Ted Heath struck an ideal balance between swing jazz artistry and commercial appeal over a career that saw him rise to become the foremost big bandleader in the U.K. After stints as the trombonist for various troupes, including ones led by Jack Hylton and Geraldo, in the 1920s, '30s, and early-'40s, Heath formed his own band, strikingly enough on VJ Day. The outfit was partially financed by the royalties for the songs "That Lovely Weekend" and "I'm Gonna Love That Guy," both written by Heath with his wife Moira. His running Saturday Night Swing Session at the London Palladium would become a British institution. Heath continued to impress audiences up until his death in 1969.