Composer, arranger and musician David Bedford passed away on 1 October 2011.
From a musical family, David Bedford began composing at the age of seven. He studied at the Royal Academy of Music and in Italy. His grandmother Liza Lehmann was the first writer member of PRS.
In the late 60s he joined Kevin Ayers’ Whole World on keyboards and then became arranger and conductor for Mike Oldfield, Roy Harper, Elvis Costello, Madness, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Billy Bragg, Enya and many others, whilst still pursuing a busy classical career. He has also worked on films, most notably The Killing Fields and The Mission.
David was appointed to the PRS Board on 8 September 1994. He served as Deputy Chairman (Writer) for two terms, and was Chairman from 1 January 2002 until 31 December 2004. He was also a trustee of the PRS for Music Members’ Benevolent Fund and a Board member of the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors.
David was one of the founding trustees, and first Chairman of the PRS for Music Foundation. He served on its Board for 10 years, helping to ensure support for thousands of music creators and organisations across the UK.
PRS Chairman Guy Fletcher said, “David was a force within the music industry, both as a renowned composer and in his tireless work representing the interests of all writers and composers. His passing is a huge loss to the classical community and to all the staff, board and members of PRS for Music. Our thoughts are with his family at this time”
(Rated)
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David will be sadly missed…
Firstly as one of the rare “Cross-Cultured” composer’s – working both with several of my comtempories, whilst remaining a first-class ” serious” composer,..
And as one of the rare Directors of the Board who knows the ins and out of what being a writing and gigging musican means ..
As he travels on to “Stars End”, where I’m sur sure he’ll be able to give out his “Instructions to Angels” – We’ll be missing him !
Tim