George R. Poulton
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (April 2015) |
George R. Poulton | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1828 |
| Died | 1867 (aged 38) |
| Occupation | Composer, musician |
Notable work | "Aura Lea" |
George Rodway Poulton (bapt. 16 October 1828[1] – 1867) was an English musician and composer.
He was born in Cricklade, near Cirencester, Wiltshire, England in 1828 to Charles Poulton and Hannah Rodway Poulton. He was baptised in St. Mary's Church and was raised in the town until the age of seven when his parents, Charles and Hannah Poulton, emigrated to Lansingburgh, New York. George Poulton's descendants still have connections with Cricklade.[2]
In 1861, George Poulton composed the melody for the song "Aura Lea", which was popular during the American Civil War,[2] and later became popular with college glee clubs and barbershop quartets. It was also sung at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York. In 1956 the tune (now in the public domain) was given new lyrics and released as the Elvis Presley song "Love Me Tender".
In 1864, he was tarred and feathered after having an affair with a young student.[2][3] He died in 1867, aged thirty-eight.
References[]
- ^ Wiltshire, England, Church of England Births and Baptisms, 1813-1916
- ^ Jump up to: a b c Woolfoot, Andy (16 August 2007). "Elvis' debt to Cricklade composer". Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard. Retrieved 24 June 2019.
- ^ Rittner, Don (2002). Troy: A Collar City History. Arcadia Publishing. p. 40. ISBN 9780738523682.
External links[]
Media related to George R. Poulton at Wikimedia Commons
| hide Authority control  | |
|---|---|
| General |
|
| National libraries | |
| Other |
|
- 1828 births
- 1867 deaths
- People from Wiltshire
- People from Lansingburgh, New York
- Cricklade
- Tarring and feathering in the United States