Pathetic Facts

English musicians born in 1909

Here are 7 famous musicians from England were born in 1909:

Robert Coote

Robert Coote (February 4, 1909 London-November 26, 1982 New York City) also known as Flying Officer Robert Coote RCAF or Coote, Robert was an English actor.

He began his acting career in the 1920s in London's West End theater district. Coote appeared in over 90 films including "My Fair Lady," "The Ghost and Mrs. Muir," and "The Story of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men." He also made numerous television appearances, including starring in the comedy series "The Rogues" in the 1960s. In addition to his acting work, Coote was a trained pilot and served in the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II. He died in New York City in 1982 at the age of 73.

Coote was born into a well-established family in London and began his career in show business with his role in "The Constant Nymph" at the Alhambra Theatre in 1926. He then appeared in numerous productions in the West End, including "The Importance of Being Earnest" and "The School for Scandal."

During World War II, Coote served as a flying officer in the Royal Canadian Air Force and was stationed in England. After the war, he returned to acting and moved to Hollywood, where he began appearing in films.

Aside from his successful acting career, Coote was also a skilled painter and woodcarver. He designed and carved the woodwork for his own home in Beverly Hills, California.

Coote was married twice and had two children. He remained active in his acting career up until his death in New York City in 1982 from heart failure. He was buried in the Ferncliff Cemetery in Hartsdale, New York.

Read more about Robert Coote on Wikipedia »

Joe Loss

Joe Loss (June 22, 1909 Spitalfields-June 6, 1990) also known as Loss, Joe was an English bandleader, musician, music arranger and composer.

His albums include Joe Loss Plays The Big Band Greats and In The Mood For Dancing. Genres he performed include Big Band and Swing music.

Read more about Joe Loss on Wikipedia »

Herbert Murrill

Herbert Murrill (May 11, 1909 London-July 25, 1952) a.k.a. Murrill, Herbert was an English , .

Herbert Murrill was an English composer, organist, and choir director. He was known for his contributions to the Anglican Church music, including hymns, cantatas, and anthems. Murrill was also a prolific composer of orchestral and chamber works.

He received his musical education at the Royal College of Music, where he studied under Ralph Vaughan Williams, Gustav Holst, and Charles Wood. Murrill served as an organist and choirmaster at various churches throughout his career, including St. Mary's, Bourne Street, St. Michael's, Cornhill, and St. Thomas's, Regent Street.

Despite his relatively short career, Murrill's music has continued to be performed and recorded by various artists and ensembles. Some of his notable works include his Symphony No. 1, String Quartet No. 2, and a setting of the Te Deum for chorus and orchestra. Murrill's contributions to English music were acknowledged posthumously when he was included in the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography.

In addition to his contributions to the Anglican Church music, Herbert Murrill was also a prominent music teacher, with pupils that included the composer Malcolm Williamson and the conductor John Pritchard. Murrill's music was largely influenced by the traditions of the Anglican Church, and he was particularly interested in the works of Thomas Tallis and other Tudor composers. He was also a skilled improviser, and often incorporated improvised sections into his compositions.

Despite his success as a composer and musician, Herbert Murrill struggled with personal demons, including alcoholism and depression. His career was cut short when he died by suicide in 1952 at the age of 43. Despite the tragic circumstances of his death, Murrill is remembered as an important figure in English music of the mid-20th century, whose contributions to the Anglican Church music continue to be celebrated and performed to this day.

Read more about Herbert Murrill on Wikipedia »

Brian Easdale

Brian Easdale (August 10, 1909 Manchester-October 30, 1995 London) was an English composer and film score composer.

Genres he performed: Film score.

Read more about Brian Easdale on Wikipedia »

Vincent Aspey

Vincent Aspey (January 5, 1909 Hindley-April 18, 1987 Raumati) was an English violinist.

He was born in Hindley, a town in Greater Manchester, England. Aspey showed a natural talent for playing the violin from a young age, and began taking lessons when he was only five years old. He went on to study at the Royal Manchester College of Music, where he developed his skills and gained recognition as a soloist. Aspey performed with many orchestras throughout his career, including the London Philharmonic Orchestra and the BBC Symphony Orchestra. He also toured extensively throughout Europe, the United States, and Asia. As a musician, Aspey was known for his expressive and emotional performances, and was highly respected by his peers in the classical music community. In addition to his performing career, he also taught at several music schools and was known for his ability to inspire and mentor young musicians. Aspey passed away in 1987 at the age of 78 in Raumati, New Zealand, where he had been living in retirement for several years. His legacy lives on through his recordings and the many musicians he taught and inspired throughout his life.

Aspey's talent as a violinist was recognized early on, and he won several awards and prizes throughout his career, including the prestigious Halle Orchestra Prize. He also had a passion for chamber music and was a founding member of the Manchester String Quartet, which gained acclaim for their performances and interpretations of classical repertoire. Aspey was known for his dedication and meticulous attention to detail, both in his performances and as a teacher. He taught at the Royal Manchester College of Music, the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, and the New Zealand School of Music. Aspey also authored several articles and books on violin technique and interpretation, which are still highly regarded by musicians and teachers today. Despite his success and recognition, he remained humble and committed to passing on his knowledge and artistry to future generations of musicians.

Read more about Vincent Aspey on Wikipedia »

Louis Hayward

Louis Hayward (March 19, 1909 Johannesburg-February 21, 1985 Palm Springs) a.k.a. Louis Charles Hayward was an English actor. He had one child, Dana Hayward.

Louis Hayward began his acting career on stage and later moved on to make over 50 films during his career. Some of his notable roles include playing the lead in the film "The Man in the Iron Mask" (1939) and starring in "The Son of Monte Cristo" (1940). He also appeared in the film "Suez" (1938) with actress Loretta Young. Additionally, Hayward acted in several television shows throughout the 1950s and 1960s including "The Liberace Show" and "The Twilight Zone". Hayward retired from acting in the early 1970s and lived a quiet life in Palm Springs until his death in 1985.

Despite being born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Louis Hayward was raised in England and educated at the Christ's Hospital School in Sussex. After completing his studies, he joined a stock theater company and began his acting career in 1931. Though he primarily played swashbuckling heroes throughout his career, Hayward also had a talent for playing complex and nuanced characters. He received critical acclaim for his performances in films such as "The Fighting 69th" (1940) and "The Flame and the Arrow" (1950). In addition to his work in film and television, Hayward was also active in the theater and performed on Broadway in the plays "The Happiest Millionaire" and "The Fifth Season." Off-screen, Hayward was known for his dashing good looks and romantic involvements with several Hollywood leading ladies, including Rita Hayworth and Loretta Young. Despite his success, Hayward maintained a down-to-earth demeanor and was deeply involved in philanthropy, supporting such causes as veterans' organizations and the restoration of historic landmarks.

Read more about Louis Hayward on Wikipedia »

Buddy Featherstonhaugh

Buddy Featherstonhaugh (October 4, 1909 Paris-July 12, 1976 London) was an English saxophonist.

He began his career in the 1920s and was known for his performances with various bands throughout Europe. Featherstonhaugh was also a frequent collaborator with the famous jazz trumpeter, Louis Armstrong, and played on many of Armstrong's recordings. Despite suffering from poor health in his later years, Featherstonhaugh continued to perform and record music. In addition to his musical talents, he was also a skilled artist and designer, creating many of the album covers for his own recordings. Featherstonhaugh's contributions to the jazz world have been recognized through his induction into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame.

Featherstonhaugh developed a passion for music at a young age, and by his teens, he was already performing in local dance bands. He quickly gained popularity and began playing in reputable jazz bands such as The Savoy Orpheans and The Carlton Hotel dance band. Featherstonhaugh played the alto saxophone, mainly, and it was his signature instrument. In the 1940s, he formed his own band, which was a big success in the UK music scene. His band members included some of the most talented musicians of that era, including Bert Courtley, George Chisholm, and Jackie Dougan.

Featherstonhaugh's collaborations with Louis Armstrong led to the production of some of the greatest jazz records ever made. He played on Armstrong's popular recordings, including "Home," "Stardust," and "Shine." Featherstonhaugh was also an active member of the National Jazz Federation and supported the growth of jazz music in the UK.

Aside from his music career, Buddy Featherstonhaugh had a great passion for art and design. He was skilled in creating drawings and sketches, and he applied his skills in designing album covers for his jazz recordings. He also designed several jazz publications such as "Jazz Journal" and "Crescendo."

Featherstonhaugh's health declined as he aged, but he continued to perform and record music until he passed away in 1976. His legacy lives on through his contribution to the jazz world as a gifted saxophonist and artist.