R.I.P Terry Dalton

Terry Dalton was born in Throckley, the 3rd son of Herbie Dalton, a window cleaner and drummer who ran a dance band around the north east. Herbie made sure that all of his family learned to play an instrument.  Ronnie (piano); Wilf (sax); Doreen (bass); Terry (trombone) and Derek (trumpet) - they were all employed in their dad's band once they had acquired the required skills. 

Later they became known as The Dalton Dixielanders although most people just simply referred to them as The Daltons.

Terry also gigged around with local bands and, as his reputation grew, progressed to the Joe Loss Orchestra playing and singing alongside Ross McManus who was the father of Elvis (Costello).

Back on Tyneside he got an equity card and did quite a bit of work as an  extra on various stage productions.

He joined the Jazz Esquires at the Porthole about 2012 (see photo) and did a few gigs with an offshoot band called Undecided before, later, joining the Blyth Big Band and the East Coast Swing Band  as lead trombone. He also did gigs with a band that his son played in - The Baghdaddies.

Terry had a very smooth tone, which he credited to a lesson he had had from Don Lusher, and a good technique that served him in good stead when his brother Derek visited from Australia.

He suffered from cancer and, sadly, wasn't able to do any playing over the last couple of years. 

Terry Dalton died on April 29.

May he Rest In Peace – Miles Watson.