“In 1949 Ottilie went to Belfast College of Technology where she fell in love with the musical stylings of Bessie Smith, Jelly Roll Morton and Meade Lux Lewis. She began singing with Jimmy Compton’s Jazz Band and in August 1951 she formed the Muskrat Rambles with Al Watt and Derek Martin.
“In the Summer of 1954 she was introduced to the Chris Barber Jazz Band whom she toured with and released recording with as well as from a solo artist perspective.
“She retired in 1973 and died in 21st June of this year as a world renowned jazz singer and I believe that it is only right that we should recognise and celebrate the life of one of this Borough’s most successful Singers,” said Mr Shannon.
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