Here are 5 famous musicians from England were born in 1903:
Robin Milford (January 22, 1903 Oxford-December 29, 1959) a.k.a. Milford, Robin was an English , .
His albums: Fishing by Moonlight.
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Vivian Ellis (October 29, 1903 Hampstead-June 19, 1996) otherwise known as Ellis, Vivian was an English , .
composer of musical theatre, film, and television. He began composing music at the age of six and went on to become one of the most successful musical theatre composers of his generation. He wrote over 30 musicals, including many hits such as "Mr. Cinders" and "Spread It Abroad". Ellis's music was known for its catchy melodies, memorable lyrics, and clever arrangements. He also composed for several films and television shows, including the BBC series "The Adventures of Robin Hood". Additionally, he was a member of the British Communist Party for over 30 years and was active in political causes throughout his life. Despite his political views, his music remained popular and influential. Vivian Ellis was awarded the OBE in 1978 for his services to music.
Born to a musical family, Vivian Ellis showed an early aptitude for music and studied piano and harmony at the Royal Academy of Music in London. He started his career as a pianist and dancing accompanist in various nightclubs, which eventually led him to the theater. He made his musical debut with "The Flying Trapeze" in 1934, which became an instant hit. This was followed by several other successful musicals, including "Bless the Bride" and "Jill Darling". He also worked extensively in radio and television during the 1950s and 60s.
Ellis was known for his collaborative approach to composing, often working with lyricists and librettists to create his works. Some of his most famous collaborations were with A.P. Herbert, the writer and barrister, and the lyricist Desmond Carter. Several of his musicals were adapted into successful films, including "Bless the Bride" and "Mr. Cinders", both of which were box office hits.
Despite his success, Ellis remained humble and approachable, always willing to help young composers and performers. He was respected not only for his musical talent but also for his commitment to social justice and political activism. He openly supported left-wing causes and was a vocal advocate for workers' rights and civil liberties.
Vivian Ellis remained active in the theater and music scene until his death in 1996 at the age of 92. His contributions to British musical theater and popular music are remembered and celebrated to this day.
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Diana Poulton (April 18, 1903 Storrington-December 15, 1995 Heyshott) also known as Edith Eleanor Diana Chloe Kibblewhite was an English musician, lutenist and music teacher.
She is best known for her contribution in reviving the popularity of lute music during the 20th century. Poulton began playing the lute at a young age and was largely self-taught. She later studied music at the Royal College of Music under the renowned lutenist, Arnold Dolmetsch. In addition to her solo performances, Poulton also played with the London Philharmonic Orchestra and the English Chamber Orchestra, among others. She published several books on lute music including "The Lute Books of Francesco da Milano" and "John Dowland: His Life and Works". Poulton was also a talented teacher and passed on her love and knowledge of the lute to many students. Her contributions to the world of lute music have been widely acknowledged and she was awarded the Order of the British Empire in 1977.
Throughout her career, Poulton was dedicated to the preservation and promotion of lute music, which was a popular form of music during the Renaissance era. She spent many years studying and transcribing pieces of music from manuscript sources, many of which had never been performed before. Her research and performances helped to establish the lute as a legitimate instrument in the world of classical music.
Poulton was also a prominent music teacher, and she taught at the Guildhall School of Music in London for over twenty years. She was known for her demanding but supportive teaching style and produced a number of successful lutenists, many of whom went on to have illustrious careers in music.
In addition to her work as a musician and teacher, Poulton was also a prolific writer. She wrote a number of scholarly articles on lute music and was the author of several books, including biographies of prominent lute composers such as John Dowland.
Despite her many accomplishments, Poulton was known for her humility and modesty. She remained dedicated to her work and her students throughout her long and illustrious career, and her contributions to the world of lute music will be remembered for generations to come.
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Percy Whitlock (June 1, 1903 Chatham-May 1, 1946) a.k.a. Whitlock, Percy was an English , .
composer and organist, best known for his contributions to English church music. Born in Chatham, Whitlock spent most of his life in the city of Bournemouth where he served as the Director of Music at St. Stephen's Church.
He received his formal education at the Royal College of Music in London, where he studied composition and the organ. Whitlock is celebrated for his organ music and was considered one of the most prominent English composers of his time. Some of his most popular works include "Folk Tune", "Plymouth Suite", and "Fanfare".
Unfortunately, Whitlock's life was cut short at the age of 42 due to liver cancer. Despite his short-lived career, he is still considered a significant influence on the development of English church music and is celebrated for his contribution to the genre.
Throughout his career, Percy Whitlock established himself as a talented performer and composer in the genre of English church music. He was appointed as the Director of Music at St. Stephen's Church, Bournemouth in 1930, a post he held until his untimely death in 1946. In addition to his church music, Whitlock also composed music for organ and orchestra, chamber music, and operatic works. He was a skilled improviser and often included improvisations in his performances. Whitlock was also an accomplished teacher and served as an organ tutor at the Royal School of Church Music in Croydon. Despite his short life, Percy Whitlock's legacy continues to inspire and influence composers in the field of English church music.
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Leighton Lucas (January 5, 1903 London-November 1, 1982 London) was an English composer, film score composer and conductor.
His most recognized albums: The Film Music of Arthur Benjamin & Leighton Lucas.
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