He recorded as a leader in the late 1950s and early 1960s as well, but retired due to health problems caused by heavy drinking in the middle of the decade.
Many regarded Semple as a strong presence on the British traditional jazz scene at the time.
Five LPs were released under his name, the first in 1960 being Jazz for young lovers recorded on Columbia, then in 1962 the LP The Archie Semple Quarter (77/LP/10) of which only 100 copies were pressed on 10" vinyl.
Due to a low number pressed, they did not enjoy wide circulation which helped Semple's 'cult status'.
[2] In 1964, whilst on the stage of the Richmond Jazz Festival, Semple suffered a catastrophic nervous breakdown.