Page 18 - Phonebox Magazine April 2013

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Terry Lightfoot Jazz Clarinetist 1935 - 2013
Born in Potters Bar, Terry moved to Olney in 1997. A world famous Jazz Clarinetist, he toured with his band Terry Lightfootʼs Jazzmen. He set the band up in 1956 and became the youngest ever professional bandleader in the Britain. Kenny Ball started his career in this band.
He has toured extensively, had a number of hit records, and many TV appearances including The Morecambe and Wise Show and was Des OʼConnorʼs resident band. His daughter Melinda joined the band during the later years, supplying lead vocals.
Terry and his band were one of the few musical acts to be allowed to play in East Berlin. As part of the troops entertainment, they have played the Falklands, and Belize and have travelled extensively throughout Europe and the US. He has also played with renowned musicians such as Louis Armstrong, Humphrey Lyttelton, Kenny Baker, Eric Delaney, and Sophie Tucker, and fronted the Acker Bilk band whilst Acker was recovering from throat cancer.
In 1978 he became pub landlord of the Three Horseshoes in Harpenden but was still heavily involved in music presenting musicians including Humphrey Lyttel- ton, Chris Barber, and George Melly. He returned to touring 5 years later.
Recently he has often appeared in local venues including: The Olney Jazz Club, Cafe Brio and The Stables - entertaining audiences not just with music and song, but colourful stories of his early jazz years.
The Phonebox pay tribute to Terry by reprinting the Desert Island Disc interview from October 2009.
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18 Phonebox Magazine
Wonderful World
Louis Armstrong
Night at the Palladium. ʻThis track was one I really enjoyed playing, and still do. It is so simple in construction but can really swing when in the right hands - an easy crowd pleaser.ʼ
New York, New York
Frank Sinatra
When Terry Lightfoot was 14 years old and at Enfield Grammar School, one of his mates invited him home to listen to his Dadʼs 78s, amongst which were Fats Waller and Louis Armstrong. This was right at the beginning of the jazz revival in the UK, and this type of music was only just being heard, certainly it was the first time Terry had heard anything like it and he was hooked. He and his mate, along with four others, decided to start a band. None had played musical instruments before. Somebody beat Terry to his instrument of choice, the trumpet, so he bought a clarinet in an old wooden box for £9. Largely self-taught, Terry really struggled with it for the first month and almost gave up completely. But something clicked in place. Terry said ʻI was fortunate, although I wasnʼt very good, the other five were awful so it inspired me to continue!ʼ Luckily, continue he did and 15 years later, in 1964, he found himself touring with his hero and early inspiration, Louis Armstrong. ʻI remember feeling totally awe inspired and somewhat numb dur- ing this experience. Louis Armstrong started it all off for me and was my hero, and here was I, the support act for the man who brought jazz from New Orleans to the rest of the worldʼ.
In the 60s the British Musicianʼs Union had an arrangement with the US. US bands were not allowed to perform in the UK unless they took a band back with them to the US. On one of these ʻexchangeʼ trips, Terry toured for 16 days, including performing in New York. ʻI remember turning up in February, in New York, and never having been so cold. It was freezing. But the city was stunning and vibrant and special. This song hadnʼt even been written then, but now when I hear it, I am taken back to that freezing, but amazing place.ʼ
Lady be Good
George Gershwin
ʻI am going to choose Melinda, my daughterʼs version, from her CD. Just because I am so proud of her musical talent. She now tours with my band, and her lead vocals and stage pres- ence have really blossomed. It is a real privilege and joy to have her with me on stage at this later part of my career.ʼ
After a couple of years playing seedy but fashionable Jazz Clubs, and some early BBC broadcasts courtesy of his National Service years, in 1956 Terry formed the first Terry Lightfoot and the Jazzmen and went professional. At this time, they were mostly playing in the many jazz clubs that had sprouted throughout the country. Jazz was be- coming more and more popular, and a major concert was staged at the Festi- val Hall for up and coming bands. Just four bands were chosen to play, includ- ing Acker Bilkʼs first band, and Terryʼs Jazzmen. ʻLady be Goodʼ was one of the songs we played. It was an amaz- ing experience to play in such a huge venue, alongside the likes of Ackerʼ.
Any Book of Quotations
Mack the Knife
Luxury Item
Bobby Darrin
My Wife
By 1960, jazz had become much more of commercial success, the time of the Trad Boom. The jazz players, including Terry and his Jazzmen became inter- national stars and regularly appeared on TV on live shows such as Sunday
Whilst this probably isnʼt strictly within the BBC rules, Terry didnʼt falter for one second when asked what his luxury item would be. Having been happily married for 56 years he simply said ʻMy Wifeʼ. HB
Stardust
Shall We Dance
Book Choice
Artie Shaw
This is my signature tune, which I have played at all my concerts, gigs and tours for the last 25 years. Written by Hogey Carmichael, it is a lovely classic ballad, and the Artie Shaw arrangement is my favourite.
Melinda Lightfoot
The Complete Works of Shakespeare, plus a major religious or philosophical book are yours to take to the island. Which other book would you want with you? ʻI love quotations, anything from Winston Churchill to Groucho Marx. It would be a toss up between a Rudyard Kipling collection of poetry, and a book of quotations. But I think the quotations would be better company.ʼ