English musicians born in 1926
Here are 9 famous musicians from England were born in 1926:
Kenneth Williams
Kenneth Williams (February 22, 1926 Islington-April 15, 1988 London Borough of Camden) also known as Kenneth Charles Williams, Casey, Ken or Kenny was an English actor, presenter and comedian.
His albums: Julian & Sandy 2, One Over the Eight (1961 original London cast), The Best of Rambling Syd Rumpo and In Season.
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Fritz Spiegl
Fritz Spiegl (January 27, 1926 Austria-March 23, 2003) was an English writer.
He was born in Vienna, Austria, and spent most of his early career as a musician and conductor. After the Anschluss during World War II, he fled to England and began a new career as a broadcaster, writing and presenting programs for BBC Radio. He was known for his witty and erudite commentary, and over the course of his career, he authored several books on music, language, and culture, including "The Joy of Music," "A Word or Two," and "Lingua Franca." In addition to his writing and broadcasting work, Spiegl also contributed to several British newspapers and was a regular guest on TV talk shows. He was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in 1995 for his services to broadcasting and music education.
Throughout his life, Spiegl remained a passionate lover of music and made significant contributions to the world of music in England. He was a founding member of the Liverpool Bach Society and the Merseyside Youth Orchestra and Choir. He also composed several pieces of music, including "Farewell Vienna" and "Elegy for the Victims of Aberfan", which were performed at high-profile events. Despite suffering from ill health in his later years, Spiegl continued to write and speak about music until his death in 2003 at the age of 77. Today, he is remembered as one of the most influential music writers and broadcasters of his time.
In addition to his work as a musician and writer, Fritz Spiegl was also a respected authority on language and an advocate for its proper use. He was a regular contributor to The Times newspaper's letters page, where he wrote under the pseudonym "Sprachmann" (German for "Language Man"), offering witty and insightful critiques of linguistic errors and misuses. His knowledge of language also led him to collaborate with the playwright Alan Plater on the BBC sitcom series "The Beiderbecke Trilogy," which featured Spiegl as a character and incorporated his interest in jazz music.
Spiegl's contributions to the cultural life of England were recognized with numerous honours and accolades. In addition to his MBE, he received an honorary doctorate from the University of Liverpool and was made a fellow of Liverpool John Moores University. He was also awarded the City of Liverpool Freedom of the City in 2001, in recognition of his services to music and broadcasting.
Despite his success and acclaim, Fritz Spiegl remained a humble and gracious person throughout his life. He had a reputation for being approachable and kind to everyone he encountered, whether they were fellow musicians, fans, or members of the general public. Many who remember him today speak of his generosity, warmth, and sense of humour, which made him a beloved figure in the world of music and culture.
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Joseph Horovitz
Joseph Horovitz (May 26, 1926 Vienna-) a.k.a. Horovitz, Joseph is an English composer.
His discography includes: Lillie.
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Bryan Johnson
Bryan Johnson (July 18, 1926 United Kingdom-October 18, 1995) was an English singer and actor.
He was best known for his work in musical theatre, including his roles in West End productions of "Oliver!" and "The Sound of Music." Johnson also had a successful recording career in the 1950s and 60s, with hits such as "A Touch of the Blues" and "Looking High, High, High." In addition to his musical work, Johnson also appeared in several films and television shows, including "The Avengers" and "The Sweeney." After his death in 1995, a memorial plaque was erected in his honor at the Theatre Royal in Nottingham.
Throughout his career, Bryan Johnson paved the way for many aspiring artists and inspired a generation of performers. In his early years, he worked as a gas-fitter before becoming a singer. Later, he trained at the Royal Academy of Music in London, and after completing his training, he landed his first role in a musical theater production.
Apart from his successful career as a singer and actor, Bryan Johnson was also known for his philanthropic work. He was a committed member of several charitable organizations, including The Boys Brigade and The Salvation Army.
In the late 1960s, Johnson retired from acting and singing due to health issues. However, he still remained active in the entertainment industry through his hosting of a religious television show. He also worked as a teacher of music, teaching children and students the art of singing and performing.
Bryan Johnson will always be remembered as one of the most talented and versatile performers of his generation, and his contributions to the world of music and film will continue to inspire future generations of artists.
Later in his career, Bryan Johnson became increasingly involved in religious work, and even released an album of Christian music entitled "The Gospel According to Bryan Johnson." He also became a licensed preacher and traveled extensively throughout England, preaching and holding revival meetings. Johnson was known for incorporating his faith into his performances and personal life, and attributed his success to his belief in God.
Despite his success in the entertainment industry, Bryan Johnson faced discrimination as a Black performer in the UK. He was often only offered supporting roles or stereotypical characterizations, and struggled to break through to leading roles. However, he persevered and became a trailblazer for Black performers, paving the way for future generations of actors and singers.
In addition to his musical and acting achievements, Johnson was also a devoted family man. He married his wife, Pearl, in 1952 and the couple had six children together. Johnson was known for his generosity and kindness, and he often used his platform to speak out against injustice and to promote social change.
Overall, Bryan Johnson's legacy as a talented performer, devoted family man, and committed philanthropist continues to inspire those who knew him, as well as those who have been impacted by his work.
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Brian Brockless
Brian Brockless (January 21, 1926-December 18, 1995) was an English conductor.
He was born in London and studied at the Royal Academy of Music. He went on to conduct at the Sadler's Wells Opera and the English National Opera. Brockless also conducted abroad, including in Germany, Australia, and New Zealand. He was known for his interpretations of opera and was particularly noted for his work on the operas of Benjamin Britten. In addition to his conducting career, Brockless also taught at the Royal Academy of Music and was an examiner for the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music.
During his time at the Royal Academy of Music, Brockless studied conducting under Sir Adrian Boult. After completing his studies, he went on to work as an assistant conductor with Boult at the BBC Symphony Orchestra. Brockless also collaborated with other notable musicians throughout his career, including conductor and composer Leonard Bernstein and tenor Plácido Domingo. One of his most notable recordings is the 1977 production of Benjamin Britten's "Peter Grimes" with the English National Opera. Brockless was well-known for his attention to detail and his ability to bring out the best in the musicians he conducted. He was awarded a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in 1983 for his contributions to music. Brockless passed away in 1995 at the age of 69.
Brockless was also an active composer and arranger, and produced a number of works throughout his career. He was particularly noted for his arrangements of popular songs, which he often included in his concerts. In addition, Brockless conducted a number of premiers of new works by contemporary composers, including Harrison Birtwistle and Michael Tippett. He was a champion of modern music and worked hard to bring new and innovative works to the public's attention. Despite his many accomplishments, Brockless was known for his modesty and dedication to his craft. He was greatly respected by his peers and will be remembered as one of the most talented conductors of his generation. Today, his legacy lives on through his many recordings and the countless musicians he inspired and influenced throughout his career.
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Lita Roza
Lita Roza (March 14, 1926 Liverpool-August 14, 2008 London) was an English singer.
Her albums include Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea and Decca Singles. Genres she performed include Traditional pop music.
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George Melly
George Melly (August 17, 1926 Liverpool-July 5, 2007 London) a.k.a. Melly, George, Alan George Heywood Melly or Good Time George was an English singer, writer, critic, actor and teacher.
His most recognized albums: Anything Goes, Goodtime George, Nuts, The Pye Jazz Anthology, Son of Nuts, Singing and Swinging the Blues and Best of Live. Genres: Jazz and Blues.
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Don Rendell
Don Rendell (March 4, 1926 Plymouth-) is an English music arranger, saxophonist and musician.
His most recognized albums: Greek Variations & Other Aegean Exercises.
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Cy Laurie
Cy Laurie (April 20, 1926 London-April 18, 2002) was an English clarinetist and bandleader.
He began his career in the late 1940s and became a prominent figure in the British traditional jazz scene. In the 1950s, he formed his own band, Cy Laurie's New Orleans Jazz Band, and they recorded several albums. Laurie was known for his exceptional clarinet playing and his ability to blend together elements of traditional jazz and swing.
He performed with many notable jazz musicians throughout his career, including Chris Barber, Ken Colyer, and Acker Bilk. Laurie was also a regular performer at the famous Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club in London.
Later in his career, Laurie became interested in film music and composed several soundtracks for British films. His music can be heard in films such as "The Naked Edge" and "The Liquidator."
Cy Laurie continued to perform and record music up until his death in 2002 at the age of 75. His contributions to the traditional jazz scene in Britain have left a lasting impact on the genre.
In addition to his music career, Cy Laurie was also a talented sportsman. He was a semi-professional football player in his younger years and even played for Charlton Athletic Football Club. Laurie also enjoyed cricket and became a member of the Lord's Taverners, a charitable organization made up of cricketers and other celebrities. He often performed at their fundraising events.
Laurie was also a noted collector of rare records and jazz memorabilia. He owned a vast collection of jazz records and books, which he would often use for research and inspiration for his own music.
Despite achieving moderate success in his career, Laurie remained humble and unassuming. He was known for his kind and generous nature, and many of his fellow musicians considered him to be a true gentleman of the jazz world.
Today, Laurie's contributions to traditional jazz continue to inspire and influence musicians around the world. His recordings are still celebrated by jazz enthusiasts and his legacy as a master of the clarinet lives on.
Laurie's love for jazz started at an early age as he was introduced to the music by his father, who was a saxophonist. He began playing the clarinet at the age of 14 and joined his first band shortly after. During World War II, Laurie served in the Royal Air Force but returned to playing music after the war was over. He initially played the saxophone but later switched to the clarinet, which became his signature instrument.
In addition to his performances at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club, Laurie also toured extensively throughout Britain and Europe, gaining a reputation as one of the finest clarinet players of his time. He was a regular performer at festivals such as the Edinburgh Jazz Festival and the Cork Jazz Festival in Ireland.
Laurie was also a respected jazz educator and taught at the Royal Academy of Music in London. He mentored many young musicians who went on to become successful jazz performers in their own right.
Despite his success, Laurie remained dedicated to his family and his community. He was actively involved with the local church and often performed at charity events to raise money for various causes. He was also a devoted husband and father.
In recognition of his contributions to British jazz, Laurie was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2001, just a year before his death. Today, he is remembered as one of the most influential figures in the traditional jazz scene in Britain.
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