Lewis Mobbs, Barton, Seagrave , UK
I am related to Lydia and Gladys Williams. I believe to be related to Ivor himself, as I am a singer myself I am very interested to find a lot about him.
Wed Apr 29 13:52:33 2009

Claire Oldfield, Sheffield
Ivor is my dad's great great (I think) uncle. I remember watching 'Zulu' when I was told. I hope to be like him as I'm studying at drama school and hope to make it into the profession - he had a lovely voice.
Tue Mar 24 16:00:33 2009

Richard Blackburn, Leicester
I remember with great affection the TWW programme 'Land of Song'. Our family were regular viewers. Although not speaking or understanding Welsh, we loved to hear the songs performed by Ivor Emmanuel and the rest of the cast. Ivor would speak in Welsh and English during the broadcasts. He had a wonderful voice, and I advise anyone to log on to YouTube and hear Ivors singing of 'Land of my Fathers'. Truly magical. Wales has lost a great son, and very courageous person in the death of Ivor Emmanuel.
Tue Dec 16 13:54:15 2008

Jack Reynolds Pontrhydyfen

Ivor's cousin is my great gran Mary Southwell who is now 73 years of age. Me and my family often go out to his house in Benalmadena to see his family.

My great gran always tells me stories about her childhood and stories that her mother told her, she also talks about Ivor when he was a child and his family. She has told many stories of the war, and how it effected her and Ivor's lives. Ivor has lived a fun-filled and enjoyable life.

Linda Price.. Manchester

My grandmother Harriet Davies (nee King) was Ivor's aunty, From Pontycymer, Bridgend Wales. John I know you and my Mum, Rene Price are in contact as my family now also live in New Zealand.

My sister Barbara with her husband Gary had the chance to visit with Ivor in Spain, while they were living here in the UK. I would like to know of any other family who live here in the UK.

May I just say how proud my family were and I'm sure we watched Zulu more times then I could remember. Mum would say "that's my cousin".

Steve Layland Wolverhampton
I was so sad to hear of the death of Ivor. I remember him so well in the film "Zulu". But it was my father who introduced me to his music. I remember him in 1970 purchasing a LP of Ivor singing Ivor Novello songs, and as a boy used to play this record...when my father died I much wanted this LP on CD because he loved it so much, and what do yo know? I found a copy in a little shop next to Caernarfon Castle
Fri Feb 8 10:40:08 2008

Susan Simpson (Lippett) Cardiff.

How thrilled I was as a young girl living in Cathays, Cardiff to be chosen to sing with Ivor on 'Land of Song'. The very first programme I took part in was the Christmas show, in which I was the Angel, wearing wings and a long white gown. My main concern was to walk down a flight of steps into the Nativity manger and arrive at the bottom of the steps safely - singing 'Away in a Manger', in Welsh, of course.

I do feel most privileged to have had the wonderful opportunity to be part of TWW's Family. Contented, happy, and carefree days were spent with lovely, kind people, singing and dancing on television. These proved to be the happiest days of my life.

Ivor will always be remembered as the Welsh man with a BIG Welsh Voice. He is already very sadly missed, but his voice goes on. It would be good to hear from anyone who remembers me from those happy times we all spent together. I did attempt to organize a reunion a few years ago, but it proved difficult. However, maybe we can still give this some thought. Also, it would make myself and my family very happy to be able to obtain some of the programmes of Land of Song. Such amazing memories will always live on.

James Dunn of Chester
I am so sad to read that Ivor has passed away. I really loved his very special voice and will always remember when he did a duet of the beginning of the second act of 'La Boheme' with Kenneth Mcellar - another much underated fine voice. If I sit still I can see and hear him now singing Men Of Harlech and it still brings tears. I have always admired the people of Wales and it is because of the enormous amount of talent that little country contributes to us all. May he rest in peace.
Mon Dec 3 14:03:43 2007

Rhys John Emmanuel
Joy, if you are related to Ivor then you must be related to me as I am his only brother. I have been building a family tree for some time and would be delighted to find relatives not previously known. I have lived in New Zealand for almost 44 years now and I miss my bimonthly chat with my dear brother very much. I have been unable yet to play any of his recordings. John (I am not known by my first name Rhys)
Mon Nov 26 12:55:03 2007

Laura Brailsford, Swansea
My parents knew Ivor very well when we lived in Malaga, Spain. He and my father were kind of drinking buddies. He was a very good friend, and when I was born he literally bought a truck full of nappies as a gift! I too want to be an actress and Ivor was able to give me some very good advice. Ill Miss you Ivor, and God bless your wife, Malinee and your beautiful daughter. x
Fri Oct 26 13:15:57 2007

Idris Charles, Llanelli
Good news for all Ivor Emmanuel fans!! As a very big fan myself I was delighted when Wedi7 the Welsh magazine programme I work for received a letter form one of the ladies who sang with Ivor as a member of The Norman Whitehead singers on "Land of Song". On Thursday I will be meeting all the ladies in the Angel Hotel Cardiff, and the item will be broadcast on Wedi 7 Monday 8th October. Idris Charles
Wed Oct 3 09:34:23 2007

ann willifer
So very sad to hear of Ivor Emmanuel's passing - what a wonderful voice and personality. How I would love to have met him. Instead, I send my sympathy to his family - I am so grateful for the joy his voice has given me and would like to know of all available CDs and DVDs please
Mon Sep 10 15:46:10 2007

Terence Sharkey
The vast Theatre Royal Drury Lane has echoed to many fine voices but none finer I think than the wonderful rich tones of Ivor Emmanuel. I was with him there for a couple of years in the early 1950s when 'The King and I' brightened up a foggy war-depressed London. I never heard Ivor angry, nor with a bad word about anyone. Affable and urbane always. A fellow actor rejoiced in the story of a night-train to Scotland one new years eve when in those days of corridor trains, Ivor (one of the many standing-room-only passengers) entertained for much of the journey with Welsh (and I daresay the odd Scots) song from the end of the carriage. It was typical of a man who knew how to confront adversity. It would be nice to think that our loss has made the heavenly choir just that bit richer.....
Mon Sep 10 15:41:02 2007

Pauline Jones
Very sorry to hear of the passing of Ivor Emmanuel. I only have a cd with 'The Dove', 'David of the White Rock', 'My Little Welsh Home', and 'The Ash Grove' on. My Mother, who was the same age as Ivor Emmanuel, and my Grandparents from Bargoed loved this Wonderful singer, (all sadly deceased too). I loved the way he could sing in a minor key, dropping and bending the note with his rich, special voice (I know what I mean!) thank you Ivor, you will be missed.
Thu Aug 30 09:25:16 2007

Janet Davies (nee Perry) Cardiff

I was so very sorry to hear of the death of Ivor. I was part of Glad y Gan from 1959 - 1964 and have such wonderful memories of that show. I have some lovely pictures of the choir with Ivor and one I especially prize, was taken after a show we did of Ivor pushing me on a swing.

1960 was a memorable year as Ivor and the Pontcanna Children's Choir were asked to appear in the Royal Command Performance in front of Her Majesty the Queen. The excitement on that day was electric for us all. After the show we all lined up backstage and waited for the appearance of Her Majesty the Queen to be presented to us. I have a photograph of us being presented to Her Majesty the Queen and in the background are so many famous stars of that time.

Yes, those times were magical. I send my heartfelt sympathy to Ivor's wife and family on their great loss. I feel so privileged to have known and sung with Ivor all those years ago.

Norman Thelwell California USA
Ivor Emmanuel was my Mother's favourite singer...As a family we all watched the "Land Of Song" programme. Though I never saw Ivor on the stage, I did meet him in the early 1960s when he visited the Red Lion Pub in Northop. I believe he was in a musical at Liverpool. We were only young kids, but he was so kind and charming and spoke to all of us in the street.
Tue Aug 28 11:27:25 2007

Bettina Holden, Buckley, Flintshire
I was so sad to hear that Ivor Emmanuel had died. I wrote to the local paper which they printed - with a lovely picture of Ivor in his early days, and also contacted the Eisteddfod which is in Mold this year, asking if his passing would be acknowledged. I sincerely hope it was because he is such an important singer to Wales. I think he has the most fantastic voice I have ever heard. I have tried without any luck so far to get hold of a record "Ivor Emmanuel Sings" on CD. Lovely recordings of "I'm just a Country Boy" and "This nearly was mine" and "My Heart and I" - and "Song of the Clyde" - wow! what an amazing baritone! So long Ivor and sincere condolences to family and friends out there who may read this.
Wed Aug 15 12:26:11 2007

Joy Emmanuel - Wirral
As a child I was always told that Ivor Emmanuel was my father's cousin. I do not know if they ever met. Can anyone help me with this? My branch of the Emmanuel family hails from the Denbigh/Llanelwy area. My father's name was William Henry Emmanuel 1912-1987 son of Samuel Emmanuel. Also, I notice a post above from 'Mary' mentioning her mother-in-law Nancy. I had singing lessons in Liverpool in the late 80's with a Nancy Peers, who was quite elderly. Could this be the same person?
Thu Aug 9 09:41:33 2007

Geoffrey Horan
You dont need to be Welsh to appreciate the man, a great voice, and a great man. A great voice for the heavenly choir.
Mon Aug 6 16:20:17 2007

Steve James, Cardiff
I have been away on holiday and only just heard of the death of Ivor Emmanuel. I was in the Pontcanna Children's Choir in the 1960s and have many very happy memories of singing with Ivor Emmanuel. He was a real pleasure to work with. Are there any DVDs of the Land of Song programmes?
Fri Jul 27 09:45:24 2007

colm from Llantwit major
How sad to hear the news that Ivor Emmanuel had passed away. As previously stated, my wife Sue (nee Morgan) was a member of the children's 'Land Of Song' choir, and tells me that Ivor was a wonderful person. Believe it or not, there is only one recording of any of the Land Of Song shows. I obtained a copy from the Museum at Aberystwyth but sadly it was an episode not featuring my wife! My sincere condolences to his family.
Wed Jul 25 09:16:38 2007

Andrea from Wrexham

We used to listen to Land of Song in our house in the 1950's when television was still black and white. We would have Sunday Tea on the big table with a lace tablecloth. This was salmon sandwiches, peaches and evaporated milk and bara brith. My Dad would join in with the choruses of the songs.

When I went to college in Cardiff, I saw an LP for sale in Woolworths in Roath Park which was of Ivor Emmanuel with the now famous Fronsysyllte Male Voice Choir. I bought it and took it back to my room in Cyncoed and played it. I sobbed. I was homesick and it comforted me. I still have it to this day.

I was very saddened to hear of this lovely man's passing. May his lovely voice always remain as a testimony to all that was good in the world once.
Wed Jul 25 09:16:07 2007

shirley ann morris
I always looked forward to Gwlad y Gan with Sian Hopkins. Where is she? Ivor made that show - he had a lot of charisma, even without his wonderful voicemy condolences to his family.
Tue Jul 24 09:29:57 2007

Rosemary Rees nee Major
I always loved the "Land of Song" programme. Ivor was wonderful and Sian Hopkins lived opposite us in Gordon Road, Roath, Cardiff when she was in the show. My best friend at that time was Tegwyn her Sister until they moved. I would dearly love to purchase a video/dvd of the series.
Mon Jul 23 10:48:16 2007

Holly Morgan,Bryn,PortTalbot
Ivor Emmanuel was my mothers uncle we will miss him lots (love you uncle)r.i.p x
Mon Jul 23 10:46:50 2007

Paul Dahne
Sorry to hear of your sad news Emily.
Mon Jul 23 10:44:41 2007

Caroline Angel
I wish to thank JIM GREEN who has confirmed that the man I travelled to Newport with just before Christmas 1995 was in fact Ivor Emanual. I have not visited this site for some time and have done so now after learning of his death.This has put the ghost to rest and I can now keep this beautiful memory of a very lovely man and tell my grandchildren, I HAVE met Ivor Emannuel. Thanks again Jim.
Mon Jul 23 10:36:59 2007

Claire Davies, Neath
Have just spent the evening watching 'Zulu' yet again. I am so sorry to hear the sad news about a local hero. I would like send my best wishes to his family and friends.
Mon Jul 23 10:31:51 2007

Suzy Hazel Oppenborn
Ivor was my brother-in-law. I am so sad to hear about his passing. When I visited him and his family during summer break, it was such a treat to get to hear him sing, and talk about the past. He had an amazing life, career, and a wonderful family. He will be missed by many. What a wonderful man, who contributed so much to life......
Mon Jul 23 10:17:58 2007

jim fenwick ofruthin north wales
I worked with ivor on the Ivor Emmanuel show tourng the northern club circuit. In clubs, where the audience was particularly bad and noisy, Ivor would turn the sound down, so they would have to be quiet to hear him. It worked every time. The guy had charisma, and was a giant of the performing arts. What I personally learned from Ivor Emmanuel held me in good stead for the rest of my career. So sad to hear of his passing yesterday. He will be missed. He went to live in Spain and I do think his country should have honoured him in his later years.
Mon Jul 23 10:04:24 2007

Sandra Gwilliam
I have adored Ivor since I was 13 years of age. I am now 69 and listen avidly to my CD, 'The Best Of Ivor Emmanuel'. I hope the dear man is happy. He has given me so much joy with his phenomonal voice. God bless you, Ivor, and thank you, so much for the pleasure you have given me.
Mon Jul 9 10:40:01 2007

Lance Bradley--rustington west sussex
I also remember IVOR EMMANUEL and TOM JONES singing, 'Working in a Coalmine'. I would love a recording of that show - circa 1961-2. I worked in the coalmine mentioned in that particular recording - Garth colliery, Tonmawr.
Fri Jul 6 12:11:52 2007

Cat Stone

I remember Ivor Emmanuel very well. I was a fairly young child and with my mother, used to go to every Sunday evening concert at the Pier Pavilion in Llandudno.

We were also regulars at the Arcadia Theatre, Llandudno. We got to know the regulars, some of the performers as well as Robinson Cleaver and Clive Stock. I was quite starstruck by it all and it made me a great fan of the theatre. I still am.

I am a senior teacher in a large comprehensive school but currently am off school with a knee injury. I tripped over a pavement when I was leading a school visit to a magistrates court!

Yesterday I was driven to the local library (I now live in Hampshire) to get some books to occupy my time and an Ivor Emmanuel CD was on the front of the CD section so I just had to get it out. I am now listening to it, reliving my childhood memories. It is wonderful - what a voice he has! It has been good to read all these comments too - and glad to know he is enjoying the sunshine in Spain - wish I was.

John Burgess

Ivor Emmanuel came into our house for supper and stayed well after midnight. We were living in Taunton, Somerset, in the late 50's and 60's. Ivor came to the town to record a musical show for television, I think it was HTV, in the nearby factory of Van Heusen.

The huge OB trucks were parked in the street outside of our house for most of the day.I remember going into the scanner truck and watching the programme being recorded in the evening. After the recording, Ivor appeared and asked my father if he could use our telephone to phone his wife. My mother made him a cup of tea and my father being welsh soon engaged with him in conversation.

While he was speaking to his wife, my mother then prepared a cooked supper. So, Ivor Emmanuel, me, my mother and father sat around our little dining table and enjoyed a most entertaining meal, listening to him recall his Welsh roots and many anecdotes from his life in showbusiness.

I remember his easy manner, engaging personality and that lovely warmth that Welsh people have in abundance. I think he stayed with us for about three hours before leaving to drive home to Wales. Sadly he didn't sing for us or leave his autograph.

fergy bennett connahs quay flints.
Did Ivor Emmanuel stay at my hometown Connahs Quay for a time? Seem to remember he stayed at a house in Church St., and drank a pint in the Old Quay House, possibly when he was appearing at the Liverpool Empire.
Mon Jun 4 09:36:43 2007

Peter Griffiths, London

My father, Denis Griffiths, was a tenor chorister and soloist alongside Ivor on 'Land of Song'. I am compiling a brief accout of the beginnings and the success of that TV show and would be interested in any accounts from people who were involved - perhaps as members of the children's chorus.

As for Ivor himself, his singing was much admired by my father and other cast members, and for me his heart-felt rendition of 'Dafydd y Garreg' Wen on the first of the two early 60s 'Land of Song' EPs on the Delyse label is really wonderful.

Carol Martin Sydney Australia
I was in the 'You'll be Lucky' show at the Futurist Theatre in Scarborough as a dancer wondering if that is the same show Jill Scarfe did with Ivor? I do not remember someone by that name in it, I guess I will have to look through my programmes. He was always a fabulous singerand a great success in all the shows I did with him.
Thu Apr 12 09:21:39 2007

gaynor lewis wimbledon
I would love the recipe for Tiesen Lap mentioned by Karen Bush please My aunt used to make a delightful one but when I tried at school it was awful!
Tue Apr 10 11:12:33 2007

Brian Bamforth, Llanfairpwll
Wherever we were at the time, (I was in the RAF), we always watched the Land of Song. Not only because my wife is Welsh. Ivor Emmanuel had (has) a wonderful voice (see Zulu) and with the Pontcanna Childrens choir it made a memorable show. Many years later when our eldest son moved to Cardiff he lived in Pontcanna. Was Ivor married to Pat Bredin at one time? [I recall Patricia came out with a BBC programme in the 1970's to RAF Masirah in the Oman. We had several entertainers, Joe Brown, Norman Collier, and another great Welshman, Alan Williams with the Radio show FORCES CHOICE with Ted Moult, Neil Durden-Smith and Marjorie Westbury?]
Wed Feb 28 08:54:35 2007

Ian Clarke from Cardiff

I can remember when a child watching Ivor on TWW's Land of Song and can recall a funny incident at the end of one of the programmes Ivor and cast boarding a train in the studio and then film footage showing the train travelling along a line in Wales. Unfortunately Ivor walked in front of the camera accidently during the closing titles of the programme which hilariously put paid to the fact that the train had not even left the studio. Well it was live TV then !!!!

Incidently some rare recordings of Ivor with the Richard Benson Orchestra appear on a Readers Digest compilation CD set called The Greatest Musicals of the 20th century. The 4 tracks are - Oh, What A Beautiful Mornin’ (from Oklahoma!). Ol’ Man River (from Showboat). The Girl That I Marry (from Annie Get Your Gun). Some Enchanted Evening (from South Pacific.

Although Ivor was visited at his home in Spain by Bryn Terfel in a recent TV documentary, that was very moving, it would be a nice gesture if he was invited back to be honoured in his homeland.

Jean Cowdrey, Havant Hampshire
My husband Steve has watched the film Zulu so many times he can relate word-for-word, and when Ivor starts to sing it is the highlight of the film. The grit and courage that the film depicts could not fail to make anyone watching, whether for the first time or the hundreth, be proud to be a countryman. Ivor's voice is like silk, thanks for sharing your gift.
Mon Feb 5 18:11:01 2007

Cheryl Hunter ( nee James)
I too was a member of the Pontcanna Children's Choir in the 60's and worked with Ivor, Johnny Greenland and Chris Mercer. Johnnie Stewart was also part of the show "Land of Song" They were all such lovely people and Ivor was particularly good to us kids. I remember Scott Whitehead very well indeed and of course, his Father, Norman who was a musical genius. Does anyone know where I can get a recording of the Land of Song shows - I'd love to show my own children what their Mum did as a teenager! Stuart, I remember you too!
Mon Dec 18 18:27:49 2006

Rita Tuting.Hailsham.E.Sussex
What a beautiful rich voice. It often brings tears to my eyes. Would so like to hear how he is doing,I know he lives with his daughter in Spain and would so like to meet him when I go on holiday. Thank you for that lovely voice.
Mon Dec 4 10:52:41 2006

Carole Piller Bedfordshire, England
I have always loved the voice of Ivor Emmanuel. It is with with some excitement to discover that he lived in Pontrhydyfen, where I am going to live in a few weeks time. I hope to see some evidence that he and Richard Burton enriched this village which is to be my home too.
Mon Oct 9 09:27:28 2006

Michael Patton from Melbourne Australia
Seeing Ivor in 'Land of Song' on B.B.C. television many years ago is still etched vividly in my mind as he made the show so special and enjoyable that all the cast seemed to become like one great happy family around this talented singer.
Tue Oct 3 11:13:34 2006

Peter Barrett, Northiam
I can remember seeing Ivor at one of the RAF Middle East bases, in the 60's, and I would be grateful if anyone can refresh my memory with the details. I believe that Patricia Bredin was also on the bill.
Mon Sep 25 09:18:10 2006

Enda Bracken

Ivor Emmanuel recorded for EMI's HMV imprint. He is represented on 2 CDs issued in 2005 celebrating Ivor Novello's music. They are:- I. "Novello - The Dancing Years, King's Rhapsody" (as well as songs from Careless Rapture, Glamorous Night, Perchance To Dream, Crest of the Wave)Ivor Emmanuel is on only 3 of the tracks singing "Fold Your Wings", "Love Is My Reason" and Rose Of England"

II. Novello - Glamorous Night, Careless Rapture (as well as songs from Perchance To Dream, Gay's the Word, King's Rhapsody, The Dancing Years). Ivor is present only on one track in a duet with Julie Bryan! "My Dearest Dear". I do not have the Ivor Emmanuel CD that is mentioned and so I do not know if these selections are on it. I have a vague recollection that Ivor recorded an all-Ivor Novello LP in the mid 70's which appeared here in Australia. His higher range was spine-tingling.

Jim Green
Just a quick note for Caroline, who wondered if she really did meet the man. I can assure her she did as I was the coach driver that day and remember seeing him on it as we speed from Newport to Birmingham just before Christmas. I thought it was 1995 not 1994 though.
Fri Aug 25 08:44:54 2006

Marion Harrison Bedlinog Mid_Glam
I am a huge fan of Ivor and so you can imagine my excitment when I went on holiday to Marbella with my brother and his wife and he announced he was taking me to meet Ivor at his home. It was the most memorable exsperience of my life and one which I will never forget. Ivor's wife Malini was the perfect hostess and their welcome was second to none, I met his daughter and her family and like her parents her welcome was warm and genuine. Thank you all for making that week so special for me, and thank you Ivor for giving us so much pleasure with that wonderful voice of yours and for just being you.
Mon Aug 7 10:01:03 2006

Richard Spendlove, MBE., - Cambridgeshire
Is Ivor Emmanuel still with us? I believe he retired to Spain (not a bad judge) but I do not know whether he is still 'amongst us'. I have played his work on my radio show many times and shall in the future (if I am spared)
Thu Jul 20 09:00:26 2006

jill scarfe
i also sang in the scarborough you'll be lucky show with ivor, i remember the first time i heard him sing we were in rehearsals when he walked on and started singing. what a wonderful voice. and what great funn we all had that summer.
Mon Jul 10 09:15:26 2006

David Webb
I used to love to watch the "Land of Song" programme on the TV. Black and White of course but that didn't matter. Little did I realise at the time that I was watching amongst the singers, my future wife. In 1973 I married Pat Cassie, formally of Ballet Ramberg. She only reveled to me much later that she had been in the show and how with Johnny Greenland the choreographer, they used to travel to Wales to do the programme. I would love to be able to get hold of one of the Programmes on tape or disk. For anyone interested I am sure my wife could come up with a list of names of ot! her performers.
Tue Jun 20 09:30:04 2006

Colm from Llantwit
My wife Sue(nee Morgan)was also one of the kids that used to sing on Land of Song with Ivor. I tried desperately to get a video recording of her on the show but couldn't obtain any recordings of the show despite many attempts.
Tue Feb 28 16:01:50 2006

Fay Thompson from Michigan
My mother and her family are from Cwmgwrach in the Neath Valley. We are very proud of being Welsh (and they do forgive me for being 1/2 English since my mother married an Englishman). Ivor Emmanuel's CD is in my car as well as in the house. Every time we play it, my Mam and my Aunt Margaret sing along and we all say what a beautiful voice he has. They only wish he sang every song in Welsh.
Thu Jan 26 20:13:16 2006

Scott Whitehead from Germany
For those who remember the village of 'Llantelly' with affection, I thought I would put in a reminder here for my late father, Norman Whitehead who worked closely with Ivor Emmanuel during the early years of 'Land of Song'. In fact it was probably my father's musical contribution in his capacity as Musical Director for TWW that really launched Ivor as a national star. When my father died in 1974, Ivor sent a wreath of flowers which said: "To the finest musician I have ever known"...
Tue Jan 24 19:32:06 2006

Lynne from California
Having a Welsh Mam, and being raised Welsh despite being born in Brooklyn, when I saw Zulu, and heard Men of Harlech sung so easily, gracefully and smoothly by Ivor Emmanuel, the goosebumps came up then as easily as they do now, in memory. Brings back hymns from Gymanfoed Ganu heard over the years. Only problem with Zulu was that it needed more singing! Diolch yn fawr, Ivor! It's so good to be Welsh, isn't it?
Sun Jan 22 06:46:04 2006

Rosemary Parry, Surrey
Ivor Emmanual and Tom Jones sang "Working in a Coal Mine" together on a tv show many years ago. Fabulous. Does anyone else remember this?
Fri Jan 13 15:03:01 2006

Bob Allen Chatham Kent (UK)
Zulu without any shadow of doubt is the best film ever made. And when Ivor started to sing Men of Harlech it makes the hairs on the back of the neck stand up, Men of Harlech stand ye steady...
Wed Dec 21 07:00:10 2005

Stuart Hollands formerly from Cardiff, now in Linc
I certainly did hear him sing! As a young boy in 1960/61 I was privileged to be a member of the Pontcanna Childrens' Choir which appeared each month with Ivor in TWW's 'Land of Song'. He was a warm-hearted and kind individual and for Christmas 1960 he gave presents to all the kids in the choir. He had such a beautiful rich voice. I never tire of listening to his CD. Even though I've lived outside of Wales for many years, I owe it to Ivor for my deep love of Welsh music and culture. If he is reading this, diolch yn fawr, Ivor!
Wed Dec 14 16:18:20 2005

Emily Emmanuel, Spain
I always enjoy reading the wonderful comments everyone makes of my father on this page. I am Ivor's youngest daughter and very proud of having a father with such a voice. Although he lives a very quiet life now, he still has that beautiful tone of voice, which is specially moving when he sings to his youngest grandson. Hopefully he will transmit his tallent to the youngest of the family. Thank you all for your wonderful words.
Wed Dec 14 05:04:12 2005

Chris Webster, Spain.
I stumbled on this page by accident and was surprised to see the amount of interest in IE.

I was interested to read of his unsuccessful audition with D'Oyly Carte around 1947, however the biog fails to say that he WAS accepted by DC in 1950 and he was a chorister with them for nearly eighteen months, latterly playing small parts too. He married a fellow chorister at this time.

Readers may be interested to know that I I reissue Gilbert and Sullivan recordings on CD, and I have recently issued a 1966 recording of "The Pirates of Penzance" in which IE plays the lead tenor role.

His voice is pleasant but he is not well cast as Frederic which really requires a different sort of voice and a different personality. However, this would be an irrelevant point to fans of IE who will nevertheless find much to enjoy.

The CD of this is fully official, being issued under licence from Decca who own it, and being restored direct from the master tapes. It is distributed by 78s2cd .

I was also interested to note that he moved to Spain in the 80s and has been spotted in a holiday resort bar, as I moved to Benidorm last year where I opened my Music Hall piano bar.

Is IE still alive? If he is and he's ever near here we'd love to have him pop in for a chat about his DC days as I know many of the artists he would have worked with. Maybe he'd even give us a song !!
Thu Dec 8 20:01:06 2005

Bob Roberts from Basingstoke
I have only heard recorded songs by Ivor Emmanuel but my wife and I both consider his to be the very best male voice we have ever heard. His is the voice of Wales.
Thu Dec 8 19:58:54 2005

Sandra Hudson from Adelaide Australia
Have been trying for ages to get anything by Ivor, always our favourite singer. He does the best versian of Rose of England, and the tears flow.
Tue Nov 29 11:06:31 2005

Stuart Harrison, San Francisco
Hi, I was a teenager in the 60's in South Wales, and Ivor Emmanuel sang part of the soundtrack! What a voice! Having left the UK over 25 years ago, I never hear any of his old recordings and I have to admit that even the TWW moments have been erased from my gray matter now (I can see them with lot of Interference on Channel 10 from St. Hilary!) Anyway, it would be great to hear him again. (I accidentally came across his name looking up some stuff about Ivor Novello
Fri Nov 25 01:19:10 2005

Clyde Morris - Swansea
I am trying to find one of Ivors LPs with a song to do with morning mist which should be on his best hits but is not. It has an early best hit LP.
Tue Oct 18 11:21:53 2005

Ray Jones, Cimla
In Ivor's biog. it states that he joined the Pontrhydyfen Operatic Society. Was there ever such an organisation? I have a newspaper cutting from just after the war which states that the lead in a Port Talbot Operatic Society production was played by a talented and youthful star named Ivor Emmanuel. Ivor's brother John who lives in New Zealand and is mentioned above is also a life member of the same society.
Mon Oct 3 22:55:42 2005

Sylvia Anderson from Texas, USA
My mother is from Wales, which I suppose accounts for our love of music of nearly every genre. I gave her several CDs of the great Welsh choirs as gifts (having to order them from Britain, since they're not exactly thick on the ground here in Texas!) I also ordered several for myself, and one turned out to be a 'generic' "All the Best From Wales," which has several wonderful cuts.

I later identified the major artist as Ivor Emmanuel. Recently, I was delighted to find "The Best of Ivor Emmanuel" CD...

On the CD "Land of My Fathers," does anyone know the name of the female lead singer on the 9th cut, "Y Nefoedd"? Most exquisite female vocal I have ever heard! Like Ivor Emmanuel, I wish I could find more recordings.
Sat Oct 1 15:21:40 2005

Michael from Farnham
I have always liked Ivor Emmanuel's voice. I remember hearing his rendition of "I am just a country boy" played on the radio once some years ago - by David Jacobs I think. It was absolutely magical, he turned a simple song into a beautiful ballad. I have been looking for a recording of it ever since, without any luck.
Tue Sep 20 20:35:54 2005

Barbara Weatherwax, Reno, Nevada USA
Ivor Emmanuel is my benchmark for magnificence of voice. I have only heard him on the "A Time For Singing" cast album, but have never heard a voice to compare. I am a retired singer/actress in the USA, and have seen and heard and worked with the best - but Ivor out shines them all and I have searched for any information about him for years. How joyful to finally find some link to him on this website. I've always been sad that he was unavailable here in the states! I hope he has experienced a fulfilling lifetime carreer. He's awesome.
Tue Aug 16 01:24:48 2005

Ave, Montana USA
I remember seeing Ivor in Zulu, but never heard him again until introduced to his CD (The Best of...) by one of his fellow Welshmen with whom I was working in Syria. Bought the CD - and regret all the years I didn't know him. Wish the U.S. would accept foreign artists other than the pop crowd.
Thu Jun 2 22:35:39 2005

Geoff Roddis - Manchester
Went in a bar outside Fuengirola for an afternoon of karaoke in 1996, I was dumbfounded sat in there was Ivor whose name I could not remember. He saw the look of amazement on my face and just said 'Ivor Emmanuel Zulu Men of Harlech'. He was a nice man, stone sober and looking very fit and well.
Sun Mar 13 21:27:48 2005

Graham Cherry from Torremolinos
For Marged; Sian is living in Málaga and appears regularly at the Salon Varieties Theatre in Fuengirola as well as cabaret spots along the Costa del Sol. She is next due to appear in Fiddler on the Roof which opens on 11.03.2005 having just sung with a male voice choir from South Wales.
Mon Mar 7 20:08:28 2005

Ann Good (nee Moore)
Being a local girl from Margam, Ivor had a newphew who was at school with me at the same time @ Eastern School. I always remember him being 'our local famous person'. Have often thought what happened to him, where does he now live? His nephew lived near what was Groeswen Hospital. So proud to be Welsh with Ivor, Burton, Hopkins, Evans just great !!
Mon Feb 21 19:26:45 2005

Lynne Appleby nee Stephenson
I sang in a schoolgirls choir for a summer season at the Futurist theatre Scarborough 1961 with Ivor in a show called You'll Be Lucky starring Al Read.
Thu Feb 17 20:43:27 2005

Ed Chatelle[Canada]
Really loved this mans voice, have tried for ages to find a record [or several] of his singing.
Fri Jan 7 23:00:35 2005

Peter Davies from Brighton
Yes Ivor Emmanuel did appear on Broadway in 'A Time For Singing' (musical version of 'How Green Was My Valley') - his co-stars included Shani Wallis and Tessie O'Shea. It was released on LP (I have it) despite the show being a flop. However it's a pretty good score.
Wed Jan 5 00:00:32 2005

Sue - Lowestoft
Lovely looking man and a voice to remember. I would have loved to have met him when he appeared in Zulu as I had a crush on him.
Tue Jan 4 13:40:01 2005

Marged
Does anyone remember Sian Hopkins who sang on the Ivor Emmanuel Show in the early 1960's and made such an impression upon me and my husband that we called our first child Sian. She was only young appearing on the show - only a teenager.

Mary:
My mother-in-law Nancy King (deceased) had singing lessons together with Ivor as a child, and her brother (deceased) was Donald Peers.

Caroline:
As I stood waiting for the coach in Newport, I began speaking to a smart tanned gentleman who introduced himself as Ivor Emmanuel and said he was returning from abroad where he had been singing and was travelling to his daughters for Christmas. He had stayed overnight in an hotel in Newport. When the coach came in we sat together and chatted all the way to Birmingham, he was a very interesting man who spoke about his wife who was Italian and who had unfortunately been killed in a car crash in Paris.

He spoke of his daughters, one of whom ran a hotel for him. He also spoke about Zulu. I must admit I did not believe he was Ivor and to this day still don't, and when I saw him on television some time later I felt this was confirmed because he did not look like the man I had spoken to, but when it showed a long shot of Ivor, I must admit he did look very similar, identical in stature.

What would Ivor Emmanuel be doing on a coach? I would like to have the ghost put to rest. Does anyone know if Ivor did this trip around 1994?

Karen Elizabeth Bush:
I consider Pontrhydyfen my adopted home ... I have several 45 rpm recordings of Ivor singing children's songs in Welsh, but my most vivid memories have to do with Hilda Owen Richard Burton's sister, pointing out the rock outcropping on which Ivor's parents' home stood, and which was hit by a bomb jettisoned by a damaged Junker on its way back home to Nazi Germany. I have the Welsh Cake (Tiesen Lap) recipe given to me nearly 40 years ago by the 'Aunt Flo' who raised Ivor. Is anyone interested?

Susan Mumby from Rotorua, New Zealand
I am Ivor Emmanuel's niece. My father is John Emmanuel, Ivor's younger brother. We emigrated to New Zealand in 1963. Both my father and Ivor had the voices of angels. Unfortunately for my dad he looked and sounded so much like Ivor that he was unable to 'go professional'.

We are very active in theatre here in Rotorua. Next week we are playing in Annie here. My dad is Daddy Warbucks and I have the pleasure to be playing Miss Hannigan. My dad is often in touch with Ivor by phone, and has been to Spain three times to visit him. We have always wished we could get him to visit us here, but no luck so far.

Carol Martin, Sydney
I worked with Ivor Emmanuel in several theatre shows and cabaret, when I was a professional dancer in England for many years. He was a great person to work with and had a wonderful voice, and was a big hit in every show.

Keith Whye
I remember watching Ivor Emmanuel in the 1960's on Sunday afternoon's when the TWW (Television Wales and West - the predecessor to HTV) religious programme's were broadcast nationally . Ivor used to sing some of the hymn's. The one moment I do remember was when Ivor appeared on The Ken Dodd Show - Doddy greeted him as 'Ivor Enamel'.

Anne:
I've always had a 'soft' spot for lovely Ivor Emmanuel - remember him on the telly in Land of Song. In my opinion he had everything - wonderful mahogany voice , twinkling personality and not bad looking also. Was a fan long before the film Zulu brought him to international notice. Is he still married to Marion Davies? Once saw them walking through Saundersfoot when we were holidaying there in the 80's. Is he ever going to return from Spain then?

Carol from Syndey:
In answer to David (below), Ivor Emmanuel went to New York in 1966 as the Protestant Minister - David Griffith in the musical version of 'How Green Was My Valley'.

Peter Brooks
Did Ivor Emmanuel appear on Broadway during the 1960's (approx. 1968) in a musical based on 'How Green Was My Valley'?

Fri Nov 5 14:36:36 2004