October 29 - Vivian Ellis (The Musical Birthday Series, 2nd Annual Cycle)

Vivian Ellis (29 October 1903 – 19 June 1996) was an English musical comedy composer best known for the song "Spread a Little Happiness" and the theme "Coronation Scot."

 [For last year's item on Jon Vickers click here.] 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vivacious

There isn’t much the books can tell us

About composer Vivian Ellis;

There were a few forgotten shows

Which only a fanatic knows,

And then perhaps a song or two

Recalled by a nostalgic few.

I should, you say, have passed him by,

But I will not, and this is why

I’m rescuing this minor Vivian

From doubtless well-deserved oblivion:

I sing this man of little fame

To make a point about his name.

For in a world in which we live

Where men can have a name like Viv,

The lesson, which you may have guessed,

Is “neutral pronouns are the best.”

Envoi

Until you know which they prefer,

Use “them and they” not “him or her”.

 

 

 

 

If you enjoy these posts, please help me, and consider sharing.  [Also, please visit my other blog: Alternate Tales: Great Art Repurposed.]