Record producer, e.g. 'Have I the right'. Born Robert George Meek in Newent Gloucestershire, where there is a plaque. First truly independent record producer. 'Telstar' for The Tornados was the first British instrumental record to reach number one in Britain and America. Also recorded many other artists including: Honeycombs, Gene Vincent, Billy Fury, Jess Conrad, Petula Clark, Lonnie Donegan, etc. Committed suicide at 304 Holloway Road, after first shooting dead his landlady following a rent dispute. This was on the 8th anniversary of Buddy Holly's death which some people find significant.
Other Subjects
Damon Albarn
Musician, singer, songwriter, composer and record producer. Born Whitechapel, son of artist Keith Albarn (1939 - ). Co-founder of the band Blur and the virtual group Gorillaz.
Tyrannosaurus Rex / T.Rex
Formed by Marc Bolan and Steve Took as Tyrannosaurus Rex, the name was shortened to T.Rex round about the time success came with 'Ride a White Swan' in 1970/1. The band ended when Bolan was killed...
Sir George Shearing
Pianist and composer. Born at 67 Arthur Street, Battersea, Blind from birth, he attended Linden Lodge School, where he received training in classical piano, and learned to read music by Braille. In...
John Hampden Gurney
Anglican clergyman and hymnist. Born the son of a lawyer at 12 Serjeant's Inn. Rector of St Mary's, Bryanston Square, from 1847 until his death at home 63 Gloucester Place.
Louis Armstrong
Trumpeter. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana. Nicknamed 'Satchmo' (short for satchel mouth). Brought up in extreme poverty, his musical career started when he learned to play the cornet. He went on to...