DENIS PAYTON 1943 - 2006

Denis Payton saxophonist with the Dave Clark Five died on 17th December 2006, after a long and difficult battle with cancer.

Dennis West Payton was born on the 11th of August 1943, in Walthamstow. His parents Rose and Archibald also had one other child,Barbara. After leaving school, Denis worked as an electronics assembler. His first public appearance was at the Assembly Hall in Walthamstow.His first serious group was the "Renegades". He later played with the "Les Heath Combo" and the"Blue Dukes" before joining the "Mike Jones Combo" which was managed by Dave Clark who later took him into the Dave Clark Five.

While with the Dave Clark Five he undertook songwriting for the group, played saxophone, harmonica, guitar,cabasa and sousaphone as well as supplying backing vocals ( although he did perform lead vocals on at least one record). He was an integral part of the DC5 phenomenon which undertook 6 major US tours , racked in 30 hit singles and sold over 100 million records worldwide.

On one occasion when on tour the group were invited into Muhammad Ali's suite at the hotel they were both staying in.He often told the story how Ali took one look at him and said "you are nearly as pretty as I am". Another of his many anecdotes was how his great hero , saxophone maestro Stan Getz had appeared back stage after a DC5 concert and asked him to sign an album for him.

After the DC5 disbanded ,he became a successful estate agent in Bournemouth where he made his home. He formed his own group "Formula 1" and also supplied saxophone backing tracks for local groups.

Due to his deteriorating health he was forced to take early retirement from his job and just before he passed away he managed to spend a few days in London with his friend Dave Clark. He was delighted to hear the DC5 had been nominated for the 2007 Hall Of Fame ballot but added 'I know I won't be around but it was an amazing part of my life that I am very proud of.'"

Denis is survived by Lindsay his partner for sixteen years, two sons from his previous marriage and two step-sons

A polite, charming and sensitive man he will be missed by all who knew him.

There is a tribute page to Denis where you can add your own personal tribute.

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