It Just Occurred to Me?: The Reminiscences & Thoughts of Chairman Humph

by Humphrey Lyttelton

The legendary band leader and jazz trumpeter, broadcaster and humorist looks back at his extraordinarily rich and varied life and the many colourful characters he has known and played with – from Duke Ellington to Louis Armstrong. He also recalls his early life as the son of a famous housemaster at Eton, where he was educated.

During the war, he served in the Grenadier Guards and, on demobilisation, studied for two years at Camberwell Arts School. In 1949, he joined the "Daily Mail" as cartoonist, wrote the story-line for Trog's "Flook" cartoon, and also signed a recording contract with EMI. He had the first British jazz record to get into the Top Twenty in 1956 with 'Bad Penny Blues'. The book will appeal to his large cult following, both from his regular live appearances with his band, as the irrepressible chairman of BBC Radio 4's popular nonsense quiz 'I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue' and as the presenter of "The Best of Jazz" since 1967.

204 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 31, 2012

Reviews

[Brian Haining · Rating 4 out of 5]

I vaguelly knew of Humprhey Lyttelton as a jazz musician prior to receiving this book as an anniversary gift

I loved it.

It's not the usual autobiographical format, but more anecdotal, his thoughts and reminiscences. It doesn't contain set chapters and kind of meanders between experiences roughly in chronological order.

What an interesting life he's enjoyed. A privileged background, boarding school, Eton, military service in World War II, cartoonist, food critic, band leader, and long-standing radio show host.

He dips into each sphere of his life, giving you snippets that are both intetesting and amusing.

I would have liked a little more detail about how all the parts joined up, what it was like to run his own band for years and a little more on his family life, but I guess that'll be for another book.

I really enjoyed the thoughts of Humph and recommend it as a good way to while away a relaxing weekend.

[Will · Rating 5 out of 5]

I normally avoid memoirs, but Humphrey Littleton led such an interesting life that even this series of quick reminiscences was fascinating. His warmth and sense of humor are readily apparent, and his accomplishments go well beyond what I was familiar with. But he never seems arrogant, doesn't brag, even though if anyone had earned the right it was him. It's a great read for anyone who misses him.

[Nigel Sutcliffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ''right way to live'' according to Humph. This just occurred to me.