Spotlight on Graham Dalby: A Life in Full Swing
Graham Dalby (S71–76) has lived a life that reads like a novel — fitting, really, since he’s now writing them. Born in Chatham, Medway in 1957, Graham’s early years were shaped by the fading twilight of the British Empire, growing up in Africa and the Far East. That global upbringing gave him a unique lens on history, culture, and rhythm — one that would later infuse both his music and his writing.
After Dover College, Graham pursued his passion for music at Trinity College, London, laying the foundation for a career that would swing between the worlds of performance, education, and storytelling
He began as a History teacher at Tormore Prep School, but the call of adventure soon led him to a commission with The Royal Hong Kong Police — a bold move that marked the start of a truly eclectic path.
Back in England, Graham found his groove. In 1985, he founded The London Swing Orchestra, originally for a VE Day celebration. The band quickly gained momentum, performing at royal events and touring internationally (everywhere except the USA — long story!). In 1987, he launched Graham Dalby and the Grahamaphones, a jazz ensemble that kept the spirit of 1930s big band music alive across the globe.
Graham’s musical flair caught the attention of the BBC, where he wrote and performed the theme for I’d Sooner Be A Crooner, a documentary celebrating vintage swing. He also arranged and performed “You’re the Cream in My Coffee” for the opening of The Mrs Bradley Mysteries on BBC TV. In 2015, he and The London Swing Orchestra celebrated five centuries of dance music on BBC Radio 2, alongside the BBC Concert Orchestra — a testament to his deep love for musical heritage.
But Graham’s creativity doesn’t stop at the stage. In recent years, he’s turned his talents to writing, crafting a gripping historical fiction series centred around Viking archer-hero Olaf Slagbjørn.
The saga begins with Huscarl, continues in Outlaw, and is set to expand with a third instalment in 2026, following Olaf’s descendants through the turbulent landscapes of 11th-century England and Norway.
Today, Graham continues to conduct choirs and orchestras, including the Trowbridge Philharmonic Choir and the Choir of the Western Wynde — a group born from a Facebook connection and bound by a shared love of music. Whether he’s leading a swing band or penning Viking adventures, Graham Dalby remains a master of rhythm, storytelling, and reinvention.
Stay tuned — his journey is far from over
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