The nephew of Bangor-born Harry Parry, the famous clarinettist and jazz band leader, is asking the people of Bangor for their memories of Harry or his siblings.
Mike Taylor is writing a very personal biography of his uncle and has asked the people of Bangor to help with any memories they might have or stories of Harry & the Parry family who lived at No. 60 Caellepa which have been passed down by grandparents or parents.
Harry (real name Owen Henry) was born at 222 Caernarfon Road on the 22nd January 1912 went to Glanadda & Central schools & was a natural musician.
By the age of 12 Harry had mastered almost all the instruments in the local brass band and became proficient on drums. Later he took lessons in musical theory and the violin and R Francis-Jones of Port Dinorwic taught him the rudiments of playing the clarinet.
At 16 Harry was playing with the Harold Dobbs Marina Band, often twice a week, at venues like Palfreymans Hall (Ambassadors Hall) now renamed the Blue Sky Cafe, “Jimmy’s” (youth club at St James Church now pulled down, Powis Hall at Bangor University and other venues in Caernarfon, Anglesey and North Wales.
In 1932 Harry gave up his job as a scientific instrument maker to turn professional with Eddie Shaw’s Band for the summer season at Paynes Cafe later moving to the London area between 1933-1939 where he played alto saxophone and scat-sang in bands led by George Colborn, Miff Ferrie, Percival Mackey, Oscar Grasso, Neville Bishop, Paul Lombard and Charles Shadwell.
In 1940 Harry had his big chance and was “discovered” by Charles Chilton of the BBC who loved Harry’s brand of “swing jazz”. With the young George Shearing in his sextet Harry became the host, resident band and later producer of BBC’s Radio Rhythm Club, Jazz Club, Housewives Choice, Tarry with Parry and a host of other shows making over 750 broadcasts on Radio & Television. He later acted in a full length feature film as the romantic lead to Gloria Brent and acted in radio plays.
Harry made over 103 recordings for Parlophone, toured the UK regularly and entertained troops in the Middle East and also toured Europe and India. he was a successful band leader, musical arrange (trios to 18 piece orchestra), composer (over 1000 tunes) and played for the King & Queen at Windsor castle on the 18th June 1948.
Sadly Harry died at the young age of 44 in 1956 in London.
Any memories would be appreciated of Harry or his family and I will acknowledge them all.
If you have any memories or photos please contact Mike Tayler via email: mikestayler@hotmail.com
