Life Member. Saxophone
4/6/1928 – 4/29/2019
Bob Efford, 91 years young, passed away April 29, 2019, at his Malibu home. He is survived by his son, Bob Jr. and family; half-brother John Collin; and nephews and nieces.
He was predeceased by parents Tom and Edith, his first wife Joan Efford (mother of son Robert), and second wife Bertie Efford.
Bob was born in London, April 6, 1928, a true cockney. He became one of the most sought after session players in town, playing on thousands of record dates, movies, TV and concerts which included “Geraldo,” the Ted Heath Orchestra, Benny Goodman, and with the Royal and London Symphony orchestras, doubling on all saxes, woodwinds and double reeds.
He moved to L.A. in 1976, where he continued recording and performing with the world’s greatest musicians and artists such as Tony Bennet, Frank Sinatra, Johnny Mathis, Bette Midler, Mel Tormé, Natalie Cole, and big bands which included, Les Brown’s Band of Renown, Nelson Riddle, Ray Anthony, Dave Pell, Bob Florence, Bill Holman, Johnny Mandel, and many more.
He received Grammy nominations for Dusty Springfield’s version of Burt Bacharach’s “The Look of Love,” Bob Florence’s “Bluephoria” and Bill Holman’s “Peacocks.”
He was a world traveler and lover of the great American songbook. He lived by the ocean in Paradise Cove, Malibu, where he enjoyed being surrounded by his community of friends and good neighbors.
I will miss our long conversations putting the world right and enjoying Indian curries together.
We will always love you, Dad. ❤
There will be a celebration of his life on Sunday, June 23, 2019, held at 1 p.m. at the Musicians Union AFM Local 47, 3220 Winona Ave. Burbank CA 91504. Phone: 323.462.2161
Wonderful memories of Bob’s brilliant solo work with the great Ted Heath Band in live shows I saw in London in 65.66 and again in the mid seventies.No surprise that Bob was such an admired,sought after and popular musician in the States, just as he had been for many years in the UK.Thankfully,I have many fine recordings of his playing with British and American bands to enjoy – always such well crafted solos, just right for the arrangement,style and mood of the tune. I have only recently become aware of Bob’s passing and would like to give thanks for the enjoyment Bob’s playing has given me over the last 58 years.
Here, a year after Bob’s passing…still miss him.
Very sorry for your family’s loss, he was a very talented man and so interesting to talk to him. He and Bertie were so sweet together and he will be missed. RIP Bob.
Don & Linda Henderson
Don is Bertie’s nephew
I first met Berdie and Bob 17 years ago as a new neighbor in Paradise Cove—-their love for each other —-sublime and sweet to all. Bob and Berdie chairs to feel the last rays of the sun, still here.
Bob was actively playing until the very end. Along with many other events, he played a double last NYE and played to a huge, capacity LACMA crowd with the Bill Holman band the Friday before he died. His solo that night on ‘Round Midnight is unforgettable. In addition to being a renowned musician, he is also known for being the quintessential gentleman.
Very sorry to hear this news from Vic Flick. I believe Bob played on the original recording of The James Bond Theme, for John Barry, and may well have played on other Barry film scores in the 60s and 70s.
He was clearly a highly talented musician who enjoyed a lengthy career. RIP, Bob.