Kenny Baxter Remembered

A GREAT and well known local musician has passed away.
Ken Baxter died peacefully in his sleep aged 91 on Monday 3rd November 2025.
Also known as Kenny, Mr Baxter was a saxophonist on the Southend music scene and had been a bandleader since the 1950s.
The National Jazz Archive named him as the UK’s longest serving jazz promoter.
He led the SMJQ Southend Modern Jazz Quintet playing at the Middleton pub & the Elms pub and later with Turntable alongside his vocalist wife Toni Baxter, trumpeter Vic Wood and pianist Pete Jacobsen.
This band played a Sunday lunchtime residency for more than 25 years. As a music promoter, Mr Baxter brought national and international musicians to the town, to various venues including Churchills and Renoufs Hotel in Rochford.
This was inspirational to many local musicians and through that his legend lives on. On the National Jazz Archive he was named as UK’s longest serving jazz promoter.
Mr Baxter also had some success as a songwriter including “Old Tyme Movie Love Affair” and “On a Golden Cloud.”
His music career was celebrated in a documentary telling his story with musical performances. This is now available to all on YouTube —“Kenny Baxter Presents…”
Mr Baxter died peacefully in his sleep aged 91 on Monday 3rd November 2025.
His daughter, Kacie, added: “He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.
“In loving memory of Kenny Baxter, husband, father, grandfather and musician.”
His celebration of life will be held on Tuesday 9th December, 3pm Southend Crematorium and after at the Rochford Hotel.
Picture: Kenny Baxter – photo credit to Fred Morris.
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