Len Fillis

One of the finest guitarists to appear with the great British dance bands of the 1920’s and 1930’s, Len Fillis was born in 1903 and grew up in Cape Town, South Africa.  

He moved to London in 1923 going on to play and record with Jack Hylton, Fred Elizalde, Al Starita, Fred Astaire, Elsie Carlisle, and Al Bowlly to name a few. In addition Len made several solo recordings showcasing his virtuosity on the steel guitar, banjo, ukulele and tenor guitar.

Though Len is pictured above with an early 16-inch L-5, he often appeared with a Selmer Maccaferri guitar (below).