George Melly dies

English jazz and blues singer/songwriter George Melly died this morning at his London home at the age of 80.

Melly had been suffering from lung cancer, emphysema and vascular dementia but despite his illness he was performing on stage in the weeks leading up to his death.

Famous for his jazz and blues music Melly was also a film and television critic for The Observer and lectured on art history.

On Sunday 10 June 2007 he made his last ever performance at the 100 Club in London as part of a fundraising event in support of his carers.