Tributes have been paid to a Bradford musician who was recognised as one of the best jazz trumpeters in the North of England.

Eric Smith, a former leader of Yorkshire’s oldest big band, died at his home holding his wife’s hand, following a battle with cancer. He was 65.

Yesterday, his family described Mr Smith as a single-minded man who followed a passion for music all his life.

His wife, Michaela, of Unity Street, Riddlesden, said: “His motto was ‘why walk when you can run?’ and he lived by that.”

Mr Smith’s love of music started as a boy when his father gave him his first trumpet. His passion grew and, as an 18-year-old, was offered a scholarship to the Royal College of Music in Manchester, the only young musician of his year from West Yorkshire to be given a place at the college.

However, he gained a reputation as a “rebel” who refused to “cow tow” to the authorities, said his brother Tony Smith, and soon left.

As a trumpet player, he played with various big bands before joining the Mecca club circuit, supporting acts such as Shirley Bassey, Les Dawson and Morcambe and Wise.

“Eric was very, very highly regarded among all the musicians in Yorkshire,” his brother said. “But he also played hell!”

In the late 70s he started playing with the Gordon Tetley big band – led by drummer Gordon Tetley. When he died in January, 2007, Eric took over as band leader and the band was renamed the GT Band.

He met his wife Michaela after she became a vocalist in the band and the pair played many concerts together at Bradford’s Dubrovnik hotel.

When they married a month ago Mr Smith moved from his home in Regency Court, Ilkley, to her home in Riddlesden, where she nursed him in his final hours.

The couple also had their own band, Cabaret, whose remaining members will play a New Year’s Eve concert at the Midland Hotel in Bradford, in tribute to Mr Smith. His widow said it would be an emotional experience.

Mr Smith leaves behind six children and one grandson.

His funeral service will be held at Rawdon Crematorium on Monday.