Collection: Hively, Wells

Wells Hively (1903‐1969) had a fascinating career and life, spanning several of the most important periods in American musical history. From 1917‐1928 (ages 14‐25) he was a celebrated accompanist for silent movies, as an improvisational organist at Grauman’s Chinese Theater in both Hollywood and Kansas City. At the age of 24, he was commissioned to write the musical scores for the last two silent movies produced by D.W. Griffith at United Artists Studios in Hollywood. From 1925‐1930 he studied and composed music in Paris and Brussels. From 1930‐ 1940 he was Director of Music at the Ruth St. Denis School of the Dance, New York City, and composer/lyricist for NBC radio operas in New York City. He became known as the “Noel Coward of Radio”. From 1940‐1962 he was the Director of Music at the Graham‐Eckes Schools and also was touring accompanist in the US and Europe for multiple opera stars, including Lily Pons, Thomas Hayward, and Sofia Noel.

Wells lived an extremely romantic life, traveling constantly in his work and composing at all times. He was bisexual, holding several long‐term relationships with other male musicians, while maintaining a romantic and devoted relationship with his wife Elsabeth, 11 years his senior, and their son, Wells Hively II. In addition to his musical compositions, Wells wrote several written pieces, notably “The Left‐Legged Organist – Stories of the Silent Film Era 1916‐1928”. 

Wells’ handwritten scores for 322 compositions; as well as concert programs, recordings, press clippings and photographs are owned, cataloged and held by his granddaughter, Kathryn Hively Snider. The compositions include 115 works for solo piano, 128 works for solo voice and piano, 28 for multiple voices and piano, 17 orchestral works, 8 works for multiple voices and orchestra, and 26 for other instrumental combinations, many of which will be made available publicly through American Composers Alliance in 2025.