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Lionel Bart

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

Lionel Bart was an English writer and composer of pop music and musicals, born Lionel Begleiter in Stepney, London, in 1930, the youngest of seven children of Jewish parents from Galicia. His father was a tailor. As a young man he was a capable painter. His songwriting career began in amateur theatre and at the Unity Theatre. He gained wider fame with pop songs for the young singers of the manager Larry Parnes, such as Living Doll for Cliff Richard and Rock with the Caveman for Tommy Steele. He also advised Parnes to sign Tommy Hicks, who became famous as Tommy Steele.

Music and breakthrough

His greatest work is the musical Oliver! from 1960, for which he wrote the book, music and lyrics himself. Together with his work for Joan Littlewood at the Theatre Royal in Stratford East, he played a major part in the emergence of the British musical in the 1960s. In 1963 he won a Tony Award for best original score, and the 1968 film adaptation won six Oscars, including best picture. He also wrote the title song of the Bond film From Russia with Love and songs such as Far Away for Shirley Bassey and Do You Mind? for Anthony Newley and Andy Williams.

Influence

Andrew Lloyd Webber called him the father of the modern British musical. Bart showed that pop songs and the stage could go together, with melodies that stick in the mind.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to a recording of the musical Oliver! and notice how the songs tell the story and at the same time work as stand-alone pop songs. Try to spot a chorus that you can sing along to straight away.

Discography

Studio albums

Categories: Artists