 George Melly last appeared at the festival in 2006 |
The director of Brecon jazz festival has paid tribute to one of its founding patrons, veteran singer George Melly, who has died aged 80. Jim Smith described Melly as "a great friend" of the event.
The flamboyant performer opened the first festival in 1983 and played at last year's event, when Mr Smith said he appeared "frail".
Melly also owned a home near Brecon and a mile-long stretch of the River Usk, where he fished.
He had been diagnosed with lung cancer and vascular dementia, a condition which affects the brain after small strokes.
But Mr Smith said Melly would "always be remembered as one of the most colourful and exuberant performers in jazz".
He added: "Melly was a remarkable man. Generous of spirit - eccentric but loveable.
"He will be missed by all at Brecon jazz and by the many thousands he entertained at the festival over the years."
Liz Elstone, founding chair of Brecon jazz, said Melly "gave a lot to the festival".
"In the early days he was so very important - he would also come along to launches and promotional events," she added.
"Once the festival coincided with his 60th birthday when we celebrated with a very large cake.
 George Melly opened the first festival in 1983 |
"He gave a lot to the festival, particularly in the early days - we will all miss him."
Away from show business and writing, his main recreation was fly-fishing and he owned a mile stretch of the River Usk beside his holiday home at Scethrog, near Brecon.
Called The Tower, Mr Smith said it was also the venue for often "rather bohemian" parties, sometimes to the consternation of his neighbours."
Melly also spoke at the festival's launch at the Senedd in Cardiff in March last year.
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Melly was a remarkable man. Generous of spirit - eccentric but loveable
