Billy Monk's New Rhythm Band

Thanks for letting me join this group. I've noticed a couple of posts mentioning Billy Monk's New Rhythm Band from the 1940's of which my grandfather, Ken Barber was a member. I recently came across this photo that I thought might be of interest, he's the 3rd handsome chap from the right, this prompted me into doing a bit of research. I'd be interested to hear from or connect with any other members who had any further information/knew other band members names

Welcome, Sarah, and thank you for such an interesting new topic. Doing a quick newspaper search, the earliest mention of Billy Monk I've found is for the inaugural meeting of the Rhythm Club, held at Hanson's showrooms, Hertford Street. The article appeared in the Midland Daily Telegraph on the 13th February 1936....

Ooh, just found this in the Leicester Daily Mercury from the 8th April 1944, mentioning some featured artists with the band.... And even better still, this, from the Coventry Standard, 7th October 1944....

This is brilliant Rob, thanks for digging further!

Not heard of this band, for others who haven't - Billy Monk.

After another search, I've come across this brief article, too, from the Midland Daily Telegraph of 22nd October 1930, which actually names Sarah's granddad, Ken Barber, taking part in a "Classical versus Jazz" discussion....