A Jazz musician who gigged all over the world is being laid to rest in Walthamstow next week.

David Pogson, known as ‘Poggy’ to his friends, played big band and jazz trombone with acts like the Joe Loss Orchestra, one of the most successful groups of the big band era, with hits including “In the Mood.”

Mr Pogson died on August 3rd at the age of 79 while staying with friends, Maggie and Ron Regan, at their home in Beulah Road, Walthamstow, as he received treatment for bowel cancer.

Mr Pogson met Mr and Mrs Regan 40 years ago when he joined their musical comedy troupe, Nuts and Bolts, as their trombonist.

Mr and Mrs Regan are now planning a funeral befitting a jazz musician.

On Tuesday August 13, a horse and carriage will bring Mr Pogson’s body to the Regans’ house at 2pm where a group of friends and musicians will walk alongside the coffin to St Mary’s church playing New Orleans and traditional jazz music all the way.

“He always said that he loved the idea of a New Orleans type of funeral,” said Mrs Regan, 60.

She added: “I think all jazz musicians dream of a New Orleans jazz funeral.”

Mr Pogson’s good friend Dianna Rigg, of The Avengers, has been invited to attend.

Mr Pogson was an only child, born in 1934 in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire.

His musical career started when he signed up and joined the army band, but he spent most of his career playing big band and traditional jazz music.

A highlight of Mr Pogson’s career was playing a gig on the maiden voyage of the QE2 in 1967 with the Rob Charles Band.

“He was gentle,” said Mrs Regan.

“That’s probably one of the first things anybody would say about him.

“Then that he was musically talented and knowledgeable.

“He knew everything about the trombone.”

 

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