Humphrey Lyttelton

Date of Birth: May 23, 1921

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Date of Death: April 25, 2008

Biography

Humphrey Richard Adeane Lyttelton, often referred to as “Humph,” was an English jazz musician and broadcaster born on May 23, 1921, in Eton, Berkshire, England. He was highly influential in the British jazz scene and was known for his skills as a trumpeter, bandleader, and composer. Lyttelton was educated at Eton College and later at the Camberwell School of Art. His career in music began after World War II, during which he served as an officer in the Grenadier Guards. Humphrey Lyttelton’s contributions to jazz were vast. He led his own band, often referred to as “Humphrey Lyttelton and His Band,” which became one of the leading traditional jazz bands in the UK. His 1956 hit “Bad Penny Blues” is particularly notable for being the first British jazz record to enter the Top 20. In addition to his music career, Lyttelton was a beloved broadcaster. He hosted the BBC Radio 2 program “The Best of Jazz” for over 40 years and was the chairman of the comedy panel game “I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue” on BBC Radio 4 for 36 years. Lyttelton was also an accomplished cartoonist and author, writing several books on jazz and his own life experiences. He was known for his wit, charm, and distinctive voice, which made him a beloved figure in British entertainment. Humphrey Lyttelton passed away on April 25, 2008, in Barnet, London, England.

5 Interesting Facts about Humphrey Lyttelton

1. Humphrey Lyttelton served in the Grenadier Guards during World War II.

2. His 1956 hit “Bad Penny Blues” was produced by Joe Meek and became the first British jazz record to enter the Top 20.

3. He was a talented cartoonist, contributing cartoons to the satirical magazine “Punch.”

4. Lyttelton hosted the BBC Radio 2 program “The Best of Jazz” for over 40 years.

5. He was the chairman of the BBC Radio 4 comedy panel game “I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue” for 36 years.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Humphrey Lyttelton

1. “A jazz musician is a juggler who uses harmonies instead of oranges.”

2. “I always find the best way to empathize with other musicians is to play alongside them.”

3. “Jazz is not just music, it’s a way of life, it’s a way of being, a way of thinking.”

4. “The trouble with jazz is that there are too many people trying to play it who have no business doing so.”

5. “If you have to ask what jazz is, you’ll never know.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by Humphrey Lyttelton is estimated to be around £1.5 million.

Children

Humphrey Lyttelton had one son, Stephen Lyttelton, who is a successful businessman.

Relevant Links

1. [Humphrey Lyttelton on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humphrey_Lyttelton

2. [BBC Radio 4 – I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue](https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006qnwb

3. [BBC Radio 2 – The Best of Jazz](https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00s0xk9

4. [Biography on AllMusic](https://www.allmusic.com/artist/humphrey-lyttelton-mn0000631977

5. [Guardian Obituary](https://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/apr/26/jazz.radio

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