Ralph Trewhela

Ralph Trewhela (1911-1983). Composer, lyricist, broadcaster, playwright and copyright specialist.

Biography

He married Evelyn Levison. Their daughter is author Beverley Naidoo.

Career

Composed light music, notabaly some popular songs during the 2nd World War (e.g. "So Long Sarie" and also "There's a Boy up North" which was recorded by Vera Lynn).

His book Song Safari - A Journey through Light Music In South Africa (published by The Limelight Press, 1980) traces the history of South African light music.

Later worked for Gallo Records as administrator and a specialist on international copyright.

He was a board member of SAMRO for several years.

Contribution to SA theatre, film, media and/or performance

He composed music for the 1951 film The Pennywhistle Blues (also known as The Magic Garden).

Wrote and composed a number of musical shows including:

Happy Landings (date unknown)

Sextet (with Anthony Farmer and Adam Leslie, 1957)

Ever Since Eve ((with Anthony Farmer and Ken Hooper, 1958)

I Spy (with Anthony Farmer and Adam Leslie, 1959)

He is also credited with writing additional lyrics for King Kong: An All-African Jazz Opera (1959)

Eldorado (1960)

Aladdin and the Magic Lamp (1974)

He collaborated on several series of children's programmes with his wife Evelyn Levison, including Gulliver's Travels, Aesop's Fables and the radio programme Tales of the Bushveld.