UK R&B pioneer Zoot Money has passed away aged 82

UK singer and keyboard player Zoot Money, born George Bruno Money, has died at the age of 82. Known for his dynamic stage presence and musical versatility, Zoot Money collaborated with notable artists including Eric Burdon, Peter Green, Humble Pie, Spencer Davis, Mick Taylor, Georgie Fame, and Alan Price throughout his prolific career.

In 1961, Money founded the Big Roll Band, which at one point included Andy Summers, who would later join The Police. In 1968, he relocated to the USA to join Eric Burdon & The Animals, contributing to the album Every One of Us under the name George Bruno. In 1980, Money signed with Paul McCartney’s MPL Communications and released the album Mr Money, produced by Jim Diamond.

The following year, he formed a band to record The Majic Mijits album for Ronnie Lane and Steve Marriott. Money’s career continued to flourish in the 1980s as he served as a music director for BBC Scotland, recorded with Alan Price in the 1990s, and produced Ruby Turner’s album Call Me By My Name in 1998. In the 2000s, he returned to recording with Humble Pie, toured the UK with Long John Baldry, and performed occasionally.

Beyond music, Money also ventured into acting, appearing in the movie Porridge with Ronnie Barker and playing Chez Nobody Barman in Absolute Beginners.

Music by Yevhen Onoychenko from Pixabay