A jazz ‘legend’ has been honoured with a commemorative plaque for his contributions to music over many decades.

Trumpeter and composer Kenny Wheeler died in September last year at the age of 84, while plans for to erect a blue plaque at the home he shared with his wife were underway.

Canada-born Kenny Wheeler made an indelible mark on Britain’s jazz scene after moving to Britain in 1952, where he lived for over 60 years, 35 of which he spent in Wallwood Road in Leytonstone.

In the early 1960s Kenny played in groups with Ronnie Scott, John Dankworth and Tubby Hayes as well as becoming part of the free-improvisation movement.

He gained critical attention in the 1970s with a series of recordings for small ensembles including ‘Gnu High’ and ‘Deer Wan’.

In later life, he was the founding patron of the Junior Jazz programme at the Royal Academy of Music and was the subject of a year-long exhibition by the Academy Museum in 2013–14.

Announcing Wheeler’s death, Nick Smart, head of jazz at the Royal Academy of Music said: “It is hard to express just how large a contribution he made to the music in this country and around the world, and how deeply he touched the musicians that had the honour of working alongside him.”

The London Borough of Waltham Forest operates a Blue Plaque scheme to celebrate local history and cultural heritage.

For several years, the National Jazz Archive, based in nearby Loughton, has been working with Waltham Forest to identify the residences of jazz musicians in the borough.

A spokesman for The National Jazz Archive said: “We are delighted and privileged to join with the London Borough of Waltham Forest in recognising and celebrating these much loved jazz musicians who contributed greatly to The Story of British Jazz.

“To date these have included Sir John Dankworth, one of the finest British jazz musicians and composers, renowned clarinettist Dave Shepherd and trombonist Jackie Free.”

The plaque was erected on January 20.