Freddy Gardner

He was spotted by the founding editor of Melody Maker magazine who was distributing the prizes, and a year later secured his first professional position.

[1] He played in London clubs when working with Sidney Lipton's Orchestra and at the Mayfair Hotel with Bert Firman's band and with Billy Bissett.

He played on recordings by Benny Carter, Ray Noble, Valaida Snow, Jay Wilbur Buck Washington, and John W. Bubbles.

During World War II, Gardner joined the Royal Naval Patrol Service as a diesel engineer under Eastern Command.

[2] This band was formed for the BBC and appeared in weekly radio programs such as The Starlight Hour and Sweet Serenade.