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Tributes are paid to jazz singer Ottilie Patterson

Tributes are paid to jazz singer Ottilie Patterson

Tributes have been paid to the jazz singer Ottilie Patterson who has died aged 79.

Ms. Patterson, who was from Comber, County Down, became the most popular vocalist in the British jazz scene of the 1950s.

As a schoolgirl she had developed a love of blues music and began to model herself on the Empress of Blues, Bessie Smith.

What was to astonish audiences was the contrast been her somewhat sedate appearance and her rich, soulful voice.

In 1954 she went on holiday to London and used the visit to explore the capital’s music scene. Her talent was soon spotted and very soon found herself being swept along in the London jazz world.

George Melly was an early supporter and within months had been signed-up by Chris Barber for his newly-formed band.

The band was to enjoy a prime position in the trad-jazz scene. 

She released her debut album St. Louis Blues in 1955, to be followed in a short number of months with Reckless Blues and Nobody Knows You When You’re Down And Out.

In 1959 she and Chris Barber were married.

But ill health was to strike with her suffering serious throat problems. She was forced to take a break in 1963 and could only manage occasional performances with the band for many years, until she left the line-up in 1973.

She and Barber released their last album, Madame Blues and Dr. Jazz, in 1984, the year after they had divorced.

To see a slideshow tribute to Ottilie Patterson click here.

 

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