.
His most recognized albums: The Big Bands, Volume 2 and Best of the Big Bands.
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Albert Elms
Albert Elms (February 28, 1920 Newington-October 14, 2009 Southampton) also known as Albert George Elms or Bert Elms was a British film score composer, composer and music director. His children are Martin Elms, David Elms and Jeremy Elms.
His most recognized albums: The Prisoner.
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Patrick Troughton
Patrick Troughton (March 25, 1920 Mill Hill-March 28, 1987 Columbus) also known as Patrick George Troughton or Pat was a British actor. He had six children, Michael Troughton, David Troughton, Joanna Troughton, Jane Troughton, Peter Patrick Troughton and Mark Troughton.
Troughton is perhaps best known for his role in the long-running BBC science fiction series, Doctor Who. He played the Second Doctor from 1966 to 1969, and made occasional appearances in later episodes of the show. Before landing the role of the Doctor, Troughton had an extensive career on stage and screen, including roles in the films The Curse of the Werewolf and Jason and the Argonauts. In addition to his work as an actor, Troughton was also a talented amateur painter and musician. He was praised by critics and his fellow actors for his versatility and range, and is still highly regarded by fans of Doctor Who today. Troughton passed away in 1987 at the age of 67, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most beloved and iconic Doctors in the show's history.
In addition to his role in Doctor Who, Patrick Troughton had a prolific career in British television, appearing in shows such as The Omen and The Six Wives of Henry VIII. He was known for his ability to play a wide range of characters, from the hero to the villain, and his performances were often praised for their depth and nuance. Troughton began his acting career on the stage, where he performed in productions of Shakespeare and other classic works. His natural talent for comedy brought him success in the early days of British television, and he went on to become one of the most respected and recognizable actors of his generation. Despite his success, Troughton remained humble and down-to-earth, beloved by his colleagues for his kind and generous nature. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of actors and Doctor Who fans.
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