Robert Maxwell

Harpist Robert Maxwell's popularity surpassed that of Harpo Marx (at least as a harpist), and for good reason. He made many a great pop record without getting swallowed up by his classical training and performances. He was born in New York City, the son of unmusical parents. Taking up the harp at age ten, he won a Lincoln High School scholarship to the Juilliard School of Music, where he studied under Giannini and Grandjany. After joining The National Symphony Orchestra at age 17 (their youngest member), he gave solo recitals in New York and Los Angeles. Also in symphonic stints, he performed under the batons of Arturo Toscanini and Serge Koussevitsky.



The Coast Guard led to Maxwell's first real break as a popular harpist, meaning a ham of a performer. His commanding officer, Rudy Vallee, arranged tours for Maxwell where he performed for servicemen. From this experience, he learned solo-performance presence and ways to make his instrument seem less dainty and cherub-bound. At this time, he entered a contest at radio station KFI in Los Angeles and was awarded second prize, even though he missed the finals.

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