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Leon RosselsonEnglish songwriter and children's writer
Country:
 Great Britain |
Content:
Biography
Leon Rosselson was an English songwriter and children's writer. He was born in London in 1934 to a family of Russian-Jewish refugees. He lived in the Tufnell Park area and attended Highgate Road School. In the 1950s, Leon sang in the 'London Youth Choir' and later performed in local theaters and occasionally worked in television.
The Galliards
In collaboration with Shirley Bland, Leon formed the quartet 'The Galliards', where he played the five-string banjo and guitar. The group mainly performed British folk songs and became regulars on BBC radio. They released two EPs and three full-length albums. Although the group disbanded in 1963, other members continued to perform as a duo until the 1970s.
The Three City Four
After the dissolution of 'The Galliards', Leon joined 'The Three City Four', with whom he released three albums. Some of the songs in their repertoire were later written by Leon himself. Their final compilation album, 'Smoke and Dust', was released in 2010.
Solo Career
During the 1960s, Leon extensively toured the UK, performing in folk clubs and singing his own satirical songs. He released albums such as 'Songs for City Squares', 'Songs for Sceptical Circles', and 'A Laugh, a Song and a Hand Grenade' in collaboration with Adrian Mitchell. His song 'Tim McGuire' gained significant popularity on BBC radio during this period. In 1971, he released the album 'Word Is Hugga Mugga Chugga Lugga Hum Bugga Boom Chit', featuring songs recorded with Roy Bailey.
Later Career and Writing
Leon continued to tour internationally, performing in North America, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, and Australia. He also wrote songs for the theatre production 'They Shoot Horses, Don't They?' at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield. In addition to his musical career, Leon Rosselson became a popular children's writer, publishing over fifteen books. His first book, 'Rosa's Singing Grandfather', was released in 1991 as an audio book. His last book, 'Home is a Place Called Nowhere', was published in 2002. 'The Greatest Drummer in the World' was adapted into a successful theatre production by Elizabeth Mansfield.
Awards and Legacy
Leon Rosselson's solo discography includes more than ten albums, including 'For the Good of the Nation' (1981), 'I Didn't Mean It' (1988), 'Wo Sind Die Elefanten?' (1991), 'Intruders' (1995), and 'Harry's Gone Fishing' (1999). He was awarded the Carnegie Medal for his book 'Harry's Gone Fishing'. Leon Rosselson continues to work and collaborate with various musicians, remaining a highly popular songwriter known for his satirical and politically charged songs.
