Jack Parnell

b. 6 August 1923, London, England. One of the best known and most popular of post-World War II British jazzmen, drummer Parnell was at his most prominent during a long stint with Ted Heath's big band. Before then, however, he had already made a mark on the UK jazz scene. While still on military service he became a member of Buddy Featherstonhaugh's Radio Rhythm Club Sextet, playing alongside Vic Lewis and other jazz-minded servicemen. Between 1944 and 1946 Parnell also recorded with Lewis, and the Lewis-Parnell Jazzmen's version of ‘Ugly Child' sold extremely well (50, 000 78 ...