Jay Wilbur

James Edward Wilbur (1898–1968) was a British bandleader and prolifically recorded musician identified with and influential in the era of Big Band and British dance band music.[1]

Wilbur was born Wilbur Blinco in 1898 in Leamington Spa.[2] He became recording director for Dominion Records[3] in 1928, but left Dominion shortly before its demise, and became recording manager for the Crystalate Manufacturing Company.[4] With his own name and under many pseudonyms,[5] his recordings appeared on a variety of labels, including Imperial, Eclipse, Rex and Crown.

He broadcast for the BBC in the 1930s, often featuring guest artists such as Fats Waller.[6] In 1941, he appeared as himself in the film Hi Gang!.[7] His dance band recordings often featured a young Vera Lynn on vocals, and he later accompanied Lynn on her solo releases.[8]

Jay Wilbur and His Band performed extensively for Allied military servicemembers during World War II. He is known for recording established tunes while rendering them in foxtrot style.[9]

Wilbur died in Cape Town, South Africa, in 1968.[10]