George Melly

Wit, jazz institution, writer and raconteur, George Melly was born in 1928 and made his name in the trad scene of the late 40s and 50s, singing with Mick Mulligan’s band. In the 60s he switched careers and became one of the UK’s most ubiquitous critics, writers and TV personalities. 

In his lifetime, Melly published a great number of books, including his acclaimed three volumes of autobiography: Owning Up (1965), Rum, Bum and Concertina (1977) and Scouse Mouse (1984). In the early 70s he returned to music, and until his death in 2007 he could be found singing with John Chilton’s band, and with the trumpeter Digby Fairweather. In 2004 George Melly was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the BBC’s Jazz Awards. His last biography, about his approaching 80th birthday - Slowing Down - is also published by Penguin. George Melly died in July 2007.