British music stars born in 1929
Here are 14 famous musicians from United Kingdom were born in 1929:
Jean Simmons
Jean Simmons (January 31, 1929 Lower Holloway-January 22, 2010 Santa Monica) a.k.a. Jean Merilyn Simmons, Jean Simmonds or Jean Merilyn Simmons, OBE was a British actor, dancer and voice actor. She had two children, Kate Brooks and Tracy Granger.
Simmons began her career at the age of 14, starring in the British film "Give Us the Moon" (1944). She gained international recognition for her role in the film adaptation of "Great Expectations" (1946), in which she played the iconic character Estella. Simmons went on to star in a number of successful films throughout the 1950s and 1960s, including "Hamlet" (1948), "Guys and Dolls" (1955), and "Spartacus" (1960).
In addition to her successful film career, Simmons also appeared on stage and television. She made her Broadway debut in 1960 in the play "A Patriot for Me," for which she received a Tony nomination. She also appeared on a number of popular TV shows, including "Star Trek: The Next Generation," "Murder, She Wrote," and "The Thorn Birds."
Simmons was married twice, first to actor Stewart Granger and then to director Richard Brooks. She received an Academy Award nomination for her supporting role in Brooks' film "The Happy Ending" (1969). In 2003, she was made an OBE for her contributions to the arts. Simmons passed away in 2010 at the age of 80.
Simmons was born Jean Merilyn Simmons and grew up in London, England. She attended Aida Foster School of Dance and Drama in Golders Green where she trained as a dancer. In 1944, she made her debut in the film industry and quickly earned a reputation for her versatility and talent. After her success in "Great Expectations," she became a sought-after actress and worked with several top directors in Hollywood.
Simmons was also involved in numerous charitable causes throughout her life. She was a supporter of animal welfare organizations and served as a celebrity ambassador for the American Cancer Society. Simmons was also an advocate for the arts, supporting organizations such as the British Academy of Film and Television Arts and the Royal Shakespeare Company. She was widely respected within the industry for her professionalism and dedication to her craft.
Despite her success in Hollywood, Simmons often expressed her longing for her home country of England. She maintained a close relationship with her family, frequently returning to visit them in the UK. Simmons was widely regarded as one of the greatest actresses of her generation and her legacy continues to inspire actors and actresses today.
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Wally Whyton
Wally Whyton (September 23, 1929 London-January 22, 1997) also known as Whyton, Wally was a British presenter.
His albums: Children's Choice: Traditional Songs & Nursery Rhymes.
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Norman Kay
Norman Kay (January 5, 1929 United Kingdom-May 12, 2001 Esher) a.k.a. Norman Forber Kay or Norman F. Kay was a British composer and film score composer.
Kay's career spanned several decades, during which he composed music for over 100 films and television shows. He became known for his innovative use of electronic instruments, which he incorporated into his orchestral arrangements. Some of his most notable works include scores for the films "The Man Who Fell to Earth" (1976), "Robin and Marian" (1976), and "The Boys from Brazil" (1978).
Kay also worked as a conductor and arranger, and was highly respected in the music industry for his technical skill and creativity. He won several awards throughout his career, including a British Academy Film Award for his score for the film "A Night to Remember" (1958).
Despite his success in the film industry, Kay remained a relatively private figure throughout his life, and little is known about his personal life or interests. He passed away in 2001 at the age of 72.
Kay was born in Manchester, England, and began his musical career as a pianist and organist. He later studied composition at the Royal Academy of Music in London, where he wrote music for ballets and other theatrical productions. In the 1950s, Kay began composing music for British films and quickly gained a reputation as a talented and versatile film composer.
Alongside his film work, Kay also wrote music for television programs such as "The Avengers", "The Prisoner", and "The Professionals". He was particularly adept at creating distinctive and memorable themes that became synonymous with the shows he worked on.
Kay's use of electronic instruments in his scores was groundbreaking, and he was one of the first film composers to incorporate them into his work. He also experimented with unusual orchestral combinations and techniques, creating distinctive soundscapes that helped to set his work apart from that of his contemporaries.
Despite his many achievements, Kay remained humble about his work and always put the needs of the film or television show first. He was widely respected for his professionalism and dedication, and his contributions to the world of film and television music continue to inspire and influence composers today.
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Philip Cannon
Philip Cannon (December 21, 1929-) is a British , .
Philip Cannon (December 21, 1929-) is a British former rower and Olympic champion. He was born in London, England and began his rowing career while studying at Pembroke College, Cambridge. Cannon competed in the coxless pairs at the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne, Australia, where he and his partner, Richard Burnell, won the gold medal. He also won a silver medal at the 1958 European Rowing Championships in Poznań, Poland. After retiring from rowing, Cannon became an investment banker and an influential figure in the city of London. He was awarded a CBE in 1992 for his services to rowing and the financial industry.
Cannon's partnership with Burnell proved highly successful, and the two went on to win several other major rowing events together. In addition to his Olympic and European championship medals, Cannon also won gold at the 1955 British Empire and Commonwealth Games and the 1958 Henley Royal Regatta. In recognition of his achievements in rowing, he was inducted into the British Rowing Hall of Fame in 2017.
Outside of his sporting career, Cannon was highly successful as an investment banker. He worked for several major banks over the years, including Hambros Bank and Morgan Grenfell, where he was a key player in the development of the Eurobond market. He served on the board of directors for a number of companies, including British Rail and the London Symphony Orchestra.
Cannon was also active in philanthropy, serving as a trustee of the Royal Marsden Cancer Hospital and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. He was knighted in 1996 for his contributions to banking and charity. Despite his many accomplishments, Cannon remained modest about his achievements and credited his success to hard work and a willingness to take calculated risks.
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John Armatage
John Armatage (August 5, 1929 Newcastle upon Tyne-) is a British drummer.
Genres he performed include Jazz.
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Harry South
Harry South (September 7, 1929 Fulham-March 12, 1990 London Borough of Lambeth) a.k.a. South, Harry or Henry Percy South was a British pianist, composer, music arranger, film score composer and actor.
South was born in Fulham, London, England and showed an early aptitude for music, studying piano at the Royal Academy of Music. He became a professional jazz musician in the 1950s, playing with the likes of Ronnie Scott, Tubby Hayes, and Joe Harriott, and performed with his own band, the Harry South Big Band.
In addition to his work as a musician, South also worked as a composer and arranger, creating scores for television shows and films, including "The Sweeney" and "The Italian Job". He also appeared in a number of films and TV shows as an actor, most notably "Alfie" and "The Long Good Friday".
South was known for his unique and innovative arrangements, which blended elements of jazz, classical, and pop music. He was also a mentor to many young musicians, including bassist Chris Laurence and saxophonist Tim Garland.
South passed away on March 12, 1990 at the age of 60 in the London Borough of Lambeth. Despite his relatively short career, his contributions to British jazz and film music continue to inspire and influence musicians to this day.
In addition to his work as a musician, composer, and actor, Harry South was also a highly respected music educator. He taught at the Royal Academy of Music and at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, where he was head of the jazz department. Many of his students went on to become successful musicians in their own right, including pianist John Taylor and drummer Martin Drew.
South's musical legacy also includes his role in the creation of the iconic British jazz record label, "Giant Steps". He co-founded the label in 1969 with fellow musician and producer Denis Preston, and it quickly became a prominent outlet for groundbreaking new jazz recordings.
In recognition of his contributions to music, South was posthumously awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 1991 British Jazz Awards. Today, his music continues to be celebrated and studied by jazz enthusiasts around the world.
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Audrey Hepburn
Audrey Hepburn (May 4, 1929 Ixelles-January 20, 1993 Tolochenaz) a.k.a. Audrey Kathleen Ruston, Edda van Heemstra, Audrey Kathleen Hepburn-Ruston or Edda van Heemstra Hepburn-Ruston was a British actor, model and dancer. Her children are called Sean Hepburn Ferrer and Luca Dotti.
Her most well known albums: Outworld II: Enchanted Tales, Audrey Hepburn's Enchanted Tales, Funny Face and Moon River.
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Digby Wolfe
Digby Wolfe (June 4, 1929 London-May 2, 2012 Albuquerque) also known as Wolfe, Digby was a British actor, screenwriter, teacher and writer.
After beginning his career writing for the BBC in London, Digby Wolfe moved to the United States where he became a cast member and head writer for the comedy series "Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In" in the 1960s. He also wrote for and appeared in several other TV shows and films, including "The Benny Hill Show" and "The Dean Martin Show". Later in his career, Wolfe became a professor at the University of New Mexico, teaching screenwriting and acting. He also continued to write and publish essays and poetry throughout his life. Wolfe passed away in 2012 at the age of 82 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Digby Wolfe was born in London to a Jewish family, and he grew up in Sussex. He was educated at Cambridge University and later started his career in entertainment in London, where he worked as a writer for BBC Radio. In the mid-1950s, Wolfe moved to the United States, where he continued writing for radio and TV.
In addition to his TV and screenwriting work, Wolfe was also a talented actor, appearing in several movies, including "The Nutty Professor" and "The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming." His unique sense of humor and wit made him a sought-after guest on talk shows, including "The Johnny Carson Show."
Wolfe's work on "Laugh-In" was particularly notable, as he was responsible for many of the show's iconic one-liners and comedic bits. He also wrote several sketches for "The Benny Hill Show" and "The Dean Martin Show," which were both popular programs in the 1960s and 70s.
Despite his success in Hollywood, Wolfe eventually decided to move to New Mexico, where he continued to write and work in the film industry. In 1994, he began teaching screenwriting and acting at the University of New Mexico, where he remained until his death in 2012 at the age of 82. Throughout his life, Wolfe continued to be a prolific writer, publishing several collections of essays and poetry, including "In His Own Write" and "The Unborn Gore."
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Ronnie Barker
Ronnie Barker (September 25, 1929 Bedford-October 3, 2005 Adderbury) a.k.a. Ronald William George Barker, Jack Goetz, Gerald Wiley, Jonathan Cobbald, The Two Ronnies, Ronnie Barker O.B.E., David Huggett, Bob Ferris, Gerald Wilrey, Ronald William George "Ronnie" Barker, Ronald, Larry Keith, G. Wiley, Gerard Wiley or Barker, Ronnie was a British presenter, comedian, writer, actor, businessperson and screenwriter. His children are Charlotte Barker, Larry Barker and Adam Barker.
Barker began his career in entertainment as a stage actor before transitioning to television in the 1960s. He became well-known for his work on shows such as "The Frost Report," "Porridge," and "Open All Hours." He also co-starred with Ronnie Corbett in the long-running sketch show "The Two Ronnies."
In addition to his on-screen work, Barker was a talented comedy writer and often collaborated with fellow comedians, including David Jason and Graham Chapman. He was awarded an O.B.E in 1978 for his contributions to entertainment and was inducted into the BAFTA Fellowship in 2004.
Barker was married to Joy Tubb from 1957 until her death in 1992. He died in 2005 at the age of 76 from heart failure.
During his career, Ronnie Barker was known for his distinctive and versatile comedy style. He had the ability to play a wide range of characters, often creating memorable catchphrases that became part of popular culture. In addition to his success on television, Barker also appeared in several films, including "The Magnificent Seven Deadly Sins" and "A Mind of Her Own."
Outside of entertainment, Barker was a successful businessman. He owned several hotels in the UK and was also involved in the production of a range of goods, including confectionery and greeting cards. Barker was known for his philanthropic work and was actively involved in supporting numerous charities, including the Willow Foundation and the National Autistic Society.
In 2004, Barker was diagnosed with heart failure and retired from public life. He passed away in 2005 at his home in Oxfordshire, England. He was survived by his three children and remembered as one of Britain's most beloved entertainers.
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Ronnie Biggs
Ronnie Biggs (August 8, 1929 Stockwell-December 18, 2013 Chipping Barnet) a.k.a. Ronald Arthur Biggs, Ronnie Biggs or Ronald Biggs was a British carpentry and actor. His children are called Michael Biggs, Nicholas Biggs, Christopher Biggs and Farley Paul Biggs.
Discography: Carnival in Rio (Punk Was).
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Norman Rodway
Norman Rodway (February 7, 1929 Dublin-March 13, 2001 London) was a British actor, accountant, teacher and professor. He had one child, Bianca Rodway.
Norman Rodway was known for his work in both stage and screen. He began his acting career in the 1950s and became a prominent figure in the world of theater, performing in productions for the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre. Rodway received critical acclaim for his performances in plays such as "The Royal Hunt of the Sun" and "The Iceman Cometh".
In addition to his acting career, Rodway also worked as an accountant and trained as a teacher, later becoming a professor of drama at the University of California, Los Angeles. He was also a member of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and was awarded the CBE in 1992.
Rodway continued to act in films and television shows throughout his career, appearing in well-known productions such as "The Avengers" and "Nicholas and Alexandra". He passed away in London in 2001 at the age of 72.
Rodway was born in Dublin, Ireland but moved to England at a young age. He attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and quickly gained recognition for his dramatic talents. Besides his acclaimed performances in the theater, he had a successful career on-screen as well. He was praised for his role in the miniseries "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" and for his portrayal of Captain Nemo in the 1970s film "The Return of Captain Nemo".Rodway had a passion for teaching and shared his love for drama with his students, both in the United Kingdom and United States. He taught acting to students at the University of California, Los Angeles and at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London. Norman Rodway's contributions to the arts were celebrated through many honors and awards, including the prestigious Laurence Olivier Award for his role in "The Homecoming" in 1978.
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David Hughes
David Hughes (October 11, 1929 England-October 19, 1972) was a British singer.
He rose to fame during the 1950s and 1960s as a pop crooner and was often compared to American singer Frank Sinatra. He had a string of hit singles in his native UK, including "Manchester United Calypso" and "The Man From Laramie". Later in his career, he also found success as a television presenter and actor. However, his life was cut short when he passed away suddenly at the age of 43 from a heart attack. Despite his relatively short career, Hughes remains a beloved figure in British music and entertainment history.
David Hughes was born in Isleworth, Middlesex, England, and grew up in London. He began his career in show business as a comedian and impressionist, performing on stage in variety shows. He later transitioned to singing, and his smooth baritone voice quickly gained him popularity. Hughes signed with Decca Records in 1959 and released his first single, "Lily of Laguna", which reached No. 10 on the UK Singles Chart.
He went on to release several more hit singles, including "Wish You Were Here" and "Bye Bye Baby", which were both in the top 20 of the UK charts. In 1966, Hughes had a No. 4 hit with "Manchester United Calypso", which he wrote himself in tribute to the famous football club.
After his singing career began to wane, Hughes turned to acting and appeared in several films and television shows, including "Doctor Who" and "The Benny Hill Show". He also became a popular television presenter, hosting variety shows and game shows.
Despite experiencing a heart attack in 1970, Hughes continued to work in entertainment until his untimely death in 1972. His legacy lives on through his recordings and his contribution to the cultural history of England.
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Johnny Parker
Johnny Parker (November 6, 1929 Beckenham-June 11, 2010) also known as Parker, Johnny was a British pianist.
Genres: Jazz and Boogie-woogie.
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Alan Civil
Alan Civil (June 13, 1929 Northampton-March 19, 1989) a.k.a. Civil, Alan was a British , .
His discography includes: Die 4 Hornkonzerte, Horn Concertos / Oboe Concerto, Wind Concerti and .
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