Zoot Money

George Bruno "Zoot" Money (born 17 July 1942 in Bournemouth, Hampshire) is an English vocalist, keyboardist and bandleader. He is best known for his playing of the Hammond organ and association with his Big Roll Band. Inspired by Jerry Lee Lewis and Ray Charles, he was drawn to rock and roll music and became a leading light in the vibrant music scene of Bournemouth and Soho during the 1960s. He took his stage name 'Zoot' from Zoot Sims after seeing him in concert.

Money has been associated with The Animals, Eric Burdon, Steve Marriott, Kevin Coyne, Humble Pie, Rocket 88, Snowy White, Mick Taylor, Spencer Davis, Vivian Stanshall, Geno Washington, Joseph Friel, the Hard Travelers, Widowmaker and Alan Price. He is also known as a bit part and character actor.

Music career

Big Roll Band and Dantalion's Chariot

In early autumn 1961 Money formed the Big Roll Band with himself as vocalist, Roger Collis on lead guitar, pianist Al Kirtley (later of Trendsetters Limited), bassist Mike "Monty" Montgomery and drummer Johnny Hammond. In 1962 drummer Pete Brookes replaced Hammond at the same time as bassist Johnny King and tenor sax player Kevin Drake joined the band.