Enigma Variations

Farewell Humph, and thanks

April 26th, 2008

Not much of a birthday present. Not only have I still not recovered from a virus that’s sent me to bed for the last four days, but I woke up to the news of the death of Humphrey Lyttelton.

“Humph” was one of the best-loved personalities on Britain;  in some ways he was part of what made Britain the curious country that it is. Irreverent and hilarious but never ever offensive, despite some very close-to-the-bone material, his radio and live audiences on I’m Sorry I haven’t a Clue adored him. As did his fellow performers on the show. Most comics would have given their right arms for his sense of timing and ability to hold an crowd in rapt attention. I listened often, and always cursed the times I’d missed it.

Yet that was his sideline. As a jazz trumpeter and bandleader he was one of the very best, at 86 still gigging up till a few days before he died. He was doing what he enjoyed most – may we all go out in such a way. It must have been great fun working with him.
As a jazz broadcaster he must have drawn many thousands of people to appreciate his favourite music just because he was the one telling them about it, such was the respect in which he was held. Many were inspired to follow his example into the music profession and he seems to have been generous in his support of them.

Britain is a bit less British today. But we still have his recordings, both jazz and comedy, and our memories of a unique man. I hope the BBC have kept copies of every minute he ever broadcast because it’s more precious than gold.

I’ll raise a birthday glass to your memory Humph, we’ll miss you.

Entry Filed under: Music and Theatre