Herbert Leonard Stevens (28 November 1910 – 13 May 1989) better known as Len Stevens, was a British composer, specializing in light music but producing works in many other categories. Among the best-known pieces he composed were News Scoop (used from 1958 until 1971 as the original theme tune to Grandstand on BBC television)Adrian Kerridge. Tape's Rolling Take One (2016) and Easy Street, which appeared on the Chappell Recorded Music label.Easy Street, The Melody Light Orchestra, conducted by Ole Jensen (aka Robert Farnon), C490B (1954/55) Stevens learned his trade in the pre-war British dance bands, and was employed as an orchestrator and theatre musician, while contributing original compositions to several recorded music libraries (including Chappell, Francis, Day and Hunter, Josef Weinberger and KPM).Biography, Robert Farnon Society
The orchestral piece Avalanche (1948) is a musical interpretation of an avalanche from its dramatic beginning through a frantic centre piece to its quiet aftermath.Avalanche. New Century Orchestra/Len Stevens - Francis Day and Hunter Recorded Music Library, FDH 048 (1948) Other titles by Stevens include Caribbean Caprice, Cinema Foyer, Clear Night, High Cloud, Holiday on Ice, La Madrilena, Lido Fashion Parade, Madame in Mayfair, Mountain Rally and Stampede.Scowcroft, Philip. Twenty First Garland of British Light Music Composers His music was often performed by Sidney Torch and his Orchestra.'Len Stevens', at Guild Music
Personal life and death Stevens was born in Wandsworth, London, England on 28 November 1910. He was married to Doris Mansfield in 1933. In 1962 he was living at Pineholme, Ellesmere Road in Weybridge. By 1969 he had moved to Josselin, Pyrford Woods, Woking.Who's Who in Music, 1962 and 1969 editions. He died in Surrey on 13 May 1989, at the age of 78.Biography, IMDb
External links
Easy Street introduces the short educational film The Daily Round: The Story of Milk Production and Distribution (1954), British Film Institute News Reel, KPM Music
References