Humphrey Lyttelton, a renowned figure in the world of jazz, was born on May 23, 1921, within the prestigious walls of Eton College, where his father held the esteemed position of housemaster. This distinguished upbringing naturally led Humph to attend England's most renowned public school, further solidifying his connection to the esteemed institution.
As the tumult of World War II unfolded, Humphrey's sense of duty compelled him to serve as an officer in the Grenadier Guards. Following his discharge, he pursued his passion for the arts by studying at Camberwell Art School for a period of two years.
However, it was his fascination with the trumpet, which began in 1936, that ultimately led Humph to form his first band in 1948. This marked the beginning of a remarkable journey, as he secured a recording contract with EMI in 1949, subsequently releasing a plethora of albums, including the groundbreaking 1956 release, Bad Penny Blues, which became the first British jazz record to reach the Top 20.
Today, Humphrey's legacy continues to thrive, as his band, renowned for its versatility, remains a staple of the global jazz scene, touring regularly and delighting audiences worldwide. In addition to his musical pursuits, Humphrey is also a respected radio personality, having presented The Best of Jazz on BBC Radio 2 for many years.
Furthermore, he has had the distinction of chairing the popular panel game I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue on Radio 4 for an impressive thirty years, lending his authoritative and delightfully bored tones to the show's unique blend of innuendo and improvised madness.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the world of jazz, Humphrey was honored with the prestigious Sony Gold Award in 1993. He has also received Lifetime Achievement Awards at both the Post Office British Jazz Awards in April 2000 and at the first BBC Jazz Awards in 2001.
As Humphrey himself so eloquently put it, "all good things must come to an end," and so must this biography, bringing to a close the remarkable story of a true jazz legend.
