Alyn Ainsworth (August 24, 1924 – October 4, 1990) was a British musician, singer, and conductor renowned for his work in light entertainment music. Born in Bolton, Lancashire, he attended Canon Slade Grammar School on a scholarship but left at 14 when his talent as a boy soprano earned him a spot touring with Herman Darewski’s dance band.
After his voice broke, Ainsworth learned guitar, performing with local bands while working various jobs, including as a hat salesman and golf professional. He later joined Oscar Rabin’s orchestra, contributing as a player and arranger for radio broadcasts.
In 1951, Ainsworth became arranger-conductor for the BBC Northern Dance Orchestra, elevating its reputation as a top UK band through his dedication and skill. He conducted at the Eurovision Song Contest five times (1975–1978, 1990) and served as musical director for the BBC’s Fifty Years of Music in 1972.
Ainsworth also worked on television, collaborating with stars like Vera Lynn and Cilla Black. In 1956, he announced his engagement to Teddie Beverley on Sunday Night at the London Palladium, though it was later canceled. He died in London at age 66, leaving a legacy in British entertainment.
24 recordings by Alyn Ainsworth you can hear on Instrumentals Forever:
A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square • Bedtime For Drums • By The Fireside • Cherokee • Come Back To Sorrento • East Of The Sun (And West Of The Moon) • I’m Confessin’ (That I Love You) • In A Little Spanish Town • Isle Of Capri • Little White Lies • Moonlight Becomes You • On Ilkla Moor Baht ‘At • Santa Lucia • Small Fry • Something To Remember You By • Thanks For The Memory (”Big Broadcast Of 1938”) • That Old Feeling • The Cobblers Song • The Flagwavers • Transatlantic Lullaby • Valencia • When The Guards Are On Parade • Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams • You Must Have Been A Beautiful Baby •
