British music stars born in 1921
Here are 18 famous musicians from United Kingdom were born in 1921:
Tommy Cooper
Tommy Cooper (March 19, 1921 Caerphilly-April 15, 1984 Her Majesty's Theatre) also known as Thomas Frederick Cooper, Thomas Frederick "Tommy" Cooper or Cooper, Tommy was a British magician, comedian and actor. He had two children, Thomas Henty and Vicky Cooper.
Tommy Cooper was known for his unique style of comedy which combined magic tricks, slapstick and hilarious one-liners. He gained national fame in the UK during the 1960s and 70s with his appearances on television programs such as "The Benny Hill Show" and his own program "Cooperama". He was also a frequent performer at the famous London Palladium.
Despite his success, Tommy Cooper was known for his humble and down-to-earth personality. His trademark fez and red jacket became iconic symbols of his comedic appeal. Sadly, Cooper suffered a heart attack and collapsed in the middle of a live performance on the television show "Live From Her Majesty's" in 1984. He was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. Tommy Cooper's legacy continues to inspire generations of comedians and magicians around the world.
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Humphrey Lyttelton
Humphrey Lyttelton (May 23, 1921 Eton-April 25, 2008 London) a.k.a. Humphrey Lyttleton, Humph, Humphry Lyttelton, Humphrey Richard Adeane Lyttelton, Lyttelton, Humphrey or Humphrey Littleton was a British musician, radio personality, writer, cartoonist, composer, presenter and trumpeter.
His albums: Trouble in Mind, The Best of Humphrey Lyttleton, Bad Penny Blues: 1955-1956, Classic Years, Movin' and Groovin' and Humph Plays Standards. Genres he performed: Jazz and Dixieland.
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Peter Ustinov
Peter Ustinov (April 16, 1921 Swiss Cottage-March 28, 2004 Genolier) also known as Peter Alexander Ustinov, Alexander von Ustinov, Peter Alexander Freiherr von Ustinov, Ustinov, Peter Alexander Baron von Ustinow, Sir Peter Alexander Ustinov, Sir Peter Ustinov or Sir Peter Alexander Ustinov, CBE was a British screenwriter, actor, author, comedian, opera director, theatre director, presenter, film director, film producer, journalist, voice actor, playwright, humorist, diplomat and educator. He had four children, Andrea Ustinov, Igor Ustinov, Pavla Ustinov and Tamara Ustinov.
His albums: Peter & The Wolf and Die Geschöpfe des Prometheus: Eine musikalische Erzählung von und mit Sir Peter Ustinov (Litauische Kammerphilharmonie feat. conductor: Karl Anton Rickenbacher).
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Peter Dyneley
Peter Dyneley (April 13, 1921 Hastings-August 19, 1977 London) also known as Peter was a British actor and voice actor. His children are Richard Dyneley and Amanda Dyneley.
He is best remembered for his voice work in puppetry, especially for his role as the voice of Jeff Tracy in the popular British TV series Thunderbirds. He also appeared in a number of films and TV shows, including The Adventures of Robin Hood, The Man Who Could Cheat Death, and The Secret Service. Dyneley began his acting career in the late 1940s, performing on stage in London's West End before moving on to film and television. He was admired for his talent and professionalism on set, working with some of the most famous actors of his time. Dyneley retired from acting in the 1970s and passed away from a heart attack in 1977, leaving behind a legacy of outstanding performances that have been enjoyed by generations of fans.
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Dennis Berry
Dennis Berry (August 21, 1921-June 21, 1994) also known as Dennis Alfred Berry or Frank Sterling was a British , .
Genres he performed: Jazz, Light music and Classical music.
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Alan Clare
Alan Clare (May 31, 1921 London-November 29, 1993) also known as Alan Jaycock or Clare, Alan was a British jazz pianist, actor and film score composer.
He began his music career in the 1940s and became known for his solo performances as well as his work with notable jazz bands such as the Squadronaires and the Geraldo Orchestra. Clare also made appearances on BBC radio and television as a pianist and actor.
In addition to his music career, Clare also composed scores for films such as "The Fast Lady" and "Dentist on the Job". He continued to perform and record music throughout his career, releasing numerous albums such as "The Piano World of Alan Clare" and "Live at Pizza on the Park".
Clare was a widely respected figure in the British jazz scene and is remembered for his virtuosic piano playing and contributions to the genre. He passed away in 1993 at the age of 72.
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Dick Rowe
Dick Rowe (June 9, 1921-June 6, 1986) also known as Richard Rowe was a British , .
music executive who is most famous for his decision to reject a band called The Beatles after their audition for his label Decca Records in 1962. Despite this infamous rejection, Rowe had a successful career in the music industry. He played a key role in signing and promoting several popular artists and bands, including The Rolling Stones, Tom Jones, and The Moody Blues. Rowe started his career as a promoter for EMI Records before moving to Decca Records where he climbed the ranks to become the head of A&R (artists and repertoire). After leaving Decca, he worked for several other labels like RCA and Polydor. Rowe passed away in 1986 at the age of 64.
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Kenny Baker
Kenny Baker (March 1, 1921 Withernsea-February 7, 1999 Felpham) a.k.a. Baker, Kenny was a British composer.
His albums include The Louis Armstrong Connection, Volume 6, The Louis Armstrong Connection, Volume 3, The Louis Armstrong Connection, Volume 2, The Louis Armstrong Connection, Volume 5, The Louis Armstrong Connection, Volume 1 and The Louis Armstrong Connection, Volume 7.
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Steve Race
Steve Race (April 1, 1921 Lincoln-June 22, 2009 England) a.k.a. Race, Steve was a British presenter, pianist, composer and radio personality.
Race is best known for being a presenter on BBC's "My Music" for over 25 years, where he showcased his musical knowledge and wit. He also composed music for several television shows and movies, including the theme for "The Goon Show" and the score for "The Wrong Arm of the Law." In addition to his work in music and broadcasting, Race was also an accomplished writer, publishing several books on music and even a novel. He was awarded an OBE in 1995 for his contributions to music and broadcasting.
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Cab Kaye
Cab Kaye (September 3, 1921 London-March 13, 2000 Amsterdam) also known as Kaye, Cab was a British , . He had three children, Caleb Quaye, Terri Quaye and Finley Quaye.
His related genres: Bebop, Blues and Jazz.
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Jimmy Young
Jimmy Young (September 21, 1921 Cinderford-) also known as Young, Jimmy is a British singer, disc jockey, radio personality and presenter.
His albums: The Best Of and Pipeworks.
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Reg Owen
Reg Owen (February 3, 1921 London Borough of Hackney-May 23, 1978 Málaga) also known as George Owen Smith, Reginald Owen, Simon Sheiler, Eric Owen, Frank Marlow, The Reg Owen Band, Laurie Driver, Glen Somers or Owen, Reg was a British conductor, film score composer and music arranger.
He became well-known for his work on several popular films, such as "Oliver Twist" (1948), "Lola Montès" (1955), and "Summer Holiday" (1962), which included the hit song "Bachelor Boy" performed by Cliff Richard. Owen also worked as a conductor and arranger for many popular singers of his time, including Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Louis Armstrong, and Ella Fitzgerald. In addition to his film and music work, Owen was a talented athlete, having competed in the European bobsleigh championships in the 1950s. He passed away in 1978 while living in Málaga, Spain.
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Edward Williams
Edward Williams (August 20, 1921 Hindhead-December 8, 2013 Bristol) a.k.a. Edward Aneurin Williams or Williams was a British film score composer.
His most important albums: Life On Earth - Music from the 1979 BBC TV Series.
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Deborah Kerr
Deborah Kerr (September 30, 1921 Glasgow-October 16, 2007 Botesdale) also known as Deborah Jane Kerr-Trimmer, Deborah Kerr-Viertel, Deborah Kerr-Trimmer, The English Rose, Deborah Jane Trimmer, Deborah Jane Kerr, CBE or Deborah Jane Kerr was a British actor and ballet dancer. Her children are Melanie Jane Bartley and Francesca Shrapnel.
Kerr began her career as a ballet dancer in the 1930s, performing with the Sadler's Wells ballet company. She transitioned to acting in the 1940s, first appearing in small roles in British films. She later gained international fame for her starring roles in Hollywood classics such as "From Here to Eternity," "An Affair to Remember," and "The King and I."
Kerr received six Academy Award nominations for Best Actress throughout her career, but never won. She also won several other awards over the course of her long and illustrious acting career, including a Golden Globe and a Cannes Film Festival award.
Kerr was married twice, first to naval officer Anthony Bartley, with whom she had her two daughters, and later to writer Peter Viertel. She was also a breast cancer survivor and became an advocate for breast cancer research and treatment. In 1998, Kerr was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for her services to drama.
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Antony Hopkins
Antony Hopkins (March 21, 1921 Bush Hill Park-May 6, 2014 Berkhamsted) also known as Ernest William Antony Reynolds or Antony Hopkins CBE was a British film score composer, pianist, conductor and radio broadcaster.
He was born in Bush Hill Park, London and at a young age showed a talent for music. Hopkins studied classical music at the Royal College of Music in London and went on to become a successful composer and conductor. He was best known for his work on films such as "David Copperfield" (1969) and "Young Winston" (1972), for which he received Academy Award nominations. In addition to his film work, Hopkins was also a keen radio broadcaster and presented music programs for the BBC. He was awarded the CBE in 1998 for services to music. Hopkins passed away on May 6, 2014 in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire at the age of 93.
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Eric Rogers
Eric Rogers (September 25, 1921 Halifax-April 8, 1981 Chalfont St Peter) also known as Eric Gaukroger, Eric Rodgers or Eric Gauk-Roger was a British film score composer, composer, actor, conductor and music arranger.
Discography: Apres Ski.
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William Blezard
William Blezard (March 10, 1921 Padiham-March 2, 2003 Barnes, London) was a British pianist and composer.
Genres he performed: Light music.
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Alexander Faris
Alexander Faris (June 11, 1921 Caledon-) a.k.a. Faris, Alexander, Alexander "Sandy" Faris or Sandy is a British conductor and film score composer.
He has composed music for several films including "A Night to Remember" (1958), "The Dam Busters" (1955), "The Gathering Storm" (1974) and "The Blue Max" (1966). Faris has also conducted for the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. He studied at the Royal Academy of Music and later became a professor of composition there. Faris has received numerous awards for his contributions to the music industry including the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) and the Gold Badge of Merit from the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors.
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