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Ivy Benson

(1914-1993), Musician; founding member of All Girls Band

Sitter in 3 portraits
In 1940 Benson formed her twenty piece 'All Girl Band' and during her career over 500 girls passed under her baton. First heard on the radio in 1943 and subsequently was made resident 'house band' by the BBC. The band appeared during World war II at Covent Garden Opera House and was invited to play in liberated Berlin in the Victory celebrations. They spent the next three years there and entertaining troops in the Middle East and Vietnam. Benson combined leading the band with playing the saxophone, clarinet and trombone. Best known for her signature tune Lady Be Good first used in 1944.

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Caryll Stafford Clark; Ivy Benson, by Unknown photographer - NPG x198526

Caryll Stafford Clark; Ivy Benson

by Unknown photographer
gelatin silver print, 19 October 1949
NPG x198526

Ivy Benson, by Count Zichy, for Camera Press: London: UK - NPG x194229

Ivy Benson

by Count Zichy, for Camera Press: London: UK
vintage print, 1950s
NPG x194229

Ivy Benson and her All Girls Band, by Harry Hammond - NPG x15517

Ivy Benson and her All Girls Band

by Harry Hammond
bromide print, 1952
NPG x15517

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