Maurice Elwin
Maurice Elwin | |
---|---|
Background information | |
Birth name | Norman MacPhail Blair |
Also known as | John Curtis Maurice Kelvin Donald O'Keefe Guy Victor Max Wynn many others |
Born | Uddingston, Lanarkshire, Scotland | 14 June 1896
Died | 5 October 1975 Hampstead, London, England | (aged 79)
Genres | Dance band, traditional pop |
Occupation(s) | Singer, voice coach |
Years active | 1916–1959 |
Norman MacPhail Blair (14 June 1896 – 5 October 1975), who most often used the
Life and career
He was born in
He made his first known recording, as Maurice Elwin, in 1916, though it was not issued at the time, and performed with pianist and composer
A baritone singer, Elwin was one of the most prolific British recording artists of the era, recording some 2,000 tracks. His style was said to be "understated and subtle", relatively unemotional and with precise diction.[1] Among the many bands with whom he recorded in the 1920s and early 1930s were those of Bert Firman and Arthur Lally.[2] These were regarded at the time as "hot" bands, though Elwin also recorded with more orchestral ensembles, notably the Savoy Orpheans led by Carroll Gibbons in the early 1930s.[3] By 1936, he was said to receive the highest salary ever paid to a British dance band singer.[4]
Elwin made many broadcasts on
After the mid-1930s, his output diminished greatly and he made few recordings. One factor was "pernicious catarrh", which affected his voice. He became well known as a teacher of singing based in Hampstead,[3] described in publicity as "voice doctor to the stars", and using a stethoscope to test "voice resonance". He continued to make occasional radio appearances, both on the BBC and Radio Luxembourg, until the late 1950s.[1]
He died in 1975, aged 79, and was buried in Hampstead Cemetery.[1]
References
- ^ a b c d e f A. G. Kozak, "About Maurice Elwin", MauriceElwin.com. Retrieved 19 March 2021
- ^ Brian Rust, Jazz and Ragtime Records, 1897–1942, 2001
- ^ a b "Norman MacPhail Blair", Electric Scotland. Retrieved 19 March 2021
- ISBN 0-7134-4235-2, p.78
- ^ Search, Maurice Elwin, Radio Times, BBC Genome. Retrieved 19 March 2021
External links
- Maurice Elwin discography at Discogs
- Maurice Elwin at Kelly Online Database
- Maurice Elwin at Find a Grave