Role

:

Composer Performer

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

August 1, 1930 in London, England

Death

:

April 3, 1999 in Hammersmith, London, England

Genre

:

Orchestral

 

 

Vocal

 

Lionel Bart was a British composer and songwriter who is best known for his work in the musical theater genre. Born on August 1, 1930, in Stepney, East London, Bart grew up in a working-class family and showed an early interest in music. He began playing the piano at a young age and was soon composing his own songs. Bart's musical talent was recognized early on, and he was awarded a scholarship to attend the Royal Academy of Music in London. However, he dropped out after just a year, feeling that the formal training was stifling his creativity. Instead, he began working as a songwriter and composer, writing songs for popular singers of the day. Bart's big break came in 1959, when he wrote the music and lyrics for the musical "Oliver!" The show was based on Charles Dickens' novel "Oliver Twist" and was a huge success, running for over 2,600 performances in London's West End. The show was also a hit on Broadway, where it won several Tony Awards, including Best Musical. "Oliver!" remains Bart's most famous work, and its songs, such as "Consider Yourself" and "Food, Glorious Food," are still popular today. The show has been adapted into several films and has been performed all over the world. Bart went on to write several other musicals, including "Blitz!" and "Twang!!" However, none of these shows achieved the same level of success as "Oliver!" Bart also wrote the theme song for the James Bond film "From Russia with Love" and several other popular songs. Despite his success, Bart struggled with personal problems throughout his life. He was an alcoholic and drug addict, and his behavior often caused problems on the set of his shows. He also had financial difficulties, and in 1972, he was declared bankrupt. Bart continued to work in the music industry throughout the 1970s and 1980s, but his output was limited. He died on April 3, 1999, at the age of 68. Despite his personal problems, Lionel Bart remains an important figure in the history of musical theater. His work on "Oliver!" helped to popularize the genre and inspired many other composers and songwriters. His songs are still beloved by audiences today, and his legacy continues to influence the world of music.

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