Steve Race
1 April 1921 – 22 June 2009
Steve Race OBE, perhaps best known for his broadcast work on the BBC’s My Music, died on 22 June, aged 88.
A multi-talented composer and pianist, Race created award-winning compositions that spanned popular music, advertising jingles and television. He joined the Performing Right Society in 1949 and was appointed to the PRS board in 1964, serving as Deputy Chairman from 1973 to 1978.
Race was born in Lincoln in 1921. At five years old he began to learn the piano and, recognised as a talent, went on to study at the Royal Academy of Music at 16.
World War II interrupted his work as a pianist and arranger for a number of bands – including Harry Leader’s and Ted Heath’s. His skills, however, paid an important role in the war effort, as leader of the RAF Swing Stars and as part of the RAF Bomber Command Dance Orchestra.
Following a period of freelancing after the war, Race turned his attention to television and broadcast, finding fame with Mr Turnip in the 1950s.
Race won an Ivor Novello Award for his jazz single Nicola, while his ad themes for gained him accolades at Venice and Cannes. His contribution to the music industry was recognised with an OBE in 1992.