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Jack Payne & His Orchestra was a British dance band that was active from the 1920s to the 1940s. The ensemble was founded by Jack Payne, a pianist and bandleader who was born in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, England, in 1899. Payne began his musical career as a pianist in silent movie theaters, playing along with the films. He later joined the Royal Horse Guards as a musician and played in the regimental band. In 1920, he joined the Savoy Orpheans, a popular dance band that played at the Savoy Hotel in London. Payne quickly became one of the band's most popular members, and he was soon promoted to bandleader. In 1928, Payne left the Savoy Orpheans to form his own band, which he called Jack Payne & His BBC Dance Orchestra. The ensemble quickly became one of the most popular dance bands in Britain, and it was known for its lively performances and catchy arrangements. The main members of Jack Payne & His Orchestra included Jack Payne on piano and vocals, Billy Scott-Coomber on trumpet, Nat Gonella on trumpet, Sid Phillips on clarinet and saxophone, and Harry Roy on saxophone and vocals. The band also featured a rotating cast of vocalists, including Al Bowlly, who was one of the most popular singers of the era. One of the highlights of Jack Payne & His Orchestra's career was their performance at the Royal Command Performance in 1932. The ensemble played a medley of popular songs, including "The Wedding of the Painted Doll" and "The Varsity Drag," and their performance was met with enthusiastic applause from the audience, which included King George V and Queen Mary. Another notable performance by the band was their appearance in the 1935 film "She Shall Have Music," which starred Jack Payne and featured several of the band's most popular songs, including "Say It With Music" and "The Clouds Will Soon Roll By." Jack Payne & His Orchestra also recorded several hit songs, including "Say It With Music," "The Clouds Will Soon Roll By," and "The Wedding of the Painted Doll." The band's recordings were popular not only in Britain but also in the United States, where they were released on the RCA Victor label. In addition to their musical achievements, Jack Payne & His Orchestra also won several awards during their career. In 1933, the band won the Melody Maker poll for Best Dance Band, and they went on to win the award for three consecutive years. The band also won the Daily Express poll for Best Dance Band in 1934 and 1935. Despite their success, Jack Payne & His Orchestra disbanded in 1937, as Payne decided to focus on his career as a radio producer. However, the band's legacy lived on, and their recordings continued to be popular for many years after their disbandment. Today, Jack Payne & His Orchestra are remembered as one of the most popular and influential dance bands of the 1920s and 1930s. Their lively performances and catchy arrangements helped to define the sound of British dance music during this era, and their recordings continue to be enjoyed by music fans around the world.

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