Henry Cowell - making the best of it behind bars
This image appears in the gallery:
10 of the greatest composers who broke the law
10. Henry Cowell - making the best of it behind bars
He might not be the most famous musical name of the 20th century, but American composer and theorist Henry Cowell's story is remarkable. In 1936 he was sentenced to 15 years in San Quentin State Prison (pictured) for what the authorities called a 'moral' charge (Cowell was bisexual). While he was inside, Cowell continued to compose at a furious rate, producing over 60 compositions, and conducted the prison band before being released after four years.
