I worked at the Marble Bar and love it when the Nat Oliver Jazz Band played ! I still have the cassette and still listen to it ! Great bunch of guys ! Thanks for making my working nights a whole lotta fun ! GRAHAM :)
Oliver Heatherington and his band were an important influence on my early life At the age of fifteen, working for the first time, and relishing freedom and independence that came with being self supporting, I discovered a little dive called Suzie Wong's in a basement in the Imperial Arcade. Suzie Wong's became a second home to me, I was a big fan of Ollie and the rest of his crew, and spent many nights cakewalking, to the point of exhaustion. I will always remember Ollie for his smile, warmth, authenticity and talent. I am saddened to learn of his passing, but I celebrate his life and his music, and am grateful to have known him.
Ollie was so upbeat, always positive even in the darkest hours. He was a wonderful father, so supportive and he was much loved by everyone.We miss you, Ollie.
I stood beside Ollie at countless Nat Oliver Jazz Band gigs and played clarinet and sometimes tenor sax, weaving around his wonderful trumpet lead and backing his memorable vocals.What a band leader! What a personality and what incredible rapport with the audience. Always in control, always happy and never a cross word. I'll never forget his talent and charm. He wa one in a million. "Thanks A Million", Ol. "The Silver Fox".
I remember Ollie as a man of humour and kindness... always smiling, always positive, always full of love and admiration for his family and friends. He was an inspiration - and a cherished friend.