Jimmy Glover facts for kids

James Mackey Glover (born June 18, 1861 – died September 8, 1931) was a talented Irish musician. He was known as Jimmy Glover. He worked as a composer, conductor, music critic, and journalist. His most famous job was being the Director of Music at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, in London for 30 years.

Early Life and Musical Journey

Jimmy Glover was born in Kingstown, Dublin, Ireland. His father, James Mackey, was a traveling salesman. His mother was Mary Jane Glover. Jimmy's grandfather, John William Glover, was also a musician. He helped edit famous Irish songs.

Jimmy went to school at Catholic University School and Belvedere College. After school, he started training to be a pharmacist in Dublin. But in 1879, Jimmy traveled to France with his grandfather. He spent three months in a monastery to learn French. Then, he learned to play the violin in Paris. While there, he also wrote for a London newspaper called The Entr'acte. He even got to interview the famous writer Victor Hugo!

Jimmy decided to follow in his grandfather's footsteps. He took his mother's family name, Glover, and became a composer and conductor. In February 1880, he moved to London. His first job was as a music director for a comedy show company.

A Career in London's West End

By 1893, Jimmy Glover was very successful. He became the Director of Music at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. This was a very important theatre in London. For 30 years, Jimmy worked there. He helped create the music for many shows, including the popular Drury Lane pantomimes. He became a well-known person in London's West End theatre scene.

Jimmy made friends with many famous actors and musical theatre stars. He wrote books about his life and experiences. These books shared stories about his time in the theatre world.

Besides his music career, Jimmy Glover was also involved in local government. He was the Mayor of Bexhill-on-Sea from 1906 to 1907. He also managed the Theatre Royal in Plymouth from 1912 to 1918.

Royal Performances and Later Life

Jimmy Glover was friends with the famous writer George Augustus Moore. Jimmy once said that he was the inspiration for a character in one of Moore's novels.

Jimmy was married twice. His first wife was Alba Fricker. In 1910, he married Kathleen Collins.

One of the proudest moments in Jimmy's career was in May 1911. King George V asked him to arrange a special performance. This show was for the German Emperor and Empress who were visiting England. It was a play called Money.

Jimmy's second wife passed away in 1929. He retired and lived in a hotel in Hastings. Jimmy Glover died on September 8, 1931.

Selected Books by Jimmy Glover

• The Poet and the Puppets (1892) – written with Charles Brookfield
• Jimmy Glover, His Book (1912)
• Jimmy Glover and his friends (1913)
• Hims Ancient and Modern, being the Third Book of Jimmy Glover (1926)