British music stars born in 1927
Here are 27 famous musicians from United Kingdom were born in 1927:
Sylvia Anderson
Sylvia Anderson (March 25, 1927 London-) also known as Anderson, Sylvia or Sylvia Thamm is a British screenwriter, voice actor, film producer, costume designer and television producer. Her children are Gerry Anderson Jr. and Jacqueline Dee.
Sylvia Anderson is best known for co-creating the British puppet TV series Thunderbirds alongside her ex-husband Gerry Anderson. She voiced the iconic character of Lady Penelope in the show, which became a global hit and a cultural phenomenon during the 1960s. Sylvia also co-created other puppet TV series such as Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons and Joe 90. In addition to her work in the entertainment industry, Sylvia Anderson has a background in fashion and costume design, having worked for the fashion house of Christian Dior in the 1950s. She has also written several books, including a memoir about her experiences in the television industry with Gerry Anderson. Sylvia remains an influential figure in the world of TV and film production, having paved the way for female creators in a male-dominated industry.
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Alan Freeman
Alan Freeman (July 6, 1927 New South Wales-November 27, 2006) was a British disc jockey and radio personality.
He was known for his distinctive voice and catchphrases such as "Greetings, pop pickers!" Freeman began his career with Radio Luxembourg before joining the BBC in the 1960s. He presented various music programs, including the popular "Pick of the Pops" show, where he would count down the UK's top 20 singles of the week. Freeman was also a television presenter, hosting shows such as "Top of the Pops" and "The Old Grey Whistle Test." He was inducted into the Radio Academy Hall of Fame in 2006, just months before his death.
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Patrick Allen
Patrick Allen (March 17, 1927 Nyasaland-July 28, 2006 London) also known as John Keith Patrick Allen was a British actor and voice actor. He had two children, Stephen Allen and Stuart Allen.
Patrick Allen began his career in the British Army, serving in the Middle East during World War II. After leaving the army, he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and began his career as a stage actor. In the 1950s, he started to appear in TV dramas and films, including the war film "Sea of Sand" (1958) and "The Guns of Navarone" (1961).
Allen was also a prolific voice actor, providing the voiceover for many TV commercials, including British Telecom's famous "It's good to talk" campaign. He also provided the voiceover for the trailers for many films, including "Star Wars" (1977), and was the narrator for the TV series "The Professionals".
In later years, Allen became known for his philanthropic work, supporting charities such as the Imperial Cancer Research Fund and the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association. He was awarded an OBE in 2001 for his services to charity. Patrick Allen died in 2006, aged 79.
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Benny Green
Benny Green (December 9, 1927 Leeds-June 22, 1998 Surrey) otherwise known as Bernard Green was a British saxophonist, author and radio broadcaster. He had one child, Leo Green.
Born in Leeds, Yorkshire, Benny Green started playing the clarinet at the age of 11 and later switched to the saxophone. He gained popularity in the 1950s as a member of the Johnny Dankworth Seven, a British jazz group. Green was known for his virtuosity on the tenor and alto saxophones, and he was highly regarded for his impeccable technique.
In addition to performing, Green was also a prolific writer and broadcaster. He wrote several books on jazz, including "The Reluctant Art: Jazz in the 1950s" and "Swing Out: Great Negro Dance Bands." He also worked as a radio presenter for the BBC and hosted several jazz programs, including "Jazz 625" and "Benny Green's Jazz."
Green received numerous honors throughout his career, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the BBC Jazz Awards in 1998. He died later that same year in Surrey, England, leaving behind a lasting legacy as a pioneering figure in British jazz.
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John Hopkins
John Hopkins (July 19, 1927 England-September 30, 2013 Melbourne) was a British conductor.
He studied at the Royal Academy of Music in London and conducted for a number of prestigious orchestras including the London Symphony Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra, and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Hopkins was also a prolific composer, writing music for film, television, and the stage. He received numerous awards for his contributions to the arts, including an OBE in 1976 and a CBE in 1993. Hopkins was known not only for his musical talent but also for his generosity and dedication to mentoring young musicians.
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Ross McManus
Ross McManus (October 20, 1927 Birkenhead-November 24, 2011 England) a.k.a. Ronald Patrick Ross MacManus was a British singer, trumpeter and musician. His children are called Elvis Costello, Liam MacManus, Ronan MacManus, Kieran MacManus and Ruari MacManus.
Ross McManus started his musical career as a trumpet player in the Royal Air Force during World War II. After the war, he formed his own band, the Joe Loss Blue Rockets, and started performing in clubs and dance halls across England. In the late 1950s, he became a popular singer and appeared on TV shows like "Oh Boy!" and "Drumbeat." McManus also recorded a number of singles and albums, including "Patsy Girl" and "The Beatles and Frank Ifield on Stage."
Aside from his successful musical career, McManus was also a devoted family man. He raised five sons with his wife, Lillian, and instilled in them a love of music. One of his sons, Declan MacManus, went on to become a celebrated musician under the stage name Elvis Costello. McManus was known for his affable personality and love of laughter, even in the face of health struggles in later life. He passed away in 2011, leaving behind a legacy of great music and a loving family.
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Peter Cundall
Peter Cundall (April 1, 1927 Manchester-) also known as Cundall is a British soldier, presenter, conservationist, gardener and environmentalist.
After serving in World War II, Cundall became a presenter for the BBC's Gardening Australia show, where he shared his expertise in environmentalism and horticulture. He has since become a well-known advocate for sustainable gardening and environmental conservation. Cundall has also received a number of awards and accolades for his contributions to his field, including an Order of Australia in 2001 and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation in 2008.
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Ralph Kohn
Ralph Kohn (December 9, 1927 Leipzig-) is a British , .
Ralph Kohn is a British scientist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. He was born in Leipzig, Germany in 1927 to a Jewish family, but his family was forced to flee the country in 1933 due to the rise of Nazi Germany. They eventually settled in England where Kohn went on to study medicine and biochemistry at the University of Birmingham.
Kohn's accomplishments as a scientist are numerous, having conducted pioneering research on enzymes, immunology, and cancer. In addition to his work in the field of science, Kohn is also an accomplished business executive who has founded and led several pharmaceutical and biotech companies.
Kohn is also a dedicated philanthropist, having established multiple charitable foundations that support scientific research, education, and the arts. His philanthropic contributions have been recognized by several prestigious awards, including the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) and the Knight Commander of the Order of St Gregory the Great (KCSG).
Overall, Ralph Kohn is a remarkable figure whose contributions to science, business, and philanthropy have had a significant impact on the world.
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Johnny Dankworth
Johnny Dankworth (September 20, 1927 Woodford, London-February 6, 2010 Marylebone) also known as J. Dankworth, John Dankworth, John Phillip William Dankworth, Dankworth, John, Dankworth, Johnny, Sir John Dankworth, The John Dankworth Quintet, Johnny Dankworth and His Orchestra, The Johnny Dankworth Quintet or Sir John Phillip William Dankworth was a British composer, film score composer, clarinetist and saxophonist. He had two children, Jacqui Dankworth and Alec Dankworth.
His albums: Modesty Blaise, What the Dickens!, Misty, Zodiac Variations, England's Ambassador of Jazz, 5 Steps to Dankworth, London to Newport and Shakespeare and All That Jazz. Genres he performed include Cool jazz.
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John Joubert
John Joubert (March 20, 1927 Cape Town-) also known as J. Joubert or Joubert, John is a British composer and professor.
Genres he performed include Classical music.
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Charlie Williams
Charlie Williams (December 23, 1927 Royston-September 2, 2006 Barnsley) also known as Charles Adolphus Williams or Williams, Charlie was a British , .
He was a talented athlete who competed in both the Commonwealth and Olympic Games, specializing in the 400-meter dash. Throughout his career, he won numerous medals and awards, including a gold medal with the British 4x400-meter relay team at the 1958 Commonwealth Games in Cardiff. However, Williams is perhaps best known for his groundbreaking achievements as a black footballer in the UK. In 1952, he became the first black footballer to play for a professional English club when he signed with Doncaster Rovers. He later played for several other clubs, including Sheffield Wednesday and Chesterfield, before retiring from football in 1965. Williams was a trailblazer in the sport, paving the way for future generations of black players in the UK.
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Ken Dodd
Ken Dodd (November 8, 1927 Liverpool-) otherwise known as Kenneth Arthur Dodd, Ken Dodd O.B.E. or Doddy is a British comedian, singer, songwriter and actor.
His albums include All the Songs I Love, Happiness: The Very Best Of, Love Is Like a Violin, The Song of the Diddymen, His Greatest Hits and Tears. Genres he performed: Comedy.
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Kenneth McKellar
Kenneth McKellar (June 23, 1927 Paisley-April 9, 2010 Lake Tahoe) a.k.a. Mckellar, Kenneth was a British singer.
His most important albums: A Man Without Love, Ecco Di Napoli, Kenneth McKellar - The Decca Years 1955-1975 (Disc 2), The Bluebells of Scotland and The Decca Years 1955-1975 - Disc 1.
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Bill Le Sage
Bill Le Sage (January 20, 1927 London Borough of Hackney-October 31, 2001 Ealing) also known as Sage, Bill Le, Bill LeSage, William Alfred Le Sage or William A. Le Sage was a British musician, music arranger, composer, film score composer, pianist, bandleader and vibraphonist.
His most well known albums: Twice Times Keyboard, and Road to Ellingtonia.
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Ronnie Scott
Ronnie Scott (January 28, 1927 Aldgate-December 23, 1996 London) also known as Scott, Ronnie or Ronald Schatt was a British saxophonist.
His albums include When I Want Your Opinion, I'll Give It to You and The Couriers of Jazz. Genres: Jazz.
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Wilfred Josephs
Wilfred Josephs (July 24, 1927 Gosforth-November 17, 1997 London) also known as W. Joseph was a British composer and film score composer. He had two children, Claudia Josephs and Philippa Josephs.
Genres he performed include Ballet, Opera, Chamber music and 20th-century classical music.
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Bill McGuffie
Bill McGuffie (December 11, 1927 Glasgow-March 22, 1987) a.k.a. McGuffie, Bill or William McGuffie was a British film score composer, conductor and pianist.
His albums include Dr. Who & The Daleks, Dr. Who & The Daleks / Music From Invasion Earth 2150 AD and . Genres he performed: Film score.
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Laurie Johnson
Laurie Johnson (February 7, 1927 Hampstead-) otherwise known as Laurence Reginald Ward Johnson or Mr. Johnson is a British composer, bandleader and film score composer.
His albums: The Music of Laurie Johnson, The Avengers, Cult TV Themes, The Professionals, The Rose and the Gun: The Music of Laurie Johnson, The Professional: The Best of Laurie Johnson and First Men in the Moon.
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Ivor Emmanuel
Ivor Emmanuel (November 7, 1927 Margam-July 20, 2007 Málaga) also known as Ivor Lewis Emmanuel was a British singer and actor.
Born in Margam, Wales, Emmanuel started his career as a coal miner before becoming a professional rugby player. He eventually turned to music and theater, making his first stage appearance in a production of "Showboat" in 1948. Emmanuel gained national recognition for his role as Private "Dai" Hughes in the musical "Stop the World - I Want to Get Off" in 1961. He also starred in the film version of the play in 1966. Emmanuel went on to have a successful career in film and television, including roles in "A Night to Remember" (1958) and "The Cruel Sea" (1953), as well as appearing in popular TV shows in the 1970s and 80s. He retired to Málaga, Spain in the 1990s and passed away there in 2007 at the age of 79.
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Danny Moss
Danny Moss (August 16, 1927 Redhill-May 28, 2008 Perth) was a British musician and bandleader.
Related albums: Weaver of Dreams and Steamers. Genres he performed: Jazz and Hard bop.
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Danny La Rue
Danny La Rue (July 26, 1927 Cork-May 31, 2009 Royal Tunbridge Wells) a.k.a. Daniel Patrick Carroll, La Rue, Danny, Danny La Rue, OBE or the Drag Queen was a British drag queen, actor and entertainer.
During his career, Danny La Rue appeared in several West End musicals, including "Come Spy With Me" and "Lock Up Your Daughters!" He was known for his extravagant and glamorous costumes, quick wit, and incredible vocal range. In addition to his stage work, La Rue also had a successful television career, with his own show, "The Danny La Rue Show," airing on the BBC in the 1960s and 1970s. He was awarded an OBE in 2002 for his services to entertainment and charity. Danny La Rue passed away in 2009 at the age of 81.
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Tony Hiller
Tony Hiller (July 30, 1927 United Kingdom-) also known as Hiller, Tony is a British record producer and singer-songwriter.
He is best known for co-writing the Brotherhood of Man's Eurovision Song Contest-winning song "Save Your Kisses for Me" in 1976. Along with his successful career in the music industry, Hiller has also contributed significantly to charitable causes. He founded the charity organization World in Action in 1971 to support poverty alleviation and disaster relief efforts. He was awarded the Order of the British Empire in 2010 for his services to music and philanthropy. Hiller passed away on August 26, 2018, at the age of 91.
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Denis Quilley
Denis Quilley (December 26, 1927 Islington-October 5, 2003 London) also known as Denis Clifford Quilley, Dennis Quilley or Denis Clifford Quilley OBE was a British actor.
Quilley began his career in the early 1950s with the Royal Shakespeare Company, and went on to have a successful stage career both in London's West End and on Broadway. He was nominated for a Tony Award in 1984 for his performance in "Sleuth." Quilley also appeared in films such as "Evil Under the Sun" and "Chariots of Fire," and on television in shows like "Doctor Who" and "Midsomer Murders." He was awarded the Order of the British Empire in 2002 for his contributions to acting.
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Leopold David de Rothschild
Leopold David de Rothschild (May 12, 1927 London-April 19, 2012) was a British banker.
He was born into the prominent Rothschild family and had a successful career in finance, serving as a director of the family's banking firm N M Rothschild & Sons. In addition to his banking work, Leopold David de Rothschild was a philanthropist and art collector, and was particularly interested in the decorative arts. He was a trustee of the National Gallery and the Victoria and Albert Museum, and donated many works of art to these institutions. In 1983, he was awarded a knighthood for his services to the arts.
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Geoffrey Palmer
Geoffrey Palmer (June 4, 1927 London-) a.k.a. Geoffrey Dyson Palmer or Palmer, Geoffrey is a British presenter and actor. His children are called Harriet Palmer and Charles Palmer.
Geoffrey Palmer began his career as an actor in 1958 with a role in the television series 'The Adventures of Brigadier Wellington-Bull.' He later gained recognition for his roles in television series such as 'Butterflies,' 'As Time Goes By,' and 'The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin.'
Apart from his television work, Palmer has also appeared in several films including 'The Madness of King George,' 'Tomorrow Never Dies,' and 'Paddington.' In 2004, he was honored with the Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services to drama.
Palmer is also known for his work as a presenter, particularly for the documentary series 'All About Animals' and 'The World of Wooster.' Throughout his career, he has won several awards, including the British Academy Television Award for Best Actor in 1989 for his role in 'Gideon's Daughter.'
In addition to his successful career in the entertainment industry, Palmer has been involved in various charity efforts. He is a patron of the Chelsea Pensioners' Appeal, which supports retired soldiers, and has also supported organizations such as ActionAid and WaterAid.
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Tony Brent
Tony Brent (August 26, 1927 Byculla-March 1, 1993) was a British singer.
Genres he performed include Traditional pop music.
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Johnny Keating
Johnny Keating (September 10, 1927 Edinburgh-) also known as Johnny Keating, Keating, John, Keating, Johnny, J. Keating, Keating, J. or John Keating is a British conductor, film score composer, songwriter and music arranger.
His albums include Space Experience, An Astromusical Odyssey, Space Experience 2 and Hotel / Kaleidoscope. Genres he performed include Orchestra.
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