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John Turner

1932 – 1982

English lyricist, music publisher

Lyricist Songwriter Music publisher
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About John Turner

Lived 1932 – 1982 (aged 49). John Turner was a British lyricist, songwriter and music publisher.

James John Turner Phillips, also known as Jimmy Phillips, (7 July 1902 – 14 April 1982) was an English lyricist who used the pen name John Turner.

Biography He ran the Peter Maurice Music Company, whose most important lyricist was Geoffrey Parsons. The company specialized in adapting songs originally in foreign languages into the English language. He would usually assign a song to Parsons and when the latter was finished, suggest some changes. The credits for the English lyrics would then be given as "John Turner and Geoffrey Parsons".

The words of "Smile" to the music of Charlie Chaplin, was written at the Peter Maurice Music Company office on Denmark Street, London in 1954.

Lyrics credited to Turner and Parsons "Auf Wiederseh'n Sweetheart" "Mama" "Oh! My Pa-Pa" based on the German song "O Mein Papa" by Paul Burkhard "Smile"

Lyrics credited to Turner, Parsons, and another collaborator "The Little Shoemaker," based on the French song "Le petit cordonnier", with Nathan Korb.

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Important facts

Birth century
Nationality
Also known as
James John Turner Phillips, James Douglas Turner, Arthur Price

People in John Turner's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped John Turner's

Frequently asked questions

Who was John Turner?

English lyricist, music publisher

When was John Turner born?

John Turner was born on 7 July 1932.

When did John Turner die?

John Turner died on 14 April 1982.

What was John Turner's occupation?

John Turner was a lyricist, songwriter and music publisher.

What nationality was John Turner?

John Turner was British.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: John Turner

· Wikidata: Q6261443

· DBpedia: John Turner (lyricist)

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). John Turner. https://biography.guide/john-turner-lyricist/

MLA: "John Turner." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/john-turner-lyricist/.

Chicago: "John Turner." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/john-turner-lyricist/.

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