Bert Lee

Who was Bert Lee?

Bert Lee was an English songwriter. He wrote for music hall and the musical stage, often in partnership with R. P. Weston.

Lee was born 11 June 1880 in Ravensthorpe, Yorkshire, England.

He and Weston became partners in 1915. They were prolific songwriters thanks to their workman-like attitudes. They reportedly wrote a song a day. Ultimately, they wrote more than 2000 songs including 75 skits, pantomimes, and sketches. They worked together in Weston's house in Twickenham, Middlesex.

The duo also wrote music for film, including the book and lyrics for O-kay for Sound, a 1937 film. Much of their music was written specifically for actors Sydney Howard and Stanley Holloway both noted comedians of the 20's and 30's. These included Splinters in the Air for Howard and Squibs for Holloway. Among Lee's most endearing tunes is Knees Up Mother Brown!, which is traditionally associated with Cockney culture. This was written in 1938 in collaboration Robert Weston's son, Harris, after Robert's death in 1936.

Lee died 23 January 1946 in Llandudno, Wales. He is interred at Great Orme, Llandudno.