Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival founder dies
● Mike Hart’s event grew to become the biggest of its kind in Britain
By BRIAN FERGUSON Arts Correspondent event attracting the biggest names in the business.
Hart would go on to run the festival for more than 25 years and saw it become the biggest jazz event, with huge free events in the Grassmarket and Princes Street Gardens.
After stepping down as artistic director, Hart remained heavily involved in the event, serving on its board and performing with his own bands.
Hart, who was awarded the MBE in 1995, died after a fouryear battle with throat cancer months after its 40th anniversary edition.
Stéphane Grappelli, Dick Hyman, BB King, Acker Bilk, Dionne Warwick, Humphrey Littleton, Georgie Fame and Elkie Brooks were among those to appear over the years.
Roger Spence, the current co-producer of the festival, said: “He was at the heart of
0 Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival founder, banjo player and gig organiser Mike Hart proudly shows off the MBE he received in 1995
the Edinburgh traditional jazz scene from the 1950s up until a few years ago, as a musician, bandleader and organiser.
“He was a man of great energy, charisma and commitment. He changed the landscape of the Edinburgh jazz scene, creating the first international
jazz festival in Scotland and sustained it through the force of his own personality and hard work for many years, through thick and thin.
“He created a special spirit for the festival which followed his own passion for the music. Jazz was always a joy for him.”
Festival chairman Jason Rust said: “³We have Mike to thank for what has evolved over the decades into one of Europe’s top jazz festivals. He brought a massive wealth of music knowledge and wit to all his contributions to the festival. “
Former Lord Provost Eric Milligan added: “The jazz festival has successfully carved out its own identity over the year, a bit like the Tattoo has, while other events have been dwarfed by the Fringe. The city owes an enormous debt to Mike Hart for all he has done.”