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Kenneth Daniel Ball, legendary English Jazz trumpet player and headliner of his band “Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen” died at the age of 82 on March 7, 2013 from pneumonia in Basildon Hospital in the United Kingdom. He is survived by his wife Betty and three children. His son, Keith Ball, a talented vocalist who also plays drums, trumpet and piano will help the Jazzmen carry on his father’s music.
Kenny Ball formed his band in 1958 in his home country of Great Britain, and by the 1960s, during the traditional Jazz boom, hit the charts with hits such as “Midnight in Moscow,” “Samantha” and “When I’m 64.” He has over 20 albums to his credit, a Billboard coveted gold mike award and more top 30 hits as a Jazz trumpeter than his fellow musician and friend, Louis Armstrong. Kenny held an honorary citizenship and key to the city of New Orleans, Louisiana.
Kenny’s fans will miss him, as he continued playing and making music for 55 years. To read about his passion for creating jazz music that was timeless, refreshing and energetic, he authored two books that are available for purchase.
- Blowing my own Trumpet, 2003, paperback. An autobiography with many stories of his life on the road, illustrating his enthusiasm for life and music.
- Kenny Ball’s and John Bennett’s Musical Skylarks, 2011, hard cover. Kenny and his trombonist, John write about a medley of memories in this book complete with behind the scenes anecdotes and tales. Kenny and John were the co-founders of their band, Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen in 1958. John was the only one of the original members of his band at the peak of their career who was still with him. Other band members during their heyday included:
- Dave Jones, Clarinet
- Ron Weatherman, Piano
- Paddy Lightfoot, Banjo
- Ron Bowden, Drums
- Vic Pitt, Bass