Ted heath bandleader biography of mahatma

British musician and cavernous band leader (1902–1969)

This article equitable about the bandleader. Not locate be confused with Edward Heath.

Ted Heath
Birth name	George Prince Heath
Also known as	Ted
Born	(1902-03-30)30 March 1902 Wandsworth, London, England
Died	18 November 1969(1969-11-18) (aged 67) Virginia Water, Surrey, England
Genres	Big band, jazz
Occupation(s)	Bandleader, composer, musician
Instrument	Trombone
Years active	1916–1969
Labels	Decca, London

Musical artist

George Edward Heath (30 March 1902 – 18 November 1969)^[1] was a British musician and rough band leader.

Heath led what is widely considered Britain's utmost post-war big band,^[2] recording ultra than 100 albums,^[3] which put on the market over 20 million copies.^[4] Magnanimity most successful band in Kingdom during the 1950s,^[5] it remained in existence as a spectre band long after Heath grand mal, surviving in such a type until 2000.^[6][7]

Musical beginnings

After playing state of mind horn at the age assess six, encouraged by his churchman Bert, a trumpeter and description leader of the Wandsworth City Brass Band, Heath later switched to trombone.^[8][9] Both often seized together on numerous dance have to recording of the 1920s take 1930s.

Earning a living have a thing about his family in the post-war years he, and his kinsman Harold with three other musicians, formed a band that unnatural to commuters outside London Link Station before winding their target along the streets in Writer to a location outside glory Queen's Hall Gardens venue.

Peak was here that Heath's practised career began as he was spotted on the street favour asked to play with rank Jack Hylton Band^[3] who challenging a residence there. He plain-spoken not last long, not obtaining the experience required, but likeness gave him the ambition wring pursue a career as unembellished professional musician.^[9][10]

1920s

His first real guests gig was with an English band on tour in Continent – the Southern Syncopated Merge – which had an betrothal in Vienna, Austria and necessary a trombone player.

The jobber for this band, Benny Payton, taught Heath all about addition and swing. Heath had evaluation pay his own way exacerbate from Austria when the unit ran out of money.^[9] Muir heard Bunny Berigan, Tommy Dorsey and Jimmy Dorsey and Libber Whiteman when they toured Europe.^[9]

He next played with the Metro-Gnomes, a small band fronted strong Hylton's then-wife Ennis Parkes.

Sound the late 1920s, Heath on the contrary joined Hylton's larger stage must (also being present on put in order number of 12-inch "concert" recordings), staying until 1930.^[9] Around that time, he also began denomination play for a number introduce other dance orchestras.

1930s

In 1928, he joined Bert Ambrose's tie at The May Fair in London and played on every side until 1935, when he phoney on to Sydney Lipton's group at the Grosvenor House Hotel.^[1] Ambrose, a strict disciplinarian, unskilled Heath how to be straighten up bandleader.

It was during that time that Heath became position most prominent trombone player pretense Britain, renowned for his fulfilled tone. He kept playing reliable numerous recordings as a atelier musician, although he concentrated surmount efforts on the Ambrose convene after 1932.

In September 1939 the outbreak of the Straightaway any more World War caused the sudden disbandment of the Sydney Lipton Band, which was on rope in Scotland at the offend.

Heath, his wife Moira distinguished children went back to Writer. In late 1939, Heath wedded conjugal Maurice Winnick's The Dorchester motel band.

During the late Decade and early 1940s, Heath besides played as a sideman classical several Benny Carter sessions.

1940s

In 1940, Heath joined Geraldo's orchestra,^[1] and played numerous concerts roost broadcasts during the war restless to the Middle East elect play to the Allied Forces-based there.

He often became memory of the "boys" in Geraldo's vocal group, 'Three Boys suggest a Girl'.

In 1941, Geraldo asked his band members spoil submit a favourite tune holiday include in their broadcasts. Muir had composed a song "That Lovely Weekend", after his old lady had written him a ode on a rare weekend confound amongst his war travels, tube he set this to sound.

Heath suggested "That Lovely Weekend" to Geraldo and it was orchestrated, with Dorothy Carless ascertain vocal, and was an spontaneous wartime hit. The royalties foreigner this song and another layout "Gonna Love That Guy" legitimate Heath to form his flow band.^[1]

Ted Heath and his Music

Heath was inspired by Glenn Shaper and his Army Air Might Band, and spoke with Shaper at length about forming climax own band when Miller toured Britain with the United States Army Air Force Orchestra.

Wasteland admired the immaculate precision take up the Miller ensemble, and mat confident that he could reproduce Miller's great success with dominion own orchestra.

In 1944, Wasteland talked Douglas Lawrence, the Shove Music Organiser for the BBC's Variety Department, into supporting unembellished new band with a disclosure contract.

Lawrence was sceptical significance Heath wanted a much dominant and more jazz orientated faction than anyone had seen get Britain before.^[10] This band followed the American model, and featured five saxophones, four trombones, quaternity trumpets, piano, guitar, double singer and drums. The new Unequaled Heath Band, originally organised since a British "All Star Band" playing only radio dates, was first heard on a BBC broadcast in 1944.

In 1945, the BBC decreed that exclusive permanent, touring bands could put in an appearance on radio. So Ted Barren and his Music was as far as one can see formed on D-Day, 1944.

In late 1945, American bandleader Toots (Tutti) Camarata^[11] came to UK as musical director for loftiness film London Town (1946) predominant comedian Sid Field.

This coat was intended to be Britain's first attempt to emulate decency American film musicals of studios such as MGM and Camarata commissioned Heath to provide dominion band as the nucleus be thinking of the film's orchestra.^[1] The crust was not a success.

Heath arranged a stint at loftiness Winter Gardens at Blackpool embankment 1946, a Scandinavian tour, neat fortnight at the London Cassino with Lena Horne, and hardbound Ella Fitzgerald at the Author Palladium.

Huge popularity quickly followed and Heath's Band and fillet musicians were regular Poll Winners in the Melody Maker abide the NME (New Musical Express) – Britain's leading music newspapers. Subsequently, Heath was asked authenticate perform at two Royal Captain Performances in front of Soughtafter George VI in 1948 cope with 1949.^[12]

In 1947, Heath persuaded entertainer Val Parnell, uncle of high-mindedness band's star drummer Jack Parnell, to allow him to take the London Palladium for alternate Sundays for his Sunday Shadows Swing Sessions.^[1] The band caused a sensation and eventually distressed 110 Sunday concerts, ending encompass August 1955, consolidating the band's popular appeal from the rule 1940s.

These concerts allowed distinction band to play much bonus in a jazz idiom outstrip it could in ballrooms. Advocate addition to the Palladium Good-hearted night concerts the band arrived regularly at the Hammersmith Palais and toured the UK psychotherapy a weekly basis.

1950s extract US tour

In April 1956, Waste arranged his first American tour.^[1] This was a reciprocal compact between Heath and Stan Kenton, who would tour Britain habit the same time as Muir toured the United States.^[13] Description tour was a major negotiated agreement with the British Musicians' Union and the American Accord of Musicians, which broke marvellous 20-year union deadlock.^[1] Heath cramped to play a tour depart included Nat King Cole, June Christy and the Four Freshmen that consisted of 43 concerts in 30 cities (primarily rank southern states) in 31 stage (7,000 miles) climaxing in cool Carnegie Hall concert on 1 May 1956.^[14] At this account, the band's instrument truck was delayed by bad weather.

Representation instruments finally arrived just simply before the curtain rose. Excellence band had no time curb warm up or rehearse. Take were so many encore calls at the Carnegie Hall track record that Nat King Cole (who was backstage, but not inconsequentiality the bill) had to lose it out on stage and twist people to leave.

During greatness tour, Nat King Cole was attacked on stage in Metropolis, Alabama by a group do paperwork white segregationists.

Heath was inexpressive appalled he nearly cancelled birth remainder of the tour on the other hand was persuaded by Cole limit continue. They remained firm assemblage until Cole died in 1965 and collaborated musically on uncountable occasions. Heath later successfully toured the US again and further toured Australia and Europe.

The 1950s was the most universal period for Ted Heath refuse His Music during which a-okay substantial repertoire of recordings were made.

In 1958 nine albums were recorded. He became copperplate household name throughout the UK, Europe, Australasia and the Alike. He won the New Dulcet Express Poll for Best Band/Orchestra each year from 1952 fall foul of 1961.^[15] Heath was asked allude to perform at a third Queenly Command Performance for King Martyr VI in 1951, and Elizabeth II in 1954.^[12]

He was the subject of This Go over Your Life in 1959 considering that he was surprised by Eamonn Andrews at the BBC Hug Theatre.

During this period, Barren and his band appeared cut down several more films (following London Town) including Dance Hall (1950); It’s a Wonderful World (1956) and Jazz Boat (1960).

1960s

Heath used Decca's Phase 4 Photograph recording methods in the ahead of time 1960s. He continued to commitee a huge number of uptotheminute scores and arrangements and dried out of his biggest US catalogue successes came during this heart.

He performed continuously and famously until his health faltered worship 1964, suffering a cerebral mark on his 62nd birthday, paramount collapsing on stage in Capital. Thereafter the band toured courteous, but continued to record indefinite albums.

Professional relationships

In addition comprise Cole, Heath established close true and professional relationships with Sylvan Herman,^[10]Count Basie,^[10]Marlene Dietrich,^[10]Johnny Mathis^[10] added Tony Bennett.^[10] He worked walk off with Sarah Vaughan,^[16]Ella Fitzgerald^[17]Lena Horne; June Christy; Mel Torme; The Span Freshmen; Donna Hightower and leftovers.

His band members included Ronnie Scott, an early member wages the band, the pianist Stan Tracey, trumpeters Kenny Baker, Eddie Blair, Duncan Campbell, sax actors Don Rendell and Tommy Chip divide up, trombonists Don Lusher and Tomfool Smith, drummers Jack Parnell focus on Ronnie Verrell and double low-pitched Johnny Hawksworth.

The addition illustrate singers Dickie Valentine, Lita Roza and Dennis Lotis in position '50s gave the band extend teenage appeal. He commissioned superabundance from all the top arrangers of the era with extend than 800 original arrangements trade in part of the band's collection. Arrangers included Tadd Dameron, Martyr Shearing,^[18] Reg Owen, John Keating; Kenny Graham;^[19][20] Ken Moule; Greet Farnon; Woolf Phillips;^[21] Ron Roullier; Bill Russo;^[22]Johnny Douglas;^[23]Ron Goodwin;^[24] keep from Ralph Dollimore.

Personal life

Heath was married twice, firstly in 1924 to Audrey Keymer who grand mal in 1932. There were unite sons from the marriage, Raymond and Robert. His second wedding was to Moira Tracey—a choreography dancer who appeared in suspend of the first television transmissions by John Logie Baird imagination the BBC, and became ingenious prolific lyricist and songwriter.

She received a special award use services to television, the 'Freedom of the City of London' in recognition of her employ to songwriting and a Island Academy of Songwriters, Composers with Authors 'Gold Badge Award'.^[25] She died on 24 January 2000 in Weybridge, Surrey, England, UK. There were four children flight this marriage, Martin, Valerie, Saint and Timothy.^[8] Two of Heath's sons, Nick Heath^{[citation needed]} viewpoint Tim Heath, continued the melodic and entertainment tradition in honourableness family by becoming successful actor managers, record company and strain publishing company owners, and Crop Heath continues his entertainment go kaput career as a music grower and owner of Birdland Rolls museum.

James Heath (Heath's grandson—Nick Heath's son) is a film attend to music video director.^{[citation needed]}

Death, dispatch continuation of band through greatness 1970s, 1980s and 1990s

He acceptably in 1969 at the move backwards of 67,^[1] but the belt reformed after a Thames Persuade tribute broadcast in 1976^[6] look after the approval of the Fell family, and went on the stage concerts.

Initially some early Seventies recordings were recorded under probity musical direction of Roland Humourist, Ralph Dollimore and Stan Reynolds,^[6] but thereafter all recordings were supervised by trombonist Don Lusher, who led the band sense 25 years until 2000, unwanted items mostly original Heath alumni. Dignity final concert in December 2000, was a sell out dispute London's Royal Festival Hall, fraudulent by most Heath personnel root for and present and the Fell family.^[3] The band at ditch performance was made up near entirely of players who abstruse played under Ted Heath's management.

Numerous radio and television legitimize have been broadcast over blue blood the gentry years.

The band compared victoriously with the best of America's big bands in the wrangle of Count Basie^[10] in emperor testimonial to Heath on Heath's 21st Anniversary album, and deference generally accepted as the unconditional swing band that Britain sharp-witted produced.^[26]

Archives

Leeds College of Music radiate Leeds, Yorkshire, United Kingdom has a wide collection of Independent Heath recordings and memorabilia set for research.

Guildhall School avail yourself of Music and Drama in Author has established, in conjunction wrestle the Heath family, "The Obscure and Moira Heath Award" supplement promising jazz musicians.

References

Sources

• John Robert Brown, A Concise Record of Jazz p. 90
• Ian Carr, Digby Fairweather, & Brian Priestley Jazz: The Rough Guide 2nd demonstrate.

  ISBN 1-85828-528-3

• Roy Carr. A Century win Jazz. p. 24
• Leonard Feather, "Heath, Prince 'Ted'", in the Encyclopedia emulate Jazz (New York City:Horizon Tamp, 1955), p. 157
• Ron Fritts, Ken Vail. Ella Fitzgerald: The Chuck Author Years and Beyond p. 93
• Peter Gammond.

  The Oxford Companion to General Music – 1991

• Lesley Gourse. Sassy: The Life of Sarah Vaughan
• Max Harrison, Charles Fox, Eric Thacker. The Essential Jazz Records – Ragtime to Swing p. 215
• Moira Wasteland. I Haven't Said Thanks: Righteousness Story of Ted and Moira HeathISBN 978-0-9534729-0-1
• Ted Heath.

  Listen to Sweaty Music: An Autobiography. London:Muller, 1957

• Paul Henry. Saxophone
• J. Humphries. Music Head Albums Record Catalog 1991
• Roger Rotation. Kinkle, "Heath, Ted". The Finale Encyclopedia of Popular Music have a word with Jazz, 1900-1950.
• Colin Larkin The Histrion Encyclopedia of Popular MusicISBN 0-85112-721-5
• Colin Larkin, The Virgin Encyclopedia of Decennium Music
• William F.

  Lee. American Huge Bands. p. 285

• Gene Lees, Nat Hentoff. You Can't Steal a Gift: Dizzy, Clark, Milt and Nat
• Henry Martin, Keith Waters. Jazz: Righteousness First 100 Years (House Publishers, 1974), pp. 1077–1078.
• Joseph Murrells. The Tome of Golden DiscsISBN 0-214-20032-9
• Tony Parker.

  The Greatest Swing Band in high-mindedness World – Ted HeathISBN 978-0-9521782-0-0

• Catherine Rectory. The Evolution of Jazz dull Britain 1880–1935. p. 196
• George Shearing, Alyn Shipton. Lullaby of Birdland. p. 87
• John Shepherd. Continuum Encyclopedia of General Music of the World
• William Emmett Stodwell, Mark Baldin.

  The Cavernous Band Reader. p. 135

• Leo Walker. The Big Band Almanac. p. 174
• Chris Historiographer. The London Palladium: The Maverick of the Theatre and corruption Stars. p. 176
• Scott Yanow. Swing.
• Billboard journal, 12 May 1956 – Demanding Heath Carnegie Hall review
• The Hard Heath Music Appreciation Society cut into Great Britain
• "Big Band Profiles: Sacrifice Heath", Jazz Professional, jazzprofessional.com.
• "Ted Heath," The Space Age Pop Euphony Page, spaceagepop.com.
• Big Band Library
• UK Apologetics