A very accomplished and knowledgable blues singer, the actor Cleo Sylvestre was also a customer of Dobell’s Jazz Record Shop in Charing Cross Road, central London. In 1964 Doug Dobell arranged a coach trip from London to a blues concert in Manchester. Once it was over we all went backstage and Cleo was serenaded by John Lee Hooker.
Ron Gould
Cleo Sylvestre loved singing rhythm and blues. Performing as Honey B Mama she appeared with her band most months until recent years at the Rosemary Branch, and sometimes at other London pubs.
She socialised with the regulars, and when she discovered that our son played blues harmonica she invited him to guest with her. After that she encouraged him to pursue his musical development.
Richard Kirkwood and Janet Clarke
