Thomas K. Hunter read his first biography of Winston Churchill when he was 12 years old. In Tom’s eyes, Mr. Churchill seemed to have a life blessed with every possible advantage and adventure – born into wealth, fame, and nobility, young Winston became a soldier and war correspondent who achieved his own fame when he escaped from a prisoner of war camp during the Boer War in 1899 in South Africa.
Riding this wave of popularity, he ran for office and was elected as a Member of Parliament at only 26 years of age! He married the beautiful Clementine Hozier, had five children and became Lord of the Admiralty for England in World War I. A political career of senior cabinet positions did not prevent Winston from also achieving success as a writer of speeches, articles, and books.
Movie stars like Charlie Chaplin and famous intellectuals such as Albert Einstein came to visit Churchill at his country estate and he was called upon by Kings and Queens and the world’s political leaders to provide his opinion and good counsel. A life of adventure culminated in his becoming Prime Minister and leading the fight against Nazi Germany to eventual victory! But surely Winston Churchill was destined for such a life with such an extraordinary beginning?
To his surprise, Tom discovered through his more in depth reading as an adult that Winston Churchill actually had a childhood beginning that pointed to a life of failure as predicted time and again by Winston’s cold and distant father, Lord Randolph Churchill. Nevertheless, with every disappointment and set-back Winston somehow managed to persevere.
Many years later, Tom’s love of language as a practicing lawyer and his love of music as a songwriter and musician resulted in a partnership with his friend and professional composer and arranger, Steve Lehmann. Steve and Tom have performed, written songs and worked together on various musical projects for over 25 years. They have now completed this new and all original musical as testament to those who struggle and persevere against life’s challenges and ultimately find their own meaning of success.