Turner Layton, born John Turner Layton, Junior., was an African American songwriter, singer and pianist.
Background
Born in Washington, District of Columbia, in 1894, he was the son of John Turner Layton, "a bass singer, music educator and hymn composer." After receiving a musical education from his father, he attended the Howard University Dental School, later coming to New York City in the early 1900s, where he met future songwriting partner, lyricist Henry Creamer.
Career
He frequently worked with Henry Creamer. He is best known for his many compositions with Creamer, the best known of which is the standard "After You"ve Gone", which was written in 1918 and first popularized by Sophie Tucker. The two contributed music and lyrics to many Broadway shows, including the Ziegfeld Follies of 1917, 1921 and 1922, Three Showers (1920), Some Party (1922) and Creamer"s own Strut Mission Lizzie (1922).
Turner continuing to perform in England.
An elegant song stylist, Turner had held a regular, successful spot over the years at the Café de Paris, a London club, until his retirement in 1946. He died in London in February 1978.
"After You"ve Gone"
"Dear Old Southland"
"lieutenant Must Be Love"
"Strut, Mission Lizzie"
""Way down Yonder in New Orleans"
"Goodbye Alexander, Goodbye Honey Boy".
Membership
Beginning in 1924, Layton found major popular success in England with Clarence "Tandy" Johnstone as member of the group Layton & Johnstone, quickly earning a reputation as a cabaret act, with the pair allegedly selling over "10 million records." He split with Johnstone in 1935, with Johnstone returning to New York and continuing to perform with significantly less success.