British Dance Bands of the 20's & 30's

A selection of novelty songs by British Dance Bands and duo who graced the radio and ballrooms between the wars.


1. Egyptian Ella - Jack Hylton v. Pat O'Malley 1931
2. Let's All Be Fairies - Durium Dance Band v. Leslie Sarony 1933
3. Keep It To Yourself - Henry Hall v.Les Allen, Les Bermon 1933
4. Little Betty Bouncer - Flotsam & Jetsam 1927
5. Shirts - Lupino Lane 1934
6. Paper Hat Brigade - Jack Jackson v. Jack Jackson 1935

Find out more about Jack Hylton at his official website HERE

Jack Jackson.

"Trumpet. b. 1907, Barnsley, Yorkshire, England, UK, d.
Jack completed his musical studies at the Royal Academy of Music, early on in the 1920's. His first jobs were as sideman in the small bands working on ocean liners, following which, he worked with Jack Hylton and Bert Ambrose. Jack went with Bert Ralston on his South American tour in 1931, the tour on which Ralston died.

He was with Jack Payne from 1931 to 1933, and then left to form his own band. It was booked into the Dorchester Hotel in August 1933, and remained until April 1939, when, unable to get together with the management on a salary agreement, the band left. During this time, the band did quite a few recordings, some of which featured the great American black vocalist, Alberta Hunter. The band toured after leaving the Dorchester, playing the theater and ballroom circuits, as well as some hotels, including Rector's and the Mayfair.

In private correspondence, Mr. Frank Reuben, has mentioned that "My uncle, Harry Reuben, played piano in the Jack Jackson Orchestra for a number of years prior to the second world war....."

In 1941, his band was seen in the British made film 'Pathetone Parade of 1941'. Jack disbanded in 1947. He finished his career as a disc jockey; TV personality, and theater soloist. He later retired to the Canary Islands."

Henry Hall.

"Henry Hall is now recognised as one of the important figures during the dance band era in Britain from the 1920's to 1950's. After years of being ignored by record collectors Henry Hall's recordings with his BBC Dance Orchestra are now being recognised for the quality that they are, and Henry's work on radio and TV shows is also now being recognised as visionary. Thankfully Henry wrote his autobiography in 1955 giving us many details and great insight into how his career developed and how he reacted to events and changing musical tastes during those decades. A band that had to broadcast at 5.00pm had to cater for everyone and the reputation as a novlety band playing children's songs did stick with Henry and his BBC Orchestra, and this wasn't helped by having a signature song like Here's To the Next Time. Today, with several CD re-issues available, collectors have had the opportunity to listen to a broad range of Henry's work with the BBC, and come to appreciate the talent of the numerous music arrangers and excellent vocalists employed during those short 5 years, 1932-37."