- Born
- Died
- Birth nameClifford William Adams
- Cliff Adams was born on August 21, 1923 in Southwark, London, England, UK. He was a composer and actor, known for Inherent Vice (2014), Keep It Up Downstairs (1976) and Cry Wolf (1968). He was married to Jan Waters. He died on October 22, 2001 in Westminster, London, England, UK.
- SpouseJan Waters(1964 - ?) (divorced)
- Composed "The Lonely Man Theme" featuring harmonica for the Strand cigarettes ad (1959) directed by Carol Reed. In spite of its artistic quality, it failed dismally as an ad campaign. It featured a man (played by Terence Brook) walking alone at night in London. No-one liked the cigarettes and the brand was withdrawn in 1960.
- He was drafted into the Royal Air Force in the Second World War, and became part of the RAF band, performing mostly in Africa.
- On 3 July 1959 the singers first appeared on the BBC Light Programme in Sing Something Simple, also featuring Jack Emblow on piano and accordion. Featuring Adams's own arrangements of popular songs, the show was originally commissioned for six programmes, but was so successful that it was immediately extended, and continued to be broadcast every Sunday until shortly after Adams' death in 2001.
- In 1949, he formed a vocal group, The Stargazers, with Fred Datchler, Dick James (later replaced by Bob Brown), Ronnie Milne and Marie Benson. The group found success backing leading singers of the day.
- Adams also worked in the new medium of television advertising, writing many jingles, such as for Murray Mints, Fry's Turkish Delight, Milk Tray and Smash instant mashed potato.
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