R.I.P.: George Melly

The British singer George Melly died on July 5th at the age of 80 from lung cancer. His vocal style was strongly influenced by the blues singer Bessie Smith. In the 60s and 70s he worked as television and film critic for The Observer. He taught art history and published three autobiographical books. In the 70s he returned to jazz and sang with John Chilton's Feetwarmers. Obituary: Reuters , New York Times , The Independent , Guardian .