Why does this building merit a blue plaque? This is the May Fair Hotel on Stratton Street. It commemorates Bert Ambrose, a celebrated dance band leader. The Bert Ambrose Blue plaque marks where he lived and played from 1927 to 1940.
Bert Ambrose was born Benjamin Baruch Ambrose in Warsaw in 1896. His family later moved to London. He became a highly acclaimed bandleader. His band was Ambrose & His Orchestra. They were very popular in the 1930s.
Ambrose began playing the violin as a child. At 15, he traveled to New York City. He played professionally. He first played for Emil Coleman. This was at Reisenweber’s restaurant. Later, he joined the Palais Royal’s big band.
At 20, Ambrose was asked to lead his own fifteen-piece band. After a dispute, he moved to another venue. His band gained popularity there.
In 1922, Ambrose returned to London. The Embassy Club hired him. He formed a seven-piece band. After two years, he left for a job at the Clover Gardens in New York.
In 1925, the Prince of Wales cabled him. Edward wanted him back at the Embassy. Ambrose returned and stayed until 1927. The Embassy Club did not allow radio broadcasts. This was a problem for Ambrose. Radio work helped bands get recording contracts.
He then joined the May Fair Hotel. His salary was a significant sum. It was about £10,000 per year. During his time at the Embassy, he married Kitty Brady. Her full name was Kathryn Lucille. They married in 1924. Oddly, he signed as Bernard Ambrose.
Ambrose stayed at the May Fair for six years. His band recorded for Brunswick Records, HMV and Decca. He collaborated with Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart. They recorded songs like “My Heart Stood Still.” He hired first-class musicians. These included Sylvester Ahola and Ted Heath.
In 1933, Ambrose refused a pay cut at the May Fair. He returned to the Embassy Club. After three years, he went back to the May Fair in 1936. He partnered with Jack Harris. In 1937, they bought Ciro’s Club. Art Tatum performed there for three months. Ambrose and Harris alternated performances. A disagreement ended their partnership. Ambrose then worked at the Café de Paris. He toured until World War II.
In 1939, Ambrose’s band played at Blenheim Palace. It was for Lady Sarah Consuelo Spencer-Churchill’s coming-out party. There were over 700 guests including Winston Churchill. The band played in a pavilion. Guests danced on the lawn. It was called “the last season ever.”
Vera Lynn sang with his band from 1937 to 1940. She became known as the “Forces’ Sweetheart”. Other singers included Sam Browne and Elsie Carlisle. His signature tune was “When Day is Done.”
Ambrose retired from performing in 1940. He and his orchestra continued to record until 1947. Several band members joined the Royal Air Force band. It was called the Squadronaires. He later toured with the Ambrose Octet. He managed Kathy Kirby.
In the mid-1950s, rock and roll became popular. Ambrose struggled. He performed in small clubs. His financial situation worsened. He discovered Kathy Kirby. He promoted her career.
Ambrose collapsed during a TV program recording. He died later that night in Leeds. He was buried in Bushey Jewish Cemetery.
In 2005, a Bert Ambrose Blue plaque was unveiled at the May Fair Hotel. It commemorates his contributions to music and dance. It marks where Bert Ambrose lived and played. His legacy lives on through his music.