John Francis Bishop

Member

• Composer/Lyricist: Lyricist
• Genre: Songwriter
• Email: jandm@johnbishop2.plus.com

Biography

John Bishop (Lyricist) , a poet for many years, with work published in magazines and newspapers and inclusions in seven anthologies of poetry, is a fairly recent convert to lyric writing. When in 1998 one of his poems, "Diana - Reflections" was put to music by composer Ian Harrold, John decided to let his love of words find an additional outlet. In 1999, he was asked to write the libretto for "A Millennium's Story" for which Ian Harrold wrote the music. This was performed by the Hertford Symphony Orchestra and the East Herts Youth Choir and premiered at Castle Hall, Hertford, on 30 January 2000. Also in 1999, he teamed up with composer, Derek Thurland to write "Christmas Eve" for the Stevenage Male Voice Choir to perform in four part harmony at a Christmas concert in Hitchin Town Hall.

Since then, in conjunction with Derek Thurland's music, John has written the lyrics for marches, ballads, choral pieces and blues, including the very popular "Carpe Diem".

In 2002 John worked with the Swedish composer for the musical theatre, Bo Wastesson, and they completed seven pieces together. Also, with music by Ian Harrold, the JOHN BISHOP SONG BOOK was produced and received a successful premiere by the composer at the Pennine Spring Music Festival in June of that year (Obtainable via www.ihmusic2.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk.).

2005 saw the beginning of a collaboration with composer and symphony orchestra conductor, Paul Adrian Rooke, which has so far resulted in five completed songs, including the tribute to Frank Sinatra:- "Ol' Blue Eyes" (obtainable via www.pauladrianrooke.com.).

Also, under the jurisdiction of The Really Useful Group, John has recently contributed lyrics to a piece of work by William Lloyd Webber.

Currently, John is writing for the Sinatra style singer HUTCH and the blues singer MINIKA.

John's musical influences are light classical, jazz and show music and he can be contacted via email on jandm@johnbishop2.plus.com or via The British Academy of Composers & Songwriters.