Ivor Novello Davies (
January 15,
1893 -
March 6,
1951), better known as
Ivor Novello , was one of the most popular entertainers of the
20th century. He was born in in
Cardiff to a Clara Novello Davies, a moderately successful singer. He first became well known as a result of the song, "Keep the Home Fires Burning", which he composed during
World War I. After the war, he appeared on stage in the
West End, in
musical shows of his own devising, the best known being
The Dancing Years (1939). He also went to
Hollywood and appeared in films, but the stage remained his first love and the medium for his major successes.
During World War II, Novello was convicted of illegal use of rationed petrol (gasoline) and was briefly imprisoned. This downfall from his luxurious lifestyle completely broke his spirit, and he was never the same man after his release. However, he continued to appear on stage until the day before his sudden death.