Previous posts for July 19th are here: Robert Mann (2019) and Vikki Carr (2020)
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Richard Leveridge (19 July 1670 – 22 March 1758) was an English bass singer of the London stage, and a composer of many popular songs. His career was long enough that he worked for both Purcell and Handel,
Low Brow
"Being a man of rather coarse manners, and able to drink a great deal, he was by some thought a good companion." --- Sir John Hawkins, qtd. in Wikipedia
"He was not only a celebrated singer of convivial songs, but the writer and composer of many...." --- Charles Burney, qtd. in Wikipedia
Richard Leveridge sang for Handel,
As he had sung for Purcell,
But though there was no major scandal,
His fame took a reversal.
Richard Leveridge was not stern, he
Liked his life convivial,
And thus old Hawkins and old Burney
Treated him as trivial.
Envoi
There’s a place for Higher Art,
For foreheads creased with thinking,
But Higher Art should have no part
In friendly nights of drinking.
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