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.
Hailing from a Jewish family in London's East End, he enlisted in the British Army at 14 as a drum boy, and due to his exceptional talent, was supported by the Army to pursue studies at the Royal College of Music.