About Jay Wilbur
Lived 1898 – 1968 (aged 69–70). Jay Wilbur was a British bandleader, conductor and jazz musician.
James Edward Wilbur (1898–1968) was a British bandleader and prolifically recorded musician identified with and influential in the era of British dance band music.
Wilbur was born Wilbur Blinco in 1898 in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire. He became recording director for Dominion Records in 1928, but left Dominion shortly before its demise, and became recording manager for the Crystalate Manufacturing Company. With his own name and under many pseudonyms, his recordings appeared on a variety of labels, including Imperial, Eclipse, Rex and Crown.
He broadcast for the BBC in the 1930s, often featuring guest artists such as Fats Waller. In 1941, he appeared as himself in the film Hi Gang!. His dance band recordings often featured a young Vera Lynn on vocals, and he later accompanied Lynn on her solo releases.
Jay Wilbur and His Band performed extensively for Allied military service members during World War II. He is known for recording established tunes while rendering them in foxtrot style.
Wilbur died in Cape Town, South Africa, in 1968.
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Important facts
People in Jay Wilbur's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Jay Wilbur's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Jay Wilbur?
British bandleader (1898–1968)
When was Jay Wilbur born?
Jay Wilbur was born in 1898 in Bournemouth, England, Hampshire, England.
When did Jay Wilbur die?
Jay Wilbur died in 1968 in Cape Town, South Africa.
What was Jay Wilbur's occupation?
Jay Wilbur was a bandleader, conductor and jazz musician.
What nationality was Jay Wilbur?
Jay Wilbur was British.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Jay Wilbur. https://biography.guide/jay-wilbur/
MLA: "Jay Wilbur." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/jay-wilbur/.
Chicago: "Jay Wilbur." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/jay-wilbur/.
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