Held on April 25th at the Royal Albert Hall, the awards were presented by Nat ‘King’ Cole.
Winners were presented hand drawn portraits painted by David Kemp and, according to our report the following week, “often touch(ed) the highest peaks of ecstasy.” Wow.
Band You Would Most Like To See At The NME Pollwinners’ Concert
Johnny Dankworth’s Orchestra
Outstanding Drummer
Jack Parnell
Outstanding Clarinet Player
Carl Barriteau
Oustanding Tenor Sax Player
Ronnie Scott
Outstanding Trombone Player
Don Lusher
Outstanding Alto Sax Player
Johnny Dankworth
Outstanding Guitar Player
Ivor Mairants
Outstanding Piano Player
Bill McGuffie
Outstanding Trumpet Player
Kenny Baker
Outstanding Bass Player
Johnny Hawksworth
Outstanding Arranger
Reg Owen
Outstanding Large Band
Ted Heath And His Music
Musician Of The Year
Ronnie Scott
Male Vocalist
Dickie Valentine
Female Vocalist
Lita Roza
Small Band
Ronnie Scott’s Band