Role

:

Composer Performer

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

September 24, 1931 in London, England

Death

:

April 14, 1999 in Jensen Beach, FL

Genre

:

Film

 

 

Orchestral

 

 

Vocal

 

Anthony Newley was a British composer, singer, and actor who was born on September 24, 1931, in Hackney, London. He was the youngest of three children born to George and Frances Newley. His father was a shipping clerk, and his mother was a seamstress. Newley showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of five. He attended the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts in London, where he studied acting, singing, and dancing. Newley's career began in the 1950s when he appeared in several West End productions, including "Cranks" and "Stop the World - I Want to Get Off." He also appeared in several films, including "The Small World of Sammy Lee" and "The Strange World of Gurney Slade." In 1960, he wrote the music and lyrics for the musical "Stop the World - I Want to Get Off," which became a huge success and ran for over a year in London's West End. The show was later produced on Broadway and earned Newley a Tony Award nomination for Best Actor in a Musical. Newley continued to write and perform music throughout the 1960s and 1970s. He wrote the music and lyrics for several other successful musicals, including "The Roar of the Greasepaint - The Smell of the Crowd" and "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory." He also released several albums, including "Tony" and "The Genius of Anthony Newley." Newley's music was known for its catchy melodies and clever lyrics. He often wrote about the struggles of everyday life and the human condition. His songs were popular with audiences around the world and were covered by many other artists, including Shirley Bassey, Nina Simone, and Sammy Davis Jr. In addition to his music career, Newley also had a successful acting career. He appeared in several films, including "Doctor Dolittle" and "Can Hieronymus Merkin Ever Forget Mercy Humppe and Find True Happiness?" He also appeared on television, including a recurring role on the popular British series "The Avengers." Newley's personal life was often tumultuous. He was married four times and had three children. He struggled with alcoholism and drug addiction throughout his life and was known for his erratic behavior. He died on April 14, 1999, at the age of 67, from renal cancer. Despite his personal struggles, Newley's music and legacy continue to be celebrated today. His songs have been covered by countless artists, and his influence can be heard in the work of many contemporary musicians. He is remembered as a talented composer, singer, and actor who left an indelible mark on the world of music and entertainment.

More....