Eric Delaney (22 May 1924 – 14 July 2011[1]) was an English drummer and bandleader, popular in the 1950s and early 1960s.[2]
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Delaney was born in Acton, London. Aged 16, he won the Best Swing Drummer award and later joined the Bert Ambrose Octet which featured George Shearing on piano. During 1947–54 he appeared with the Geraldo Orchestra and filled his time with regular session work in recording studios and on film, TV and radio. In 1954 he formed his own band and later signed with the new Pye Records label. He made three Royal Variety Show appearances, the first in 1956.
Delaney specialised in up-tempo dance hall music, often carrying a rock n' roll label but closer in spirit to that of Geraldo and Joe Loss. As with many similar artists, the music he performed became less popular after The Beatles entered the musical scene. He remained active touring in the UK, notably in holiday resorts, nonetheless.[3]
Although best known as a jazz drummer, Delaney was a multi-percussionist. As well as the drums he played xylophone, glockenspiel, timpani, military side drum, tubular bells, a variety of Chinese gongs and tam tams and incorporated many everyday items such as brushes and whistles into his shows over the years.
THE ERIC DELANEY BAND
ERIC DELANEY'S BIG BEAT SIX
THE ERIC DELANEY BAND
A more complete list of Delaney's records (78rpm to CD) including earlier Mercury recordings together with a tentative filmography and videography are in Sammons, Eddie (June 2010). The Magnificent Eric Delaney. Fastprint. ISBN 184426825X.
THE BIG BEAT OF-ERIC DELANEY