On March 2, 2021, Donald Christopher Barber died aged 90. He was musician (trombone) and bandleader, known for his support in development of the careers of many musicians, including Ottilie Patterson, Lonnie Donegan and Alexis Korner. Barber sponsored African-American blues musicians to visit Britain, making him a significant figure in promotion and development of the British rhythm and blues and “beat boom” in the 60s.