Ivor Novello (born David Ivor Davies) was a Welsh composer, singer and actor who became one of the most popular British entertainers of the early 20th century. He first became well known through the song ‘Keep the Home Fires Burning’, which he composed during World War I. After the war, he began a film career, and also appeared on stage in the West End, in musical shows of his own devising, most notably The Dancing Years. Novello starred in two early Hitchcock films before heading to Hollywood and appearing in several films. He died in 1951, at the young age of 58.
Novello wrote his musical shows in the style of operetta and was one of the last major composers in this form. He generally composed his music to librettos by Christopher Hassall.
The Ivor Novello Awards for songwriting are awarded each year by the record industry to songwriters and arrangers as well as the performing artistes.
Contents:
- And Her Mother Came Too!
- Music in May
- Rose of England
- I Can Give You the Starlight
- My Dearest Dear
- My Life Belongs to You
- Waltz of My Heart
- Fold Your Wings
- Glamorous Night
- Shine
- Through My Dreams
- Fly Home, Little Heart
- Some Day My Heart Will Awake
- Love Is the Reason
- We'll Gather Lilacs
- Keep the Home Fires Burning (Till the Boys Come Home)