Author: Somers, William Henry (Debroy) (1890-1952)
Title: Signed Photograph of British Big Band Leader William Henry (Debroy) Somers
Description: London: circa 1930s-. Original photograph. 8.25 x 6.25 inches. "To Harry " William Henry (Debroy) Somers (1890-1952) In the galaxy of stars in the firmament of British dance bands in the 1920s, 30s and 40s, none shone more brightly than that of Debroy Somers, an engaging and handsome fellow with a brilliant musical talent. He rose to become a giant in the big dance band era as a lyricist, composer, musical arranger and band leader. He played every instrument in the band with proficiency and, according to one commentator, was 'an absolute master of the oboe, cor anglais, piano, harp, clarinet, saxophone and xylophone'. In the circumstances of his life and upbringing, this is not surprising. This is Harry Bacon, the preeminent London shirtmaker and the brother of Max Bacon. Before becoming a character actor, Max Bacon was one of the most significant drummers in Britain during the 1920s and 30s. He wrote Max on “Swing" (1934). .

Keywords: jazz


See more books from our catalog: Ephemera