Bobby Howell

Bobby Howell’s famous orchestra was one of the most versatile bands in vaudeville, playing to audiences from the 1930s to the 1950s. Howell was studying to become a doctor before the First World War but after being demobbed played violin for silent films during the 20s. He then formed his own band and toured the Gaumont British and Granada circuits in the 30s. Howell’s augmented Dance Orchestra played at the 1937 Old Vic and Sadler’s Wells Coronation Ball. In the late 40s and 50s he was engaged in the West End as a musical director for successful shows such as Strike a New Note, The Lisbon Story, Fine Feathers and Piccadilly Hayride. He toured with Bob Hope and was engaged for two London pantomimes, Aladdin and Cinderella, before his death in 1962.