05/07/2007
George Melly dies
Jazz singer and author George Melly has died from lung cancer at his home in London, his wife Diana announced.
Mr Melly, 80, refused treatment for his illness and carried on entertaining his fans on stage. He also developed vascular dementia, a condition which effects the brain after small strokes.
Nicknamed "Good Time George", he always dressed up to match the part in checked zoot suits, jaunty fedoras and loud ties. He cultivated the image of a flamboyant performer, and continued to perform in smoky jazz clubs even after he collapsed on stage during a concert with his band Digby Fairweather's Half Dozen in Hove, East Sussex, in January.
Mrs Melly said: "He was born in Liverpool in 1926 and for 60 years has been an acclaimed, popular and much-loved performer. "George was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2005 for which he refused all treatment and continued singing until near the end.
"In 2004, George developed vascular dementia and his last performance on June the 10th this year was at the 100 Club in aid of Admiral Nurses, part of the charity For Dementia."
Mr Melly is survived by his wife, his son Tom, his daughter Pandora, his step-daughter Candy and his four grandchildren.
(CD)
Mr Melly, 80, refused treatment for his illness and carried on entertaining his fans on stage. He also developed vascular dementia, a condition which effects the brain after small strokes.
Nicknamed "Good Time George", he always dressed up to match the part in checked zoot suits, jaunty fedoras and loud ties. He cultivated the image of a flamboyant performer, and continued to perform in smoky jazz clubs even after he collapsed on stage during a concert with his band Digby Fairweather's Half Dozen in Hove, East Sussex, in January.
Mrs Melly said: "He was born in Liverpool in 1926 and for 60 years has been an acclaimed, popular and much-loved performer. "George was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2005 for which he refused all treatment and continued singing until near the end.
"In 2004, George developed vascular dementia and his last performance on June the 10th this year was at the 100 Club in aid of Admiral Nurses, part of the charity For Dementia."
Mr Melly is survived by his wife, his son Tom, his daughter Pandora, his step-daughter Candy and his four grandchildren.
(CD)
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