“Jimmy” Luff’s Band

Local Band Leader joins Liner’s Orchestra (Dec 1948)

Sailing as a member of the ship’s orchestra on the Union Castle liner SS Capetown Castle, bound for South Africa on December 29th, is the popular local musician, Mr “Jimmy” Luff, of Valetta, Great Preston Road, Ryde, and the best wishes of his many admirers will go with him on the voyage. For the past four seasons “Jimmy” with his light and well-balanced orchestra, has delighted thousands of people, both visitors and residents alike, with his concerts in the Eastern Gardens and Pavilion, and his popular “request” programmes during the summer months have given enjoyment to many. The cruise is expected to last until about the second week in February, and, for the time being, his local orchestra has been disbanded.

Not many people are aware that “Jimmy” is almost a native of the Island, for he came to Newport from London with his parents when he was four years of age and attended the Council School there. Upon leaving school he worked as a garage hand at the Ford Depot, Newport, but rhythm was in his blood and he turned his attention to music as a drummer.

He joined a small local band in 1926 and in the following year became a member of Percy Simmonds’ Band and was with them when they won the “All London and South of England Melody-Maker dance Band Contest” in 1928. The band then turned professional and “Jimmy” went with them when they were engaged to play at the Clarence Pier, Southsea, and Llandudno, North Wales.

He then joined Raymond Newton with the Savoy Hawaiian Band in London and with them played in Scarboro’, Newcastle and at Ciro’s Club, London, until 1932 when he came to Portsmouth and formed his own orchestra, playing for six years in the principal cafes and dance halls in “Pompey”.

On the outbreak of the war, he went to work on munitions and at the termination of hostilities he came to Ryde with his band to play on the Esplanade Gardens.

In December 1946 it was advertised in the local press: Hotel Ryde Castle Dancing Club, Dancing Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, with Jimmy Luff and the Castle Ballroom Orchestra.

Last October (1948) he played with Billy Munns’ Band at the Orchids Rooms night club in London and played with his own orchestra before Geraldo in November. Besides being an expert drummer, “Jimmy” is equally at home on the vibraphone.

1951
September 26th New band at the Embassy Ballroom, Southsea, Jimmy Luff and his Embassy Band.
November 9th Jimmy Luff’s Band play at the Embassy Ballroom, Southsea.
November 23rd Reg Bannistra’s and his Music play at the Embassy Ballroom, Southsea, with resident Jimmy Luff Band.

Source: IW Times 23 Dec 1948
Image: RSHG
Article: Ann Barrett