Big George

George Webley (29 May 1957 – 7 May 2011), better known by the stage name Big George, was a British musician, composer, bandleader and broadcaster who has been described as one of Britain’s most successful theme music writers. Early life Webley was born in Clapham, London. His aunt Vera was the fan club secretary for Frankie Laine, who was Webley’s godfather on 1 June 1957. His first introduction to music was when Donald Swann attended his primary school to play to all the pupils after the school’s music teacher died. Webley later said “From the first moment he lifted the piano lid, I knew the direction my life was going to take.” Webley left school at the age of 14 to go on the road with a showband. He became friends with and regularly accompanied Herbie Flowers in his late teens after writing to the bassist for advice and was a session bass player until the age of 30. Music career Webley became a musical director for EMI at 30 and produced dozens of chart records. In 1989 he became bandleader on Jameson Tonight with Derek Jameson and Shane Richie. He composed or arranged the theme music for the television programmes Have I Got News for You, The Office, Room 101, and The Graham Nor