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Wayne's World
Meet new Patron Jeff Wayne
New HAD Patron Jeff Wayne (pictured here with HAD Chief Executive Annabelle Waterfield) was born in New York and discovered early in his life two passions that have remained with him – music and tennis. He took classical, and later, jazz piano lessons from the age of five. He was taught tennis by his father Jerry – a former college player turned singer, actor, writer, and theatrical producer, who played romantic gambler Sky Masterson in the original West End musical production of ‘Guys and Dolls’, bringing the Wayne family to the UK.
Since the late 1960’s, Jeff has become an award winning composer, arranger, conductor and producer working with a diverse range of artists from Acker Bilk to the Who.
In 1978, Jeff’s most famous work, his musical version of ‘The War Of The Worlds’, was released.
In the summer of 2005 following over a year’s work, The War of The World’s was re-released in the UK and internationally. The album again became a big hit.In April 2006 Jeff begins a 14-date sold out concert tour of the UK that takes in the Royal Albert Hall and Wembley Arena.
Tennis has remained an active part of Jeff’s life. He has represented Great Britain and currently captains the Herts County Men’s team – winners of this years National County Week title.)
Jeff and his wife Geraldine live in Shenley.
Prior to Jeff going on the road with TWOTW we asked him a few questions about his life and musical influences…
HAD: You spent much of your younger life travelling between NY and UK. What was that like?
JW: I first moved to England from New York when I was nine and stayed for just over four years, returning to New York for around another four years, then moved to California with my parents. I returned to England six years later and have remained ever since. I have happy memories and hope I picked up the
better qualities of both countries.
HAD: Favourite city NY or London?
JW: Actually, to me they both have their own magic – New York is just ‘out there’, 24/7 and can satisfy the most diverse of tastes at any time. London has equally its own character, and its restaurants, theatres and historic places to visit certainly competes with New York although perhaps more subtly.
HAD: What was Richard Burton like? Any amusing anecdotes?
JW: Richard was a thorough professional, totally prepared for his role as George Herbert, The Journalist on my musical version of TWOTW. He and I became good friends after the album came out. On one trip just after TWOTW was released he phoned me and asked if I could come to tea at the Dorchester. I accepted and presented him with some gold and platinum albums.
He was thrilled with the discs and after the pictures were taken he told me that although he was a huge internationally acclaimed actor, he was experiencing people of all ages coming up to him with copies of TWOTW asking for his autograph. He found it a new and special experience – Richard Burton, pop star.
HAD: Favourite artists?
JW: Nat King Cole, The Rolling Stones, Dave Brubeck, Ray Charles and Franki Valli.
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