Duggie Finch: Nimble jazz pianist and composer
1930-2016
JAZZ pianist and composer Duggie Finch, who has died of heart failure at the age of 85, was a musical prodigy and pioneer, one of those rare musicians who could play any song from memory and effortlessly move from one key to another.
His career spanned 60 years and at least 25 000 gigs. The mastermind behind Sounds Electronic, the first electronic music album produced in South Africa by RPM Records’ Dan Hill in 1967, Finch worked with people of all races when this was forbidden.
He performed live on radio and TV, and wrote several advertising jingles, including one for Electrolux in the late ’60s.
Finch was born on July 30 1930 and grew up in Bez Valley, Johannesburg: his talent was evident from boyhood. He taught himself to play the piano and used this gift to help the family support his nine younger siblings.
After primary school, he joined the family welding business, which is still family-operated. He became a side drummer for the Transvaal Scottish Pipes and Drums, and by the age of 17 regularly played allnighters in Johannesburg’s jazz clubs, arriving home in time to send his siblings off to school.
At his father’s insistence, Finch qualified as a plumber. Then, fearing injury to his hands, he quit to become a professional musician.
Finch left Johannesburg in the early 1950s, and while playing at Margate’s Faerie Glen Hotel, he met Marie van der Merwe, the receptionist. After a stint with the Nolan Ranger Big Band at Cape Town’s Waldorf Hotel in 1956, he married her in 1957. They returned to Johannesburg, and raised two children, who have both worked in the music industry.
Finch’s ability to play diverse genres, from classical to Dixieland and swing, to his beloved jazz, found expression at dance venues across Johannesburg during the ’60s and ’70s.
From the Balalaika Hotel in Sandton to Hillbrow’s Casa Mia and the Top of the Carlton downtown, he got toes tapping and people grooving, playing Bach one moment and Herbie Hancock the next.
He also opened a music school in the city centre, where he taught piano and arranged and produced music for school productions. As a teacher he influenced many young musicians, and several have excelled internationally.
His musicality made Finch a sought-after studio and gig musician. He accompanied many artists on TV and in theatrical productions, including Judy Page, Tessa Ziegler and Sam Sklair. Throughout the ’70s and ’80s, the Duggie Finch Band was in demand at weddings, bar mitzvahs and private parties.
Saxophonist Don Albert recalls that people would reschedule their event if Finch was unavailable.
Friends and family describe him as a jovial gentleman, but an exacting band leader, who didn’t suffer fools gladly.
His sharp wit spawned unique “Duggie-isms” and cheeky nicknames. Finch enjoyed crossword puzzles and playing computer games with his grandchildren.
A handyman of note, Finch could fix faulty plumbing and repair household appliances, computers and even cars. In the past 10 years he also tuned many pianos, both upright and grand.
Finch is survived by his children, Belinda and Gary, several siblings and grandchildren, and one greatgrandchild. He will be honoured posthumously at the upcoming Naledi Awards on Tuesday.— Ayesha Kajee
People would reschedule their event if Finch was unavailable