King, also a talented saxophonist, founded the club with Ronnie Scott in 1959. King was responsible for the day-to-day running of the club, including booking acts.

He also played a crucial role in arranging for the ban on US musicians playing the in the UK to be lifted, with American saxophonist Zoot Sims playing a residency in 1961.

Following Scott's death in 1996, King continued to manage the club for nine years before selling the venue to Sally Greene in ...