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Buddy FeatherStonaugh

English tenor and baritone saxophonist. Born 4 October 1909 in Paris, France. Died 12 July 1976 in London, England. Featherstonhaugh (pronounced "Fanshaw") was educated at Eastborune College, where he started to learn the saxophone at the age of 15. His first professional engagement was at Brent Bridge Hotel, Hendon, in 1927. He was the star soloist in Spike Hughes' famous Decca recording band (1929-31). He worked with Louis Armstrong and Benny Carter, when they were in England, and recorded many solos with the later's band for Vocalian. Featherstonhaugh had his own band in the "Cocoanut Grove", London, in 1935 with musicians Harry Hayes, Duncan Whyte, Cecil Norman, George Elrick and Felix King. He was voted the best tenor saxophonist in England in 1937 "Melody Maker" poll. He joined the R.A.F. in 1940, and organised the Swing Sextet for forces entertainment, which later became the BBC Radio Rhythm Club Sextet. He was the leader and announcer of the Radio Rhythm Club Sextet (1943-44). Featherstonehaugh was also a racing driver and won the Albi Grand Prix, in France, in 1934, driving a Maserati amd averaging 89.04 miles per hour.