Pathetic Facts

English musicians born in 1907

Here are 7 famous musicians from England were born in 1907:

W. H. Auden

W. H. Auden (February 21, 1907 York-September 29, 1973 Vienna) otherwise known as W.H. Auden, Wystan Hugh Auden or Auden, W.H. was an English librettist, poet, screenwriter, author, composer, writer, playwright and essayist.

Auden is widely regarded as one of the greatest poets of the 20th century. He began his career in the 1930s as a leftist poet, but later turned towards Christianity and conservatism. Some of his notable works include "The Age of Anxiety," "September 1, 1939," and "Funeral Blues," which gained popularity after being featured in the film "Four Weddings and a Funeral." Auden was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1948 and was also appointed as a Chancellor of the Academy of American Poets in 1954. He died in Vienna at the age of 66.

Auden had a highly versatile career, with contributions in various literary forms. He collaborated with composer Benjamin Britten on several musical pieces, including the libretto for the operetta "Paul Bunyan." Auden also wrote extensively for the stage, with his play "The Ascent of F6" co-written with Christopher Isherwood garnering critical acclaim. Additionally, he worked as a screenwriter in Hollywood, contributing to films such as "The Song of Bernadette" and "Nicholas Nickleby." Despite his many accomplishments, Auden struggled with alcoholism throughout his life. He is remembered for his complex and thought-provoking poetry, which explores themes of politics, religion, sexuality, and human nature.

Auden was born in York, England to George and Constance Auden. He grew up in a middle-class family and was educated at Oxford University, where he became friends with several notable writers and intellectuals, such as Christopher Isherwood and Cecil Day-Lewis. During his time at Oxford, Auden developed a reputation as a witty and intelligent young writer, and his poetry was soon being published in prestigious literary magazines.

In the 1930s, Auden became associated with a group of leftist writers known as the "Auden Generation." His poetry from this period often deals with social and political themes, as well as existential questions about the meaning of life in a rapidly changing world. However, in 1939 he emigrated to the United States and eventually became a U.S. citizen in 1946. During this time, he underwent a religious conversion and began writing more formal and traditional poetry, often with a Christian perspective.

Auden's output during this period includes several major works, including "The Double Man," "For the Time Being," and "The Shield of Achilles." He also continued to work in other genres, such as drama and libretto, and collaborated with a number of prominent artists and writers, including Igor Stravinsky, E.M. Forster, and T.S. Eliot.

Despite his success, Auden struggled with depression and alcoholism throughout his life. He suffered a heart attack in 1972 and died the following year in Vienna, where he had been living with his partner Chester Kallman. Today, he is remembered as one of the most influential and accomplished poets of the 20th century.

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Kenneth Horne

Kenneth Horne (February 27, 1907 St Pancras, London-February 14, 1969 The Dorchester) also known as Charles Kenneth Horne or Horne, Kenneth was an English , .

comedian, radio and television personality, and a pioneer in the world of British comedy. He was best known as the host of the BBC radio show "Round the Horne" which aired from 1965 to 1968. Horne started his career as a stage actor and had several roles in West End productions before branching out into radio and television. He also appeared in several films such as "The Galloping Major" and "Laughter in Paradise". Horne was known for his quick wit, impeccable timing, and ability to ad-lib on live broadcasts. He was awarded a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in 1969, shortly before his death. Horne's influence on British comedy can still be seen today, and he is often cited as an inspiration by many comedians.

Horne was born in London to a wealthy family and attended Cambridge University, where he studied architecture. However, he left before completing his studies to pursue a career in acting. He began his career in the 1930s, performing in various stage productions and making occasional appearances on BBC radio.

During World War II, Horne served in the army and entertained the troops with his comedy. After the war, he continued to perform on the stage and radio, but it wasn't until "Round the Horne" that he became a household name. The show, which he co-wrote and hosted, was popular for its satirical skits and irreverent humor.

Horne's success on the show led to several other opportunities on television, including hosting his own variety show called "The Kenneth Horne Show." He also appeared on other popular programs like "The Benny Hill Show" and "The Morecambe and Wise Show."

In addition to his work in entertainment, Horne was actively involved in several charities and served as a trustee for the NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children).

Horne was married twice and had three children. He suffered a fatal heart attack in 1969 at the age of 61 while staying at The Dorchester hotel in London.

Horne was a man of many talents and interests. In addition to his work in entertainment, he was an avid sportsman and was known to enjoy tennis, golf, and skiing. He was also an accomplished pilot and owned his own plane. Horne's love of aviation even led him to record a novelty song called "Fifty-Two Squadron" in 1956, which was a tribute to the Royal Air Force's No. 52 Squadron. Horne's legacy continues to live on today, with his fun and irreverent style inspiring many comedians and entertainers who have followed in his footsteps.

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Norman Walker

Norman Walker (November 24, 1907-November 5, 1963) was an English singer and actor.

Discography: Cello Concerto / The Dream of Gerontius and A Portrait of Norman Walker.

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Sir Clifford Michael Curzon

Sir Clifford Michael Curzon (May 18, 1907 London-September 1, 1982 London) a.k.a. Curzon, Clifford was an English pianist.

His albums include , Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 1 (feat. piano: Clifford Curzon), BBC Music, Volume 17, Number 7: Piano Concertos Nos. 21 & 23, Piano Concertos, Piano Quintet in A major "Trout", D. 667, , Quintett für Klavier, Violine, Viola, Violoncello, Kontrabaß, A-dur, D 667 (klavier: Clifford Curzon) / Quintett für Klarinette, zwei Violinen, Viola, Violoncello, A-dur, KV 581 (klarinette: Peter Schmidl) (Mitglieder des Wiener Oktett), Forellen-Quintett A-Dur, Op. 114 (Mitglieder des Wiener Oktetts feat. piano Clifford Curzon), The "Trout" Quintet and .

Dame Elizabeth Maconchy

Dame Elizabeth Maconchy (March 19, 1907 Hertfordshire-November 11, 1994) a.k.a. Elizabeth Maconchy was an English composer. Her child is Nicola LeFanu.

Her albums include The Sofa/The Departure (Independent Opera Orchestra feat. conductor: Dominic Wheeler) and Music for Voices.

Harry Bluestone

Harry Bluestone (September 30, 1907 England-December 22, 1992 Studio City) also known as Harold Blostein or Bluestone, Harry was an English conductor, composer, record producer and music producer.

He is best known for his work as a composer for film and television. Bluestone composed scores for many popular TV shows including "The Twilight Zone", "The Andy Griffith Show", "Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.", and "The Brady Bunch". He also contributed his musical talents to countless films including "The Godfather", "The Great Escape", and "The Dirty Dozen". As a violinist, he was a part of the popular group The Warner Bros. Studio Orchestra. Bluestone was a master of many instruments including violin, mandolin, accordion, and piano. He was also instrumental in founding the American Society of Music Arrangers and Composers (ASMAC).

During his early years, Harry Bluestone emigrated with his family from England to the United States. He was educated at the Eastman School of Music and later worked as a session musician in New York before moving to California. He became famous in Hollywood for his musical arrangements, which were considered innovative and groundbreaking at the time. Bluestone worked extensively for Warner Bros. Studios, where he produced and conducted music for some of the biggest films and TV shows of the 1950s and 1960s. He collaborated with many other notable musicians of the era, including Jerry Goldsmith and Henry Mancini. Harry Bluestone was a prolific composer who created more than 1,000 works of music during his lifetime. He was widely respected by his peers for his talents and dedication to the craft of music. In recognition of his contributions to the music industry, Bluestone was posthumously inducted into the ASMAC Hall of Fame in 2011.

Bluestone's musical career began early on in life. He started playing the violin at the age of six and quickly became a prodigy. By the time he was a teenager, he was performing in New York's Radio City Music Hall as part of a quartet. From there, he went on to study music theory and composition at the Eastman School of Music. After completing his education, he worked as a freelance musician in New York, playing with several orchestras and ensembles.

Bluestone's move to California in the 1940s was a turning point in his career. He quickly found work as a session musician and eventually became a producer and conductor. His work for Warner Bros. Studios made him one of the most sought-after composers in Hollywood. Some of his most iconic scores, such as the theme music for "The Twilight Zone," have become legendary in their own right.

In addition to his work in music, Bluestone was also a founding member of the American Society of Music Arrangers and Composers. He was passionate about education and mentoring young musicians and helped to create the first music curriculum for television and film scoring at the University of Southern California.

Bluestone's legacy lives on in the countless films, TV shows, and compositions he left behind. His compositions continue to capture the imaginations of audiences today and have become an important part of American popular culture.

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Sid Phillips

Sid Phillips (June 14, 1907 London-May 24, 1973) a.k.a. Phillips, Sid was an English clarinetist, bandleader, music arranger and musician. His child is Simon Phillips.

Discography: The Fabulous Mr. Phillips.

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