A blue plaque is set to be unveiled in Leytonstone tomorrow (Thursday), honouring the musical talents of trombone player Jackie Free, who has played alongside greats including Louis Armstrong.

The 84-year-old, who was born in Pearcroft Road, Leytonstone in March 1932, has become one of the world’s most celebrated jazz musicians. 

As such, the National Jazz Archive, in collaboration with the London Borough of Waltham Forest, is celebrating his talents with the unveiling. 

Jackie, who now lives in Epping, was into music from an early age, playing trombone in the local Boys Brigade band. 

In the late 1940s, Jackie started playing jazz with like-minded young musicians at the Leyton Youth Club. 

The band included several musicians who later, like Jackie, enjoyed successful careers with well-known British jazz bands including the Freddie Randall and Kenny Ball bands.
Jackie undertook National Service from 1950 to 1952 in the Royal Air Force, managing to play with many service bands and for dances in the Officers’ Mess. 

After demobilisation, his musical career continued, with him appearing and playing with many top class British jazz musicians as well as visiting American stars. 

Two musicians of particular note that Jackie played alongside where the cornetist Freddy Randall and clarinettist, Dave Shepherd both former Waltham Forest residents, both of which are being honoured with their own blue plaques.

A high spot for Jackie occurred in 1956 when the most famous jazz musician of all-time, Louis Armstrong, made a visit to London. 

“I think we were probably the first British band to play with Louis after World War Two,” says Jackie, “playing with him was the greatest moment of my career!”

Today aged 84 Jackie is still playing trombone and leading his own band ‘Jackie Free’s Chicagoans’. The band performs regular monthly jazz sessions at the North Weald Village Hall.   

 

The unveiling will take place at  Pearcroft Road, Leytonstone, tomorrow.