Chris Barber

Chris Barber (born January 17, 1930 at Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, England) is best known as a trombonist playing in his Trad revivals with his Dixieland Jazz Band.

Basic biogrgaphy

Chris Barber began leading his own bands in 1948 in which he played trombone. Barber helped to create the careers of many diverse musicians such as vocalist and banjo player Lonnie Donegan who rose to his own fame during the Skiffle music craze of the middle 1950s. He had his first transatlantic hit during his time in Chris Barber's band with the release of Rock Island Line.

In addition to Donegan, Barber also featured Patrick Halcox on trumpet from 1954 onwards with Monty Sunshine joining to play clarinet. Sunshine was heard in the music charts with his rendition of Petite Fleur. Although the Barber band featured Dixieland Jazz, it also engaged in Ragtime, Swing, Blues and R&B and worked with other artists including Louis Jordan and Dr. John. After 1959 he toured the United States many times.