A New Orleans style funeral procession made its way down the streets of Walthamstow yesterday in a fitting tribute to a much-loved jazz musician. 

An estimated 150 people turned out to pay their respects to David Pogson, known as ‘Poggy’ to his friends.

Musicians played New Orleans and traditional jazz alongside his horse-drawn coffin all the way from Beulah Road, where Mr Pogson died, to St Mary’s church, where the service was held at 2pm.

Mr Pogson 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.”

He died on August 3 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.

The couple met Mr Pogson 40 years ago when he joined their musical comedy troupe, Nuts and Bolts, as their trombonist and it was Mrs Regan who organised the musical funeral.

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

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

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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