Born into a Jewish family in London's East End, he joined the British Army at the age of 14 as a band boy, and as a result of his natural ability was sponsored by the Army to study at the Royal College of Music.
A young man from a Jewish household in London's East End joined the British Army at 14 as a drummer, and because of his remarkable aptitude, he received sponsorship from the Army to attend the prestigious Royal College of Music.