Jazz king Kenny Ball marks 50 years at the top

23 November 2008

Kenny Ball

A GOODMAYES-born jazz legend is set to wow crowds when he celebrates 50 years of success with his band.

Kenny Ball has spent almost all his life living in the Ilford and Hornchurch areas, growing up in Mayesbrook Road and going to Mayfield School.

Now 78, he is celebrating his musical milestone with a special performance at the Queen's Theatre, Billet Lane, Hornchurch, on December 3.

Kenny first started playing bugle when he was 12, as a member of the Ilford Sea Cadets.

His dad bought him a trumpet shortly afterwards and he set up his first band - called Kenny Ball and the Chicagoans - in Chadwell Heath in the mid 1950s.

He had made his professional debut at 21, with the Sid Phillips Band and soon became a respected figure on the London jazz scene.

Kenny Ball and the Jazzmen - a trombonist, clarinettist, pianist, bassist and drummer - were founded in 1958 and began a rise to global fame.

In 1961, he had the first of a string of chart hits, with a version of the Bing Crosby song, Samantha, from film musical High Society.

They have played a number of high profile performances, including a gig alongside Louis Armstrong and a regular spot on the Morecambe and Wise show.

But Kenny's favourite musical moment was playing at Prince Charles and Princess Diana's wedding ball in 1981.

The prince, who was a fan, requested that they play.

"That was great," Kenny said. "And I got a lovely letter afterwards."

The jazz star has no plans to retire from the music scene, and has bookings until 2010.

"The demand for the band is still pretty high," he said. "My band members are all very good, and I try to keep up to scratch!"

He has also inspired his son Keith, who now has a successful career in drumming and singing swing. He has just released a new album called, On the Road Again.

The Queen's Theatre performance promises a unique jamming session between Kenny and some very special guests.

He says: "It's rather special, there will be a few celebrities there. Best tell the neighbours to keep their windows closed - it will be really terrific!