Lennie Felix

Lennie Felix (16 August 1920 - 29 December 1980) was a British jazz pianist who worked in the bands of Nat Gonella, Harry Gold, and Sid Philips, and enjoyed a 20-year association with trumpeter Freddy Randall.[1]

Felix was born in Stamford Hill in London. He learned piano from the age of ten. His playing style reflected the influence of Fats Waller, Art Tatum and Earl Hines, but later drew on Keith Jarrett, Charlie Parker and Vladimir Horovitz.[2] From the 1960s, Felix performed more and more as a solo pianist and appeared regularly at the PizzaExpress Jazz Club, where he also accompanied US visitors like Bud Freeman and Buddy Tate.

Lennie Felix died in hospital after he was hit by a speeding car near to the 606 Club in Fulham.[3]

Discography
  • Lennie Felix and Dick Wellstood (Felix recorded in London 1966 / Solo Art 2007)

References
  1. Who's Who Of British Jazz, John Chilton, Continuum, 1997
  2. Jazz Express magazine, September 1979
  3. The Rough Guide To Jazz, Ian Carr, Digby Fairweather, Brian Priestley
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