David McCallum, Sr.

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David McCallum, Sr. (26 March 1897 – 21 March 1972) was the Scottish concertmaster violinist of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the London Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Scottish National Orchestra. He was also the father of actor David McCallum and of author Iain McCallum.

David McCallum was born in Kilsyth, near Glasgow to a musical family. He studied at the Glasgow Academy of Music and the Royal College of Music, London, where he studied under Maurice Sons, a pupil of Henryk Wieniawski and leader of the Queen's Hall Orchestra.

Early in his career he arranged music for several local silent cinemas. He also played in the cinema trio, and it was here that he met his wife, cellist Dorothy Dorman.

In 1922 he broadcast as a solo violinist for the first time. Between 1932 and 1936 he led the Scottish Orchestra in Glasgow under John Barbirolli, then was asked by Sir Thomas Beecham to lead the London Philharmonic Orchestra in succession to Paul Beard who had joined the BBC Symphony Orchestra.

During the Second World War McCallum led the National Symphony Orchestra and played with the London Studio Players and the BBC's Overseas Music Unit. After the war, McCallum rejoined Beecham, this time as leader of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. From 1961 to 1971 he was leader of Annunzio Mantovani's orchestra.

Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page credits McCallum with giving him the idea of playing his guitar with a violin bow according to MTV's Led Zeppelin Rockumentary.