Profile Text
Birth Name: George Percy Grainger
Date of Birth: 8 July, 1882
Place of Birth: Melbourne, Australia
Date of Death: February 20, 1961
Place of Death: White Plains, Westchester, New York, U.S.
Ethnicity: English
Percy Grainger was an Australian-born composer, arranger, and pianist. He played a major role in the revival of interest in British folk music in the early 20th century.
Percy was the son of Rosa Annie “Rosie” (Aldridge) and John Grainger (John Harry Grainger), an architect and civil engineer; who designed 14 bridges, including the Princes Bridge in Melbourne, and was chief architect to the Western Australian Department of Public Works. His father was born in Westminster, London, England, and moved to Australia in 1877. His maternal grandparents were also English. Percy’s uncles included businessperson George Sydney Aldridge, who was president of the Adelaide Stock Exchange; and James Henry “Jim” Aldridge, a prominent hotelier and horse breeder, who founded the Richmond Park Stud in Richmond, Adelaide.
Percy moved to the U.S. in 1914. He became an American citizen in 1918. Percy used the professional name Percy Aldridge Grainger. He was married to Swedish artist and poet Ella Ström, until his death.
Percy’s paternal grandfather was named John Grainger. John was a master tailor.
Percy’s paternal grandmother was named Mary Ann Parsons.
Percy’s maternal grandfather was named George Aldridge (the son of James Aldridge).
Percy’s maternal grandmother was named Sarah Jane Grant/Brown (the daughter of Timothy Brown).
Source: Genealogy of Percy Grainer – https://www.findagrave.com