Turner Layton facts for kids
Turner Layton (born July 2, 1894 – died February 6, 1978) was an African American songwriter, singer, and pianist. His full name was John Turner Layton, Jr. He often worked with Henry Creamer to create popular songs.
Contents
Turner Layton's Life and Music
Turner Layton was born in Washington, D.C. in 1894. His father, John Turner Layton, was a bass singer and music teacher. He also wrote hymns. Turner learned music from his father.
Early Career and Hit Songs
After his musical training, Turner Layton studied at Howard University Dental School. Later, he moved to New York City. There, he met Henry Creamer, who would become his songwriting partner.
Layton and Creamer wrote many famous songs together. Their most well-known song is "After You've Gone". They wrote it in 1918, and Sophie Tucker helped make it very popular. Another hit song they wrote was "Way Down Yonder in New Orleans" in 1922. This song became a rock and roll hit for Freddy Cannon in 1959.
Turner Layton and Henry Creamer also wrote music and lyrics for many Broadway shows. These included the Ziegfeld Follies in 1917, 1921, and 1922. They also worked on shows like Three Showers (1920) and Some Party (1922).
Success in England
In 1924, Layton found great success in England. He formed a group called Layton & Johnstone with Clarence "Tandy" Johnstone. They became very popular as a cabaret act. People say they sold over 10 million records!
Layton and Johnstone stopped working together in 1935. Johnstone went back to New York. Layton stayed in England and kept performing. He was known for his elegant singing style. He had a regular and successful show at the Café de Paris, a club in London. He performed there until he retired in 1946.
Turner Layton passed away in London in February 1978. He was 83 years old.
Recordings
You can find some of Layton & Johnstone's recordings on CD. Two albums were released in the UK: Living Era (CD AJA 5426) and Flapper (PAST CD 9712). There are also two compilation albums of Layton's solo recordings on CD.
Legacy
Turner Layton's daughter, A'Lelia Shirley, inherited his musical works. When she passed away in 2001, she left the rights and money from her father's music to Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children in London. This is a hospital for children.
Notable Compositions
Here are some of the famous songs Turner Layton helped create:
- "After You've Gone"
- "Dear Old Southland"
- "Goodbye Alexander, Goodbye Honey Boy"
- "It Must Be Love"
- "Strut, Miss Lizzie"
- "'Way down Yonder in New Orleans"
