Role

:

Composer Performer

Birth

:

October 4, 1848 in Portishead, North Somerset, England

Death

:

September 7, 1929 in Weybridge, Surrey, England

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Keyboard

 

 

Vocal

 

Frederick Edward Weatherly was a British lawyer, author, and songwriter who is best known for writing the lyrics to the popular song "Danny Boy." He was born on October 4, 1848, in Portishead, Somerset, England, to a family of musicians. His father, Frederick E. Weatherly Sr., was a church organist and composer, and his mother, Emma Weatherly, was a singer and pianist. Weatherly grew up in a musical household and showed an early talent for music. He began playing the piano at a young age and later learned to play the violin and the organ. He attended Oxford University, where he studied law and became a barrister. However, his passion for music never waned, and he continued to compose and perform throughout his life. Weatherly's first published work was a collection of poems called "Songs of the West," which he wrote while still a student at Oxford. The book was a success and helped establish his reputation as a writer. He went on to write several more books of poetry and prose, including "The Lawyer's Lyre," "The Gentle Art of Making Enemies," and "The Old Country." In addition to his writing, Weatherly was also a prolific songwriter. He wrote the lyrics to over 3,000 songs, many of which became popular hits. Some of his most famous songs include "Roses of Picardy," "Danny Boy," and "The Holy City." "Roses of Picardy" was written in 1916 and became a popular song during World War I. The song tells the story of a soldier who is separated from his lover and longs to be reunited with her. The song's sentimental lyrics and catchy melody made it a favorite among soldiers and civilians alike. "Danny Boy" is perhaps Weatherly's most famous song. The lyrics were written in 1910, and the melody was adapted from an old Irish folk song called "Londonderry Air." The song tells the story of a father who is saying goodbye to his son, who is leaving to fight in a war. The song's haunting melody and poignant lyrics have made it a beloved classic, and it has been covered by countless artists over the years. "The Holy City" was written in 1892 and became a popular hymn. The song tells the story of a pilgrim who is traveling to Jerusalem and imagines what it will be like to see the city of God. The song's uplifting lyrics and soaring melody have made it a favorite among churchgoers and choir singers. Weatherly's music was popular not only in England but also in the United States and other countries around the world. His songs were performed by some of the most famous singers of his time, including Enrico Caruso, John McCormack, and Paul Robeson. In addition to his writing and music, Weatherly was also a philanthropist and social activist. He was a supporter of the suffragette movement and worked to improve the lives of women and children in England. He also founded the Weatherly Home for Boys, a residential school for underprivileged boys in London. Weatherly died on September 7, 1929, at the age of 80. His legacy as a writer and composer lives on, and his songs continue to be performed and enjoyed by people around the world.

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