January 30, 1935 – June 08, 1973

Saxophonist Edward Brian “Tubby” Hayes was born January 30, 1935 in London, England. 

He started playing sax at age 11, inspired by Dizzy Gillespie.

When he was 16, Hayes joined Kenny Baker’s sextet. He also played in The Jazz Couriers, and led several of his own groups.

He also appeared in several films, such as the Charlie Chaplin movie “A King in New York.”

Best known for his tenor saxophone, British instrumentalist Tubby Hayes was also quite proficient on flute. 

By the mid ’50s he formed his own octet and toured the U.K. for an eight month span during which he began playing vibraphone and flute.

During the late ’50s Tubby co-led “The Jazz Couriers” with Ronnie Scott, a quintet among the most highly acclaimed groups of British Modern Jazz.

In 1961 he traveled to New York City and performed at the Half Note Club becoming an international star.

The Tubby Hayes band are featured on a 1964 episode of the TV show “Jazz 625” on BBC.

Personnel:

Tubby Hayes, flute
Terry Shannon, piano
Freddie Logan, bass
Allan Ganley, drums

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