The renowned jazz musician and radio presenter Humphrey Lyttelton died in April this year aged 86. He was a great friend and supporter of HSBC Brecon Jazz and indeed his very last public performance was at last year's festival.
'Humph' as he was known to friends and fans alike came from a privileged background. He was born at Eton near Windsor in 1921. His father, G.W. Lyttelton, was the second son of the Viscount Cobham and a master at the famous public school. It was at Eton College that Humph developed his interest in jazz, learning to play the trumpet and forming a jazz quartet with fellow scholars.
Despite the privileged background he was a committed socialist. He spent some time working at the steel works in Port Talbot and described himself as a 'romantic socialist'.
In a long and distinguished career as leader of his own jazz band, Humph had the opportunity to share the stage with many of his heroes and obviously made an impression.Louis Armstrong once referred to him as "that cat in England who swings his ass off"!
The popular musician had many other talents. In addition to working as a cartoonist for the Daily Mail, he was a hugely popular radio presenter, especially as the chairman of the Radio 4 quiz 'I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue'. In 2000, he was the recipient of a lifetime achievement award at the British Jazz Awards.
© 2012 S4C
O Gymru / Made in Wales