Claude Powell

He was working in the steel industry at the time, but that evening the course of his life was changed and the career of "Mr Smoothie" had started.

The musician at the piano in the bar asked him to give a song, and when he did, the landlord was so impressed by his voice and delivery that he booked him to sing for five nights at a pound a night – a pound being worth a great more than it is today.

Claude, who has died aged 77, was born in Manchester, Jamaica, becoming a chef at the Tower Isles Hotel, St Mary's, Jamaica.

He left the West Indies in April 1954, to join his then wife Gloria, in England. They had four children Valerie, Velma, Ray and Rory. He had been six months in the steel industry when that invitation to give a song was made - and he was a singer for the rest of his life.

In 1988 Claude and his second wife, Linda, took ownership of a guest house in Blackpool.

Settling in the Lancashire resort, he made that his base, but in due course was to be heard in venues around Britain and in Spain, Africa and Channel Islands, building on an increasing wide international fan base.

One of his proudest theatre moments was performing at the London Palladium with Matt Monroe. Due to his laid-back style of presentation, to fellow professionals in show business he became known as Mr Smoothie. Music critics have described him as a blend of Nat King Cole and Brooke Benton, with just a hint of Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong thrown in for good measure.

Immaculately turned out on all occasions, he combined his artistry with generosity and kindliness and unfailing good manners.

Linda died in 1997. Continuing to perform until 2007 when he was diagnosed with cancer, grandfather and great grandfather Claude Powell –the "Gentleman of Clubland" as he came to be regarded – is survived by his partner Marion and his children Valerie, Velma, Ray, Rory and Carlyn.