10 Famous People You'll Be Shocked To Learn Were Total Perverts

3. Percy Grainger - Sadomasochism

The name of Percy Grainger may not be one which is found in every household, but the man was a forerunner in experimental arranging and composing in the classical genre. When you think of classical music, you're most likely to find yourself thinking of slightly older men, quite probably those who look like they haven't done anything anywhere near the definition of "debaucherous" for a good long while, if ever at all. But, true to his reputation as an experimental composer, Grainger decided to experiment with how he got his kicks. In his formative years, Grainger gained a hunger for sadomasochism, which, as I'm sure you're aware, is most definitely not quite the wholesome and traditional form of enjoyment taken up by the masses. It turns out that Grainger was brought up with a mother who was more than a little bit keen on the whole disciplinarian attitude, and so it has been widely assumed, particularly by Grainger's biographer John Bird, that it was this style of upbringing which sparked and interest in the rougher stuff for Grainger. From a young age, Grainger began to practice self flagellation and developed an obsession with punishment. What makes this darkly hilarious is that his wife Ella Strom apparently knew nothing about Grainger's habits until just months their marriage. Grainger revealed his secret in a magnificently creepy manner, sending a letter to Strom which included the line that as far as whips go "blows are most thrilling on breasts, bottom, inner thighs, sexparts". Kudos for skin crawling beauty, sir.