Harry Pitch

We are saddened to report the passing of Harry Pitch, harmonica and trumpet player, on Wednesday 15 July 2015.

Published: 15 July 2015 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:28 PM

We are saddened to report the passing of Harry Pitch, harmonica and trumpet player, on Wednesday 15 July 2015, at the age of 90 following several months of illness.

He supported the National Harmonica League and appeared at many of their festivals. He was a great promoter of the chromatic harmonica for over sixty years through his recordings, concerts and performances on radio and TV.

His recording with Frank Ifield of ‘I remember you’ and the best-selling crossover instrumental, ‘Groovin' with Mr Bloe’ brought him fame, but his real love was jazz.

Find out more about Harry’s life and career.

The funeral will be at at 2:30pm, Monday 20 July, Braywick Cemetery, Braywick Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 1DH.

See all news

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

Explore our member services

Get public liability insurance for musicians
Access expert legal support
Be represented in your profession
Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Continue reading

A young woman sitting on a bench outside and wearing headphones. She is listening to music and smiling in a relaxed way.

Free BAPAM Health Clinics for Musicians in Birmingham and Leicester

BAPAM is running free health clinics in Leicester and Birmingham for performing arts professionals, teachers and students who have an injury or illness that is impacting their ability to work or study.

Published: 16 January 2026

Portrait of John Wallace, stood smiling against a brick wall.

Remembering John Wallace CBE

John Wallace, who has died aged 76, was one of the UK’s greatest musical polymaths and a highly respected advocate for music education.

Published: 16 January 2026

Interior of the Scottish Parliament Building in Edinburgh, Scotland.

MU Responds to Scottish Budget 2026-27

While the Musicians' Union welcomes the Scottish Government's increase to Culture spend, we are concerned about the lack of funding for individual artists and those engaged by the National Performing Companies (NPCs).

Published: 15 January 2026

A close up of a child playing the xylophone as part of a school orchestra.

Sign the Petition to Stop Education Cuts in Dumfries and Galloway

Ahead of a final decision in February, our sister union, the EIS, has published a petition against education cuts in Dumfries and Galloway, including the proposed removal of the instrumental music service.

Published: 14 January 2026

A model airplane, a small French flag and a passport and stamp all lying on a copy of the world map.

An Update on the ELO for Musicians Taking Merchandise to France

The new customs regulation for musicians taking merchandise to France will now not become mandatory until a later date in early 2026. The MU is seeking further clarification on how musicians will be affected.