Philip Braham (18 June 1881 ? 2 May 1934) was an English composer of the early twentieth century, chiefly associated with theatrical work.
Braham studied at Cambridge University before beginning a musical career in the theatre. He wrote for revues (several produced by André Charlot) and musical comedies, collaborating with Reginald Arkell, Eric Blore, Sydney Blow, G. H. Clutsam, Noël Coward, Max Darewski, Kenneth Duffield, Herbert Haines, Douglas Hoare, Ronald Jeans, Donovan Parsons, Howard Talbot, Fred Thompson and Frank Tours.
In World War I, Braham volunteered for medical work, being unfit for active service. He began to compose music for the theatre in 1914. The best-remembered show on which he worked was probably London Calling! (1923) on which he collaborated with Coward. He also contributed additional music to the hit musical Theodore & Co (1916) and wrote the music for the hit revue Tails Up! (1918), which played at the Comedy Theatre in London for 467 performances. In 1925, he collaborated with Coward in On with the Dance and John Hastings Turner on Bubbly, starring Cyril Ritchard. His best-known song is the jazz standard 'Limehouse Blues', which he co-wrote with Douglas Furber. It was introduced by Teddie Gerard in the 1921 West End revue A To Z, but was soon closely associated with Gertrude Lawrence, for whom it became something of a signature tune.
In the early 1930s, Braham turned to film music, working as musical director at Wembley Studios. He was managing director of Philip Braham and Campbell and was on the board of directors of the London Pavilion. He was known in the theatrical world as 'Pa' and was noted for his hospitality. He died suddenly in his office in London, aged 52.
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