Cantor David Rome, minister at Sutton & District United Synagogue has been collaborating musically with the legendary David Lee, who was the long-time accompanist to Judy Garland.
David Lee, who is a member of Kingston United Synagogue composed together with the lyricist Herbert Kretzmer the hit song ‘Goodness Gracious Me’ for Sophia Loren and Peter Sellers, was resident musical director on ‘That Was the Week That Was’, and has famously worked with Louis Armstrong, Sarah Vaughan, Duke Ellington, Cleo Laine, Millicent Martin and many of the greats. He also wrote the last song sung by Nat King Cole ‘No Other Heart’ before he passed away.
David Lee’s wife Leila recently celebrated her 99th birthday and we wish her much mazal and bracha.
Between 1955-1959 David Lee became pianist/arranger for the Johnny Dankworth band. During this time he featured and played on all of the recordings made by the Johnny Dankworth Orchestra. He wrote the West End stage musical Our Man Crichton in 1964 and was one of the founders of 102.2 Jazz FM radio station.
At the sprightly age of 98, he and Cantor David Rome have teamed up to bring new renditions of some of the most beautiful music ever written. They have recorded ‘A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square’ and ‘A Foggy Day in London Town’ with more to come. Do join their YouTube channel to receive notification of latest songs.
Chazan Rome is no stranger to performing and has over the years featured alongside Chief Rabbis, Prime Ministers and Royalty and performed in many prestigious venues both nationally and internationally.
Cantor David Rome said: “It is the greatest honour and privilege to have the opportunity to create music with the legendary David Lee. I truly value the fact that I am learning so much from David, who is 98 years young. He is inspirational with such energy, vibrancy and intellect. I believe that we as the younger generations have so much to learn from individuals such as David Lee, and I am so deeply privileged to experience his wisdom and musicality.”
