Leslie Arthur Julien Hutchinson (Hutch) (born Grenada 7 March 1900 – 19 August 1969) was one of the biggest cabaret stars in the world during the twenties and thirties.

[edit] Career

He came to England in 1927 and soon became the darling of Society as well as immensely popular with people in general. Hutch was a favourite singer of the then Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII). He was regularly heard on air with the BBC. One of his greatest hits was "These Foolish Things". He was a much-loved wartime entertainer who lifted the spirits of the nation every bit as much as Vera Lynn.

Hutch was bisexual and had relationships with Cole Porter, Ivor Novello, and actress Tallulah Bankhead. He also had an affair with a member of the royal family, which eventually destroyed him socially and professionally.

As well as being a friend and lover of Cole Porter, he recorded several of his songs, not least the evocative "Begin the Beguine" and Porter's famous list song "Let's Do It (Let's Fall in Love)."

Hutch suffered from ill-health in his later years and died on 19 August 1969. Only thirty people attended his funeral.

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