Norman Newell
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Norman Newell (January 25, 1919 – December 1, 2004) was a top record producer in the 1950s and 1960s in the UK, writing to the lyrics to many notable songs and working with legendary names such as Shirley Bassey, Peter and Gordon, Vera Lynn, Bette Midler, Judy Garland and Petula Clark. Newell was particularly known for his recorded productions of West End musicals. He was born in Plaistow, east London.
Norman Newell was the head of EMI's Columbia label for many of the labels most successful years. He was also an excellent songwriter, responsible for hits that include "More," "A Portrait of My Love," and "This Is My Life." His contacts in every position of authority in the publishing industry in the UK, and was able to help EMI lock up the rights to the British cast albums of any American show opening in London. Cast recordings of popular West End shows were hugely popular in the 1950's and 1960's and were huge sellers for EMI.
He continued working as a producer into the 1980's, most notably on Shirley Bassey's 1984 hit album with the London Symphony Orchestra "I Am What I Am".
During his career Newell's honors included one Grammy, an Emmy, and three Ivor Novello Awards for his contribution to the entertainment industry, and six British Music Industry Awards. In 1999, Newell's song "A Portrait of My Love" was honored at the BMI Awards in London for having crossed the threshold of two million radio plays, and his songs have been covered by everyone from Judy Garland to Celine Dion and Aretha Franklin.
 |
This article about a British musician is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
 |
This article on a music producer is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
This article about a writer or poet from the United Kingdom is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
This article on a songwriter is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
