Description:Andy Hamilton (saxophinist) and Ralf DeCambre (guitarist), photographed in Birmingham, 1987. From the collection "Muzik Kinda Sweet" by Pogus Caesar/OOM Gallery Archive.
Andy Hamilton was born in Port Maria, Jamaica, in 1918. His first exposure to music was through his family and the church. In 1928 he formed his first band 'Silvershine' and regularly performed in Jamaica and New York. In 1949 Hamilton emigrated to Birmingham, where he soon formed 'The Blue Notes'. The band have performed throughout Britain, Europe and the Caribbean. At the age of 72 he got his first recording contract and released 'Silvershine' which was the biggest UK jazz album that year.
In 1996 he was awarded an Honorary Master of Arts Degree by Birmingham University, and a Millenium Fellowship in 1999 for his work in Community Education. He has now established The Andy Hamilton School of Music, supported by the Millenium Commission.