Wells Hively takes us through the origins of the music that accompanied the first moving picture films across the United States.
From the glam of the Silent Film era in Hollywood to the sun-kissed rafters of All Saints Episcopal Church, this intimate autobiography from Wells Hively takes us through the origins of the music that scored the first moving picture films across the United States.
Accompanied by annotated photographs from some of the era’s biggest stars, like Mary Pickford, Charlie Chaplin and Douglas Fairbanks, this story is full of thoughtful insights into the differences of traditional organ playing and movie sound effects along with a quiet look on the way Hollywood was developed in adaptation to the new technology around the movie studios during WWI and beyond.The Elliott Museum is proud to have hosted Mr. Hively to showcase his immense talent by bringing the silent era to life again for two outstanding performances in 1968. By digitizing his memoir, we hope to bring his voice to life again for researchers and silent film aficionados alike. These archived materials are available to view in person by appointment.
Wells N. Hively (1902–1969) was an American composer, organist, and educator whose career spanned several key eras in American music. Born in Corona, California, he gained early acclaim as a silent film accompanist at Grauman’s Chinese Theater and later composed scores for D.W. Griffith’s final silent films. From 1930 to 1940, he served as Director of Music at the Ruth St. Denis School of Dance in New York and became known for his work on NBC radio operas, including Robin Hood and The Courtship of Miles Standish. He was often called the “Noel Coward of Radio.”
Later, he led the music program at Graham-Eckes Academy in Palm Beach and toured as accompanist to coloratura soprano Lily Pons. Wells Hively spent his final years in Jensen Beach, Florida, where he played the organ at All Saints Episcopal Church. His performances were known for blending classical technique with theatrical flair, reflecting his early career as a silent film accompanist. He passed away in 1969 and is buried in All Saints Cemetery, Block 46 Lot 15.
Wells was known in our community for both his love for his craft and for his willingness to use it to help others. Combining talents with Doris Thurston, a beloved local painter and Frank Wacha Commissioner of Jensen Beach, they created the Carols of Christmas program near the Jensen Causeway.
The Elliott Museum is proud to have hosted Mr. Hively to showcase his immense talent by bringing the silent era to life again for two outstanding performances in 1968. By digitizing his memoir, we hope to bring his voice to life again for researchers and silent film aficionados alike. These archived materials are available to view in person by appointment.
