Skip to main contentSkip to footer

Tributes paid to renowned radio host Humphrey Lyttelton


April 25, 2008
Share this:

Legendary jazz musician and host of Radio 4's comedy show, I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue, "Humph" Lyttelton has died at the age of 86.

"Humph died peacefully with his family and friends around him on April 25 at 7pm following surgery," said a statement on his website.

The much-loved broadcaster, who had fronted the popular radio comedy panel show since 1972, recently underwent surgery to repair his heart. He was later admitted to a London hospital on April 16.

Just last month, Humphrey retired from hosting Radio 2's The Best Of Jazz, after more than 40 years at the helm.

A renowned trumpeter, Humphrey, who began playing in 1936, was still touring until his admission to hospital. The Humphrey Lyttelton Band, best known for their song Bad Penny Blues, became the first British jazz act to reach the top 20 in 1956.

"He was a great guy," said former Goodie Graeme Gardener, one of the panellists on I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue. "He was an immensely loveable man and we are absolutely shattered by the news."

Photo: © Alphapress.com
Much-loved "Humph" Lyttelton won awards for his musical accomplishments on the trumpet and his work on the air Photo: © BBC
Photo: © Alphapress.com
His broadcasting career spanned decades, with his witty repartee winning him fans old and new. "His timing was like a razorblade," said comedian Barry Cryer, one of the regulars on the popular radio show I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue Photo: © BBC

Sign up to HELLO! Daily for all the latest and best celebrity coverage

By entering your details, you are agreeing to HELLO! Magazine User Data Protection Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more information, please click here.

More Celebrity News

See more