Bert Lee

Bert Lee (June 11, 1880 - January 23, 1946) was an English songwriter. He wrote for music hall and the musical stage, often in partnership with R. P. Weston.

Lee was born June 11, 1880 in Ravensthorpe, England. [ [http://imdb.com/name/nm0496869/ Bert Lee (I) ] ]

He and Weston became partners in 1915. They were prolific songwriters thanks to their workman-like attitudes. They reportedly wrote a song a day. [Russell, Dave. "Popular Music in England, 1840-1914: A Social History", Manchester University Press, 1997, p 109. ISBN 0719052610] Ultimately, they wrote more than 2000 songs including 75 skits, pantomimes, and sketches. [Halliwell, Leslie. "Halliwell's Who's Who in the Movies", 15th edition, HarperCollins, 2003. ISBN 0060534230]

The duo also wrote music for film, including the book and lyrics for "O-kay for Sound", a 1937 film. [ [http://www.screenonline.org.uk/film/id/474108/ screenonline: O-Kay For Sound (1937) ] ] Much of their film music was written specifically for Sydney Howard, a noted comedian. These included "Splinters in the Air" and "Squibs". [Halliwell, Leslie. "Halliwell's Who's Who in the Movies", 15th edition, HarperCollins, 2003. ISBN 0060534230] Among Lee's most endearing tunes is Knees Up Mother Brown!, which is traditionally associated with Cockney culture. This was written in 1938 in collaboration Robert Weston's son, Harris, after Robert's death in 1936.

Lee died January 23, 1946 in Llandudno, Wales. [ [http://imdb.com/name/nm0496869/ Bert Lee (I) ] ] He is interred at Ormes Head, Llandudno. [ [http://www.arthurlloyd.co.uk/Burials.htm#L Music Hall and Variety Artistes Burial Places ] ]

Select Filmography (As Writer)

Yes, Madam?, 1939
Hold My Hand, 1938
Splinters in the Air, 1937
Fame, 1936
Squibs , 1935
Girls Please! , 1934
It's a Cop, 1934
Trouble, 1933
Up for the Derby, 1933

ongs (partial list)

* 1910 "Joshua" w.m George Arthurs & Bert Lee
* 1912 "Hello, Hello, Who's Your Lady Friend?" w.m. Harry Fragson, Worton David & Bert Lee
* 1916 "At Finnigan's Ball" w.m. Bert Lee
* 1917 "Paddy McGinty's Goat" w.m. R.P. Weston, Bert Lee & The Two Bobs
* 1917 "Good-bye-ee" w.m. R. P. Weston & Bert Lee
* 1920 "The Gipsy Warned Me" w.m. R. P. Weston & Bert Lee
* 1922 "My Word You Do look Queer" w.m. R. P. Weston & Bert Lee
* 1926 "The Tears Shed In London Tonight" w.m. R. P. Weston & Bert Lee
* 1926 "What I Want is a Proper Cup of Coffee" w.m. R. P. Weston & Bert Lee
* 1928 "All Mine" w.m. Douglas Furber, R. P. Weston, Bert Lee, Jack Wallace and Joe Tunbridge from the Musical "Virginia"
* 1932 "Sing, Brothers" w.m. Bert Lee, Joseph Tunbridge, Jack Waller & R. P. Weston from the Musical "Tell Her the Truth"
* 1932 "Horrortorio" w. Bert Lee & R. P. Weston m. Joseph Tunbridge & Jack Waller from the Musical "Tell Her the Truth"
* 1934 "With Her Head Tucked Underneath Her Arm" w.m. R. P. Weston & Bert Lee
* 1936 "And The Great Big Saw Came Nearer And Nearer" w.m. Robert E. Harris, Dwight B. Latham, Bert Lee & R. P. Weston
* 1938 "Knees Up Mother Brown!" w.m. Harris Weston & Bert Lee
* 1940 "Brahn Boots" w.m. R. P. Weston & Bert Lee

References