Following his wife’s death in 1958, Hutch struggled with worsening financial problems and was reduced to playing in tawdry clubs. Suffering from ill-health in his later years Hutch died in Hampstead, London, England from pneumonia on 19 August 1969 aged 69, almost an unknown. Only 42 people attended his funeral yet notably, Lord Mountbatten paid for the cost of his funeral. Dr Susan Skedd, Blue Plaques Historian, said: “Hutch overcame considerable prejudice to become one of the stars of the London cabaret scene of the 1930s. His elegant persona, smooth delivery and dexterity at the keyboard brought him adulation. Though no songwriter himself, he was fortunate to live in an era of great lyricists such as Porter, Gershwin, Berlin, Rodgers and Kern and recorded more than 400 songs, many still available today. The plaque to Hutch will act as a lasting reminder of his remarkable achievements and of his prominent place in the musical history of London.” #lesliehutchinson #aristocratsjazz #harlem #paris #30s #cabaret #blackhistory #sablesouls
