George Melly dies, aged 80

George Melly had been appearing on stage recently, despite having been diagnosed with lung cancer and vascular dementia; his final performance was last month, in aid of admiral nurses, part of the charity for dementia.

He perfected the art of growing old disgracefully - now, after a lifetime in showbusiness - the jazz singer and raconteur George Melly has died. He was 80.

Ever the performer, despite suffering from dementia - he managed to keep working right up until his death: an album of his favourite tunes was completed only yesterday.

Friends said he was loved for his style, and his sense of fun as much as his music - now, they said, the party was over.

His final newspaper column was written under the title - Zimmertime Blues. His final book was called Slowing Down.

There was an assured ego here, an amused brilliance, an honesty. The senses were to be absolutely indulged - jazz, art, fly-fishing, writing, drinking, smoking, sex and latterly sleep and ginger nuts. George Melly wasn't a great jazz singer - what talent I have is dramatic rather than vocal - he said.

John Mortimer described Melly's voice as having "the raucous charm of an old negress". But he could sell a song and - in brilliant blazers and fedoras - himself.

Here was a post-war - post austerity bohemian - who was intent at living life at full throttle. Owning up - in the jazz world - means telling the truth.

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