Beryl Bryden

Beryl Bryden was a vibrant force in the British jazz and blues scene, celebrated for her powerhouse vocals and knack for playing the washboard—a skill that earned her the nickname "Queen of the Blues and Washboard." Born in 1920, she became a key figure in the trad jazz revival of the 1950s and '60s, known for her energetic stage presence and collaborations with jazz greats like Humphrey Lyttelton and Chris Barber. Beryl's career spanned decades, and she wasn’t afraid to cross borders, teaming up with international acts like Austrian clarinetist Fatty George and American jazz legend Lionel Hampton, as heard on *Fatty George meets Lionel Hampton & Beryl Bryden*. Her recordings, like *Queen Of Blues And Washboard* and *Two Moods of Beryl Bryden*, showcase her versatility, blending raucous blues numbers with soulful, laid-back tunes. Beryl kept performing until her passing in 1998, leaving behind a legacy as one of Britain’s most beloved jazz personalities.

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