One of the world's most famous jazz clubs started off in the humble surroundings of a Soho cellar.
Saxophonists Ronnie Scott and Pete King co-founded the venue but it was Ronnie's name that went above the door at 39 Gerrard Street in October 1959.
The duo were inspired by the energy of New York's jazz scene and the innovation of artists like Charlie Parker and wanted to bring that atmosphere to London.
London still showed the scars of the Blitz and post war Soho was a countercultural hotspot of late night music clubs, cellar bars, private members venues, coffee shops and brothels - dominated by underworld gangs.
A dedicated venue for Britain's booming modern jazz movement seemed like a bright idea, but as musicians Scott and King also wanted to create a platform where artists could perform without commercial compromise.
The club swiftly established itself as a haven for musicians to play, exchange ideas and listen to records from the New York jazz scene.
In its earliest years, it operated as a musicians’ co‑operative, with jam sessions stretching long into the night.
It also faced financial challenges, had to dodge criminal gangsters including The Kray twins and there were frequent police licensing raids in those early years.
With poor ventilation the club would get stiflingly hot and legend has it that during one raid officers found Scott himself on stage wearing nothing but a tie.
By 1962, word had spread and saxophonist Zoot Sims became the first of many legendary US artists to perform at Ronnie Scott’s.
Dizzy Gillespie, Chet Baker, Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone and Miles Davis would all perform at the club, which soon outgrew the Gerrard Street basement and moved to its current home in Frith Street in 1965.
The original venue continued as “the Old Place” until 1967, nurturing emerging home grown British talent while the new club welcomed international stars.
Jamaican guitarist Ernest Ranglin served as house guitarist while pianist Stan Tracey was house pianist throughout the 1960s and the club’s festive season became synonymous with performances by George Melly.
In 1970, the club gained a place in rock history when Jimi Hendrix made his final public appearance there.
A record label, Ronnie Scott’s Jazz House, launched in the 1970s and began releasing live recordings from the club.
Over the years there were many live recordings including Ella Fitzgerald’s Ella in London (1974), Sarah Vaughan’s Ronnie Scott’s Presents Sarah Vaughan Live (1977), Nina Simone’s Live at Ronnie Scott’s (1984) and Chet Baker’s Live at Ronnie Scott’s (1986).
Scott hosted each night with trademark humour and dry one‑liners, becoming as much a part of the experience as the music.
When Scott died suddenly in 1996 staff at the club continued the evening performance saying it's what he would have wanted.
Pete King ran the club until its sale in 2005 to theatre impresario Sally Greene and philanthropist Michael Watt.
Ms Greene and Mr Watt have been committed to preserving the venue’s legacy as a jazz institution.
The iconic club remains a cornerstone of London's jazz scene, offering two shows each night featuring a mix of international stars, established British artists and rising talent, playing across musical genres, from soul and gospel to RnB and hip hop.
There's also an annual free street party in Frith Street.
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