Leeds has produced numerous notable individuals whose talents and dedication earned them recognition across the nation. Among these figures is Angela Morley, an English composer and conductor, previously known as Wally Stott. Morley, who transitioned to live as a woman at the age of 46, is a shining example of resilience and artistry. Discover more about her life and contributions on leedska.com.
Childhood and Early Years
Angela Morley was born in Leeds in 1924, originally named Walter “Wally” Stott. Born into a musical family, her father worked as a watchmaker and played the ukulele-banjo, while her mother was a singer. Morley began learning to play the piano at the age of eight, showing an early aptitude for music.
In 1933, after her father’s passing, the family moved to Swinton, interrupting her piano studies. Morley later experimented with other instruments, including the violin and accordion, and gained performance experience with Bert Clegg’s semi-professional band in Mexborough.
At 15, Morley left school to tour with Archie’s Juvenile Band, earning 10 shillings per week. During World War II, she played saxophone with British dance bands, joining the Oscar Rabin Band in 1941.
Musical Career Development
While with the Oscar Rabin Band, Morley started arranging music, recording tracks such as “Waiting for Sally” and “Love in Bloom.” Later, she joined Geraldo’s band, which regularly performed on BBC Radio. This experience honed her skills in arranging for ensembles of varying sizes and styles.
Morley studied composition and harmony under Mátyás Seiber and conducting with Walter Goehr in London. By the age of 26, she had shifted focus from performing in bands to working as a composer and arranger. Her work included creating scores for radio and television, including music for Hancock’s Half Hour and serving as the musical director for The Goon Show from 1952 to 1960. Remarkably, she often composed music for The Goon Show on the day of its recording.
Morley also composed film scores for Associated British Picture Corporation and served as musical director at Philips Records’ British division. She worked with numerous renowned artists, including Shirley Bassey, and contributed to Scott Walker’s first four solo albums.
In the early 1960s, Morley orchestrated the UK’s entries for the Eurovision Song Contest.
Gender Transition and Public Life
Angela Morley transitioned privately in the early 1970s, embarking on a deeply personal journey. After gender-affirming surgery, she cautiously returned to the public eye, adopting the name Angela Morley professionally.
Her return to work was marked by a major project orchestrating Jesus Christ Superstar. In 1974, she contributed to the film score for The Little Prince, earning an Academy Award nomination. She later received three Emmy Awards for her arrangements in 1985, 1988, and 1990 and became the first openly transgender person to receive an Academy Award nomination. Morley’s work for television included composing for iconic series such as Dynasty and Dallas.
Morley’s career in music extended until the 1990s. She relocated to Scottsdale, Arizona, in 1994, where she recorded with the John Wilson Orchestra, lectured on film scoring, and founded the Grand Phoenix Alliance Chorale.
Angela Morley faced many challenges in reconciling her gender identity. She underwent gender-affirming surgery in 1970 and gradually re-entered public life. The name “Morley” was a nod to her grandmother’s maiden name.
Before her transition, Morley had been married twice. Her first wife, Beryl Stott, was a singer and founder of the Beryl Stott Singers. She passed away before Morley transitioned. In 1970, Morley married Christine Parker, who offered unwavering support during her transition. The couple later moved to Los Angeles in 1979 and eventually to Scottsdale in 1994.
Angela Morley passed away in Scottsdale in 2009, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking contributions to music.