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| Tommy Whittle discography (up to 1961)... |
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Born in Grangemouth, Scotland in1926 Tommy Whittle started playing clarinet at the age of 12 and tenor sax at 13. He moved to live with his grandparents in Chatham, Kent at the age of 16 and in 1943 started playing in the dance hall band of Claude Giddins nearby in Gillingham. Other name bands followed including - Johnny Claes, Lew Stone (1944), Carl Barriteau (1945), Harry Hayes (1946) and he then joined Ted Heath at the age of twenty. He stayed with Heath from March 1947 until April 1952. He then worked with the BBC show band and started doing jazz club work, often with Tony Kinsey. In April 1954 he formed his own quintet with Harry Klein and Dill Jones that he took into the Studio 51 club. This was later augmented to a ten piece band which toured for 14 months. He then led various small groups as well as jazz club work. During the 1950s he took his sextet to France and the USA and in 1956 took a quartet to the USA in exchange for a visit by Gerry Mulligan. A highlight of his career came in 1956 when he guested with Stan Kenton during the leaders tour of the UK. He led his own big band at the Dorchester hotel in London from 1958 until early 1961. He died from pneumonia on 13th October, 2013, his 87th birthday... after 1961... Tommy Whittle in conversation with Jazz Journal (1978)... |
 Tommy Whittle (1970s) |
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Harry Hayes and his Band - October 7th, 1946 (HMV) Leo Wright (tp), Harry Hayes (as), Tommy Whittle (ts), Bill Lewington (bs), George Shearing (p), Alan Ferguson (g), Bert Howard (b), Billy Wiltshire (d). Familiar Moe#/High As A Kite#/A Flat To C#/Blue Charm*#. (*Proper Records 4CD Box set - Jazz in Britain 1919 - 1950) (# Harry Hayes 2 CD set - Harry Hayes and his Band - HMV recordings) (*JSP 5CD set - George Shearing - The Early Years) December 13th, 1946 (HMV) Johnny Wise (d) replaces Wiltshire. Let's Get Acquainted#/Alto Reverie#/Crazy Rhythm#/Rockin' In Rhythm*#. (*Proper Records 4CD Box set - Jazz in Britain 1919 - 1950) (# Harry Hayes 2 CD set - Harry Hayes and his Band - HMV recordings) Ted Heath and his Music - January 2nd, 1947 (Decca) - Ted Heath Ted Heath and his Music - March, 1947 (Broadcast for British Forces overseas) - Ted Heath Ted Heath and his Music - April 8th, 1947 (Decca) - Ted Heath Jack Parnell and his Quartet - April 21st, 1947 (Decca) Tommy Whittle (ts), Norman Stenfalt (p), Dave Goldberg (g), Charlie Short (b), Jack Parnell (d,vcl). Sweet Lorraine (vcl JP)^/Old Man Rebop^*. (*Hep CD - Ted Heath "Listen to my Music vol 3 1947/48") (^Avid CD - Jack Parnell: Two Classic Albums plus Two Eps) Ted Heath and his Music - April 22nd, 1947 (Decca) - Ted Heath Melody Maker's Jazz Rally - June 29th, 1947 (Columbia) Frank Weir, Carl Barriteau (cl), Harry Hayes, Bertie King (as), Tommy Whittle (ts), Ralph Sharon (p), Dave Goldberg (g), Jack Collier (b), Jock Cummings (d). Confessin'/C Jam Blues/Thriving On A Riff*. (*Proper Records 4CD Box set - Jazz in Britain 1919 - 1950) Ted Heath and his Music - September 16th, 1947 (Decca) - Ted Heath Ted Heath and his Music - September, 1947 (Broadcast for British Forces overseas) - Ted Heath Ted Heath and his Music - October 24th/25th/27th, 1947 (Decca) - Ted Heath Ted Heath and his Music - October, 1947 - Ted Heath Ted Heath and his Music - October, 1947 (Broadcast for British Forces overseas) - Ted Heath Ted Heath and his Music - November 22nd, 1947 (Decca) - Ted Heath Ted Heath and his Music - December 2nd, 1947 (Decca) - Ted Heath Ted Heath and his Music - December 23rd, 1947 (Decca) - Ted Heath Ted Heath and his Music - Late, 1947 (Broadcast) - Ted Heath Ted Heath and his Music - April 7th, 1948 (Decca) - Ted Heath Jack Parnell and his Quartet - April 9th, 1948 (Decca) Tommy Whittle (ts), Norman Stenfalt (p), Pete Chilver (g), Charlie Short (b), Jack Parnell (d,vcl). Hide Parker (unissued)/You've Got What It Takes (unissued). Ted Heath and his Music - April 19th, 1948? (London) - Ted Heath Ted Heath and his Music - April 21st, 1948 (London/Decca) - Ted Heath Ted Heath and his Music - April 22nd, 1948 (London/Decca) - Ted Heath Ted Heath and his Music - August/September, 1948 (First issued on Hep CD69) - Ted Heath Ted Heath and his Music - October 5th or 6th, 1948 (Decca) - Ted Heath Ted Heath and his Music - October 22nd, 1948 (Decca) - Ted Heath Ted Heath and his Music - October 26th, 1948 (Decca) - Ted Heath Ted Heath and his Music - November 4th, 1948 (Decca) - Ted Heath Ted Heath and his Music - December 16th, 1948 (Decca) - Ted Heath Reg Owen and his Orchestra - December, 1948 or January, 1949 Kenny Baker, Mo Miller, Stan Reynolds, Stan Roderick, Dave Wilkins (tp), Jackie Armstrong, Maurice Pratt, Jack Bentley, Jimmy Coombes (tb), Reg Owen, Les Gilbert (as), Johnny Gray, Tommy Whittle (ts), Bob Burns (bs), Dave Simpson (p), Dave Goldberg (g), Charlie Short (b), Jack Parnell (d), Ted Heath (ldr). Woodchoppers Ball*. Tommy Whittle (ts), Dave Simpson (p), Dave Goldberg (g), Charlie Short (b), Jack Parnell (d). Swedish Pastry*. (*Hep CD - Ted Heath "Listen to my Music vol 4 1948/50") Ted Heath and his Music - February 5th, 1949 (Decca) - Ted Heath Ted Heath and his Music - March 1st, 1949 (Decca) - Ted Heath Ted Heath and his Music - April 11th, 1949 (Decca) - Ted Heath Ted Heath and his Music - May 4th, 1949 (Decca) - Ted Heath Ted Heath and his Music - May, 1949 (London) - Ted Heath Ted Heath and his Music - September 2nd, 1949 (London/Decca) - Ted Heath Ted Heath and his Music - October 7th, 1949 (Decca) - Ted Heath Ted Heath and his Music - October 20th, 1949 (Decca) - Ted Heath Ted Heath and his Music - October 27th, 1949 (Decca) - Ted Heath Ted Heath and his Music - November 3rd, 1949 (Decca) - Ted Heath Ted Heath and his Music - November, 1949 - Ted Heath Ted Heath and his Music - January 2nd, 1950 (Decca) - Ted Heath Jack Parnell and his Quartet - February 2nd, 1950 (Decca) Bobby Pratt (tp), Tommy Whittle (ts), Frank Horrox (p), Sammy Stokes (b), Jack Parnell (d,vcl). Jukebox Jumba*/Quickie*. (*Hep CD - Ted Heath "Listen to my Music vol 4 1949/50") (*Avid CD - Jack Parnell: Two Classic Albums plus Two Eps) Ted Heath and his Music - February 8th, 1950 (Decca) - Ted Heath Ted Heath and his Music - April 3rd, 1950 (Decca) - Ted Heath Ted Heath and his Music - May 25th, 1950 (Decca) - Ted Heath Ted Heath and his Music - Summer, 1950 (Decca) - Ted Heath Ted Heath and his Music - September 19th, 1950 (Decca) - Ted Heath Ted Heath and his Music - October, 1950 (Decca) - Ted Heath Ted Heath and his Music - Late, 1950 (Decca) - Ted Heath Ted Heath and his Music - November, 1950 (Decca) - Ted Heath Ted Heath and his Music - January, 1951 to Spring 1951 (Decca) - Ted Heath Tommy Whittle Quartet - September 13th, 1951 (Melodisc) Tommy Whittle (ts), Ronnie Ball (p), Frank Donnison (b), Tony Kinsey (d). All The Things You Are*/Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps*/Dearly Beloved (unissued)/Untitled Original (unissued). (*Jasmine CD - Bop-in' Britain Vol 1) Ted Heath and his Music - October, November and December 1951 (Decca) - Ted Heath Tommy Whittle Septet - October 23rd, 1951 (Melodisc) Bobby Pratt (tp), Roy Willox (as), Tommy Whittle (ts), George Hunter (bs), Frank Horrox (p), Johnny Hawksworth (b), Ronnie Verrell (d). Wit's End*/Portland Place*/Sam's Say*/Night And Day*. (*Jasmine CD - Bop-in' Britain Vol 1) Ted Heath and his Music - January, 1952 (Decca) - Ted Heath Ted Heath and his Music - February, 1952 (Decca) - Ted Heath Ted Heath and his Music - March/Spring, 1952 (Decca) - Ted Heath Arnold Ross Quintet/Trio - June 13th, 1952 (Melodisc) (JJ2) Jimmy Deuchar (tp), Tommy Whittle (ts), Arnold Ross (p), Joe Benjamin (b), Jack Parnell/Tony Kinsey (d). Janie*/Darn That Dream*/Speechless*/Twelve To Four*. (*Jasmine CD - Bop-In' Britain - Vol 2) Ralph Sharon Sextet - November 2nd, 1952 (Lyragon) Tommy Whittle (ts), Alan Graham (vib), Ralph Sharon (p), Ike Isaacs (g), Joe Muddel (b), Ken Harris (d). Love Walked In/Room 504/Deep Purple/We'll Gather Lilacs. Jazz at The Flamingo - March, 1953 (Decca) (JMC1) Jimmy Deuchar (tp), Tommy Whittle, Don Rendell (ts), Benny Green (bs), Bill Le Sage (p), Sammy Stokes (b), Tony Crombie (d,leader). Jump For Jeff*/Tres Gai*#/All Star Special^. (*Vocalion CD - Don Rendell - Playtime) (#Ember CD - Tony Crombie - A Tribute) (^Fantastic Voyage 2 CD set - Ember Jazz - The Flamingo Connection) Tommy Whittle with the Tony Kinsey Trio - April 11th, 1953 (Esquire 20-028(1 take of each title)) Tommy Whittle (ts), Dill Jones (p), Stan Wasser (b), Tony Kinsey (d). I'm Beginning To See The Light* (2 takes)/I Can't Believe That You're In Love With Me* (2 takes)/Deep Purple* (2 takes)/Waxing With Whittle** (3 takes). (*Acrobat 6CD set - The Tony Kinsey Collection 1953 - 1961) Ted Heath and his Music - April 12th, 1953 (Decca/London) - Ted Heath Tommy Whittle with The Tony Kinsey Trio - NJF concert at the Festival Hall, London on February 28th, 1954 (Esquire 32-004(part), EP44) (JMC8/JJ4) Tommy Whittle (ts), Dill Jones (p), Sammy Stokes (b), Tony Kinsey (d). Zoot's Suite*/Deed I Do. (*Acrobat 6CD set - The Tony Kinsey Collection 1953 - 1961) March 12th, 1954 (Esquire) Symphony*/Deed I Do. (*Acrobat 6CD set - The Tony Kinsey Collection 1953 - 1961) April 7th, 1954 (Esquire 20-028) Zoot's Suite*/Frenesi*/I Can't Get Started*/Deed I Do*. (*Acrobat 6CD set - The Tony Kinsey Collection 1953 - 1961) The Melody Maker's Modern Group - April 7th, 1954 (Esquire 20-030) Kenny Baker (tp,flhrn), Jimmy Deuchar (tp,fhr), Bruce Turner (as), Tommy Whittle (ts), Vic Feldman (vib), Dill Jones (p), Sammy Stokes (b), Tony Kinsey (d). If I Could Be With You (2 takes)/Young And Healthy (2 takes)/A Long K.B. Blues. Johnny Dankworth Orchestra - June 1st, 1954 (Parlophone) Derek Abbott, Bill Metcalf, Eddie Blair, George Boocock (tp), Maurice Pratt, Keith Christie, Eddie Harvey, Bill Geldard (tb), Johnny Dankworth, Geoff Cole, Maurice Owen (as), Tommy Whittle, Rex Morris (ts), Alex Leslie (bs), Derek Smith (p), Jack Seymour (b), Allan Ganley (d), Frank Holder, Tony Mansell, Cleo Laine (vcl). Bugle Call Rag*^/Four Of A Kind*#/Perdido*^#/You Go To My Head*#. (*Avid 2 CD set - Johnny Dankworth and Cleo Laine - Spread a Little Happiness) (^Salvo 4CD Box set - I Hear Music - A Celebration of the Life and Work of Cleo Laine & John Dankworth) (#EMI 2 CD set - The Best Of Johnny Dankworth) August 9th, 1954 (Parlophone) Personnel as June 1st. Hold My Hand (vcl TM)/The High And Mighty (vcl TM). Tommy Whittle Quintet - August 17th, 1954 (Esquire EP37 one take of each title) Tommy Whittle (ts), Harry Klein (bs), Dill Jones (p), Joe Muddel (b), Eddie Taylor (d). Martini (2 takes)/Zythum (2 takes)/Yesterdays (2 takes)/Debut (2 takes). Johnny Dankworth Orchestra - October 6th, 1954 (Parlophone) Personnel as June 1st. Mambo In Moonlight (vcl FH)/Stop! Proceed With Caution . November 3rd, 1954 (Parlophone) Personnel as June 1st. Cole Storage*/Get Happy*#. (*Avid 2 CD set - Johnny Dankworth and Cleo Laine - Spread a Little Happiness) (#EMI 2 CD set - The Best Of Johnny Dankworth) Tommy Whittle Quintet - December 1st, 1954 (Esquire) Personnel as August 17th. Archer's Treat/Pyramid/Willow Weep For Me (2 takes)/Crazy Rhythm. The Melody Maker All-Stars - March 7th, 1955 (Esquire EP56* others 10-436 ) Kenny Baker (tp), Keith Christie (tb), Vic Ash (cl), Johnny Dankworth (as), Ronnie Chamberlain, (ts,sops), Tommy Whittle (ts), Harry Klein (as,bs), Vic Feldman (vib), Bill McGuffie (p), Tito Burns (acc), Bert Weedon (g), Joe Muddel (b), Eric Delaney (d). (Add Joe Harriott (as) on Waxing The Winners) Gershwin Ballad Medley: (Summertime*/Someone To Watch Over Me*/Love Walked In*/Embraceable You*)/Waxing The Winners (Part 1)/Waxing The Winners (Part 2). (*Hallmark CD - Basement Bop - British jazz in the 1950s) Tommy Whittle Quintet - March 22nd, 1955 (Esquire EP67* JMC25*) Tommy Whittle (ts), Harry Klein (bs), Dill Jones (p), Joe Muddel (b), Eddie Taylor (d). Ten-bar Gait*#/The Finisher*/Someone To Watch Over Me/Harry's Blues. (#Giant Steps 2CD set - Soho After Dark 'London's '50s Modern Jazz Scene') (#Hallmark CD - Basement Bop - British jazz in the 1950s) Tommy Whittle Quintet - August 4th, 1955 (Esquire 20-048*) (JMC26/30) Tommy Whittle (ts), Harry Klein (bs), Dill Jones (p), Dave Willis (b), Eddie Taylor (d). Flamingo/Ghost Of A chance/I'll Remember April*/You've Done Something To My Heart*/Stars Fell On Alabama*#/Cherokee*. (#Hallmark CD - Basement Bop - British jazz in the 1950s) Tommy Whittle Orchestra - November 9th, 1955 (Esquire 20-061) (JMC23/24) Kenny Wheeler (tp), Keith Christie (tb, v-tb), Ronnie Baker (as), Tommy Whittle (ts), Joe Temperley (bs), Don Riddell (p), Freddie Logan (b), Eddie Taylor (d). Laura/Lester Leaps In/Jive At Five/How High The Moon. Cleo Laine with... - December 13th, 1955 (Nixa NJE1010) Cleo Laine (vcl), Eddie Blair (tp), Ken Wray (tb), Dougie Robinson (as), Tommy Whittle (as Virgil Nameless) (ts), Ronnie Ross (bs), Max Harris (p), Sammy Stokes (b), Eddie Taylor (d), Johnny Dankworth (arr). Jeepers Creepers*/I'm Beginning To See The Light*/Deep In A Dream*/I'm Putting All My Eggs In One Basket*. (#Avid 2 CD set - Johnny Dankworth and Cleo Laine - Spread a Little Happiness) Johnny Keating All Stars - March 19th and 20th, 1956 (British Jazz - Oriole MG20011) Eddie Blair, Bobby Pratt (tp), Jimmy Wilson (tb), Ian Powell (tu), Ronnie Chamberlain (as), Don Rendell, Tommy Whittle (ts), Ronnie Ross (bs), Bill Le Sage (p,vib), Johnny Hawksworth (b), Ronnie Verrell (d), Dizzy Reece (bgo-1). Gibraltar Rocks*/Piccadilly Jumps* (1). Don Rendell, Tommy Whittle (ts), Bill Le Sage (p), Johnny Hawksworth (b), Ronnie Verrell (d). Last Resort*. (*Vocalion CD - British Jazz & Swinging Scots) (*Real Gone Jazz 4 CD set - Don Rendell Six Classic Albums plus bonus tracks) Tommy Whittle Orchestra - March 22nd, 1956 (Esquire 20-061) (JMC23/24) Kenny Wheeler (tp), Keith Christie (tb, v-tb), Ronnie Baker (as), Tommy Whittle (ts), Joe Temperley (bs), Don Riddell (p), Freddie Logan (b), Eddie Taylor (d). Just One Of Those Things/Autumn In New York/Don't Get Scared/I Let A Song Go Out Of My Heart. Tommy Whittle - Keith Christie Quintet - July 6th, 1956 (Esquire 20-068) Keith Christie (tb, v-tb), Tommy Whittle (ts), Derek Smith (p), Arthur Watts (b), Eddie Taylor (d). Lullaby In Rhythm/Lullaby Of Birdland/Lullaby Of The Leaves/Lullaby Of Broadway. Discographical detail below is not listed in Lord's Jazz Discography and has been taken from Jazz Journal which published the results of work undertaken by Bernard Shirley, Tony Middleton and Pete Lay. The information on the label is incomplete and misleading.... Bix Curtis Jazz Group - July 28th, 1956 (Jazz from Club Basie - World Record Club R46) Keith Christie (tb), Tommy Whittle (ts), Dill Jones (p), Lennie Bush (b), Tommy Jones (d). Lady Be Good. Johnny Dankworth Orchestra - March 21st, 1957 (Parlophone PMC1043) Dickie Hawdon, Derek Abbott, Bill Metcalf, Stan Palmer, Colin Wright (tp), Jack Botterill, Garry Brown, Laurie Monk, Tony Russell, Danny Elwood (tb), Johnny Dankworth (as), Tommy Whittle (ts), Alex Leslie (bs,cl), Dave Lee (p), Eric Dawson (b), Kenny Clare (d). Somebody Loves Me*/Limehouse Blues*. (*EMI 2 CD set - The Best Of Johnny Dankworth) (*Vocalion CD - 5 Steps to Dankworth & Journey into Jazz) (*Avid 2 CD set - Cleo Laine & John Dankworth: Three Early LPs & More) Johnny Keating All Stars - April 29th and 30th, 1957 (Swinging Scots - London LTZD 15122) Bobby Pratt, Tommy McQuater, Eddie Blair, Duncan Campbell, Jimmy Deuchar (tp), Jock Bain, Jimmy Wilson, Wally Smith, George Chisholm (tb), Burt Harden (tu), George Hunter, Ronnie Baker (as), Tommy Whittle, Duncan Lamont (ts), Ronnie Ross (bs), Andy Dennits (p), Alan Metcalfe (g), Jack Seymour (b), Bobby Orr (d). Hampden Roars*/Down South Blues*/Clachnacudan Canal*. Bobby Pratt, Eddie Blair (tp), George Chisholm (tb), Burt Harden (tu), George Hunter (as), Tommy Whittle, Duncan Lamont (ts), Ronnie Ross (bs), Andy Dennits (p), Alan Metcalfe (g), Jack Seymour (b), Bobby Orr (d). Headin' North*/Loch Ness Monster*. Eddie Blair, Jimmy Deuchar (tp), Ronnie Baker (as,cl), Tommy Whittle (ts), Ronnie Ross (bs), Andy Dennits (p), Alan Metcalfe (g), Jack Seymour (b), Bobby Orr (d). Thistle Swing*/Tam O'Shanter*/Kiltie*. (*Vocalion CD - British Jazz & Swinging Scots) (*Real Gone Jazz 4 CD set - Ronnie Ross Seven Classic Albums plus bonus tracks) 
Tommy Whittle Quartet - July 11th, 1957 (HMV)Tommy Whittle (ts), Eddie Thompson (p), Brian Brocklehurst (b), Jackie Dougan (d). The Finisher/Cabin In The Sky. Tommy Whittle Quartet - September 26th, 1957 (HMV 7EG8325) (JM0658) Tommy Whittle (ts), Eddie Thompson (p), Maurice Salvat (b), Jackie Dougan (d). Day By Day/Laura/Love Is The Sweetest Thing/Just Squeeze Me. Tommy Whittle Quintet - July 17th, 1958 (Saga ESAG7008) Tommy Whittle (ts), Harry Klein (bs), Eddie Thompson (p), Ken Sprang (b), Jackie Dougan (d). You Stepped Out Of A Dream*/Dearly Beloved*/Poinciana*/Broadway*. (* Acrobat CD - Tommy Whittle Quintet - Complete recordings 1958 - 59) Tony Crombie And His Men - July 23rd, 1958 (Columbia) Jimmy Watson, Les Condon (tp), Bob Burns (as), Tommy Whittle (ts), Tubby Hayes (bs), Norman Stenfalt (p), Lennie Bush (b), Tony Crombie (d). St. James Infirmary/Small Talk. Tommy Whittle Quintet - May, 1959 (Tempo TAP27 and Ember EMB3305) (JM0760) Tommy Whittle (ts), Harry Klein (bs), Eddie Thompson (p), Ken Sprang (b), Jackie Dougan (d). Lady Bee*/Howl*^/Lullaby*/Twelve By Five*/New Horizons*/Blues In The Dark*/Heard And Seen*^/Mine Still*/Loving Man* (not on records). (* Acrobat CD - Tommy Whittle Quintet - Complete recordings 1958 - 59) (^Fantastic Voyage 2 CD set - Ember Jazz - The Flamingo Connection) Tony Crombie Orchestra - August, 1961 (Ember EMB3336) Harold McNair (as,f), Tommy Whittle (bs,b-cl), Gordon Beck (p), Malcolm Cecil (b), Tony Crombie (d). Gut Bucket*#^+/Just Like Old Times*+/Keep It Light*/Look For The Real Thing*/Flute Salad*/Brazilia*^/Penthouse Party*/Journey's End*. (#Another title Sadie's Song which appears to be by the same group also appears on the Ember Tribute CD) (#Ember CD - Tony Crombie - A Tribute) (^Fantastic Voyage 2 CD set - Ember Jazz - The Flamingo Connection) (*Fantastic Voyage CD - Whole Lota Tony) (*Real Gone Jazz CD - Tony Crombie: Seven Classic Albums plus bonus EP) (+Acrobat CD - British Modern Jazz Singles, EP tracks & Rarities 1960 - 62) Johnny Hawksworth Trio - May, 1963 (Accustomed To My Bass - Columbia 33SX1654) Tommy Whittle (ts),Bill Le Sage (p), Johnny Hawksworth (b), Ronnie Verrell (d). My Mother's Eyes. Forty Two Big Band - spring, 1963 (Columbia) Bobby Pratt, Bert Courtley, Derrick Abbott, Les Condon (tp), Keith Christie, Gib Wallace, Bobby Lamb, Bill Geldard (tb), Johnny Scott (as), Tommy Whittle, Eddie Mordue, Bobby Wellins (ts), Ronnie Ross (bs), Tommy Watt (p,ldr), Malcolm Cecil (b), Bobby Orr (d). Woodchoppers Ball/Tuxedo Junction/St. Louis Blues/C Jam Blues. British modern jazz recording almost stopped in the early 1960s when rock and roll and the Beatles changed the record buying habits of the British public. Jazz recording never really started again, and Tommy Whittle's recording opportunities, leading his own groups, became very rare. Usually made for small independent companies, most are now rarer than hen's teeth although still sought after by his fans. The next disc under his own name did not appear until 1967... Discography covering records made by Tommy Whittle after 1963... |
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