He started out playing the accordion. He took up piano and joined the Ted Heath dance band. He was house pianist at Ronnie Scott's jazz club for six years.
Awarded the OBE and CBE.
Performed with ENSA in 1943, at the age of 16. Took up playing piano the following year, inspired by Meade Lux Lewis and Albert Ammons.
Served in the RAF.
Jazz pianist, composer and arranger. He was the resident pianist at Ronnie Scott's Club, 1959-66.