Bev Pegg
Encyclopedia
Bev Pegg is a UK vocalist, guitarist and comedian from the Black Country. He was born in 1941 in Halesowen, and lived in Cradley in his early years.
He entertains crowds with his humorous anecdotes on his experiences in the Black Country from childhood to the present day, interspersed with related songs. Besides his solo performances, he fronts his “Bev Pegg and his Good Time Jazz Gang” playing classic jazz from the 1920s and 1930s, “Bev Pegg and his Cowboy Band” playing country music, “Bev Pegg and his Railroad Skiffle Group”, and also “Bev Pegg and his Rock ‘n’ Roll Band.”
His musical career started in the late 1950s when he played lead guitar with the Rhythmaires. In the early 1960s, Bev moved on to the jazz scene playing with pianist Duncan Swift
. He was with Ken Rattenbury
and his Band during the 1960s and played alongside Bill Rank
during 1968. During the late 1960s and early 1970s, Bev was into the more contemporary folk / rock style that was in vogue at the time. It was in this period at his studio in Kinver, that he recorded songs with Clifford T Ward, immediately before Clifford was signed to the Dandelion label of which John Peel was a co-owner. He has recorded songs by Dave Cartwright
and also John Richards
with whom he co-wrote “Did You Like The Battle Sir?”. This song has been recorded by Paul Downes
and many other notable folk artists.
Robert Plant
has made several impromptu appearances with Bev’s band who shared the bill when Robert launched his “Priory Of Brion” band at Bewdley on 20 November 1999. Bev has also played alongside Sonny Curtis
during two of his UK tours.
He is referred to in Get Your Kicks on the A456 by John Combe p. 17 ISBN 0-9550482-0-6 and also Bittersweet: The Clifford T Ward Story (Cherry Red Books), Pages 324, 77, 78, 79,80,81,82,83,84,95,98,115. - ISBN 978-1901447187 “Brum Rocked On!” by Laurie Hornsby, pages 210 and 229. - ISBN 0-9536951-5-8.
The "Record Collector Rare Record Guide" lists several of Bev Pegg’s LPs..
Also a keen sportsman, Bev Pegg won the over 65s Hereford and Worcestershire Tennis single title in 2008, the Hereford and Worcestershire over 60s Racketball title in 2010, and was losing semi-finalist in the UK National over 65s Racketball Championships in 2010.
He entertains crowds with his humorous anecdotes on his experiences in the Black Country from childhood to the present day, interspersed with related songs. Besides his solo performances, he fronts his “Bev Pegg and his Good Time Jazz Gang” playing classic jazz from the 1920s and 1930s, “Bev Pegg and his Cowboy Band” playing country music, “Bev Pegg and his Railroad Skiffle Group”, and also “Bev Pegg and his Rock ‘n’ Roll Band.”
His musical career started in the late 1950s when he played lead guitar with the Rhythmaires. In the early 1960s, Bev moved on to the jazz scene playing with pianist Duncan Swift
Duncan Swift
Duncan Swift was a British jazz musician and one of the best known practitioners of the stride style of piano-playing. He was born on February 21, 1943 in Rotherham, Yorkshire and died on August 8, 1997 in Bewdley, Worcestershire.-References:...
. He was with Ken Rattenbury
Ken Rattenbury
Ken Rattenbury was an English jazz trumpeter, pianist and composer and author born in Spilsby, Lincolnshire to Sidney, a postman, and Maude , a homemaker. He would go on to serve in the British Army from 1940-1946 as a private first class...
and his Band during the 1960s and played alongside Bill Rank
Bill Rank
Bill Rank was an American jazz trombonist.Born in Lafayette, Indiana, he was best-known for his work in the Jean Goldkette orchestra of the late 1920s alongside Bix Beiderbecke in small groups and with Paul Whiteman until 1938.He was a member of the WLW radio staff orchestra in Cincinnati from...
during 1968. During the late 1960s and early 1970s, Bev was into the more contemporary folk / rock style that was in vogue at the time. It was in this period at his studio in Kinver, that he recorded songs with Clifford T Ward, immediately before Clifford was signed to the Dandelion label of which John Peel was a co-owner. He has recorded songs by Dave Cartwright
Dave Cartwright
Dave Cartwright is a UK singer, songwriter, guitarist and author. Born in Haslemere, Surrey in April, 1943, he grew up in Amblecote, West Midlands where, on lead guitar and vocal, he formed his first rock'n'roll group - The Crossfires - in 1959. He then joined the now-legendary Kidderminster outfit...
and also John Richards
John Richards (songwriter)
John Richards is a UK singer, songwriter, guitarist, mandolinist and bouzouki player. He was born 1951 in Wolverhampton and subsequently raised in the Coseley area in the UK Black Country. He is principally known for his songs covered by other artists, but has gigged regularly both solo and with...
with whom he co-wrote “Did You Like The Battle Sir?”. This song has been recorded by Paul Downes
Paul Downes
Paul Downes is an English folk guitarist, singer and composer. He has appeared on eight albums with bands, three highly acclaimed solo albums and has over 150 session credits...
and many other notable folk artists.
Robert Plant
Robert Plant
Robert Anthony Plant, CBE is an English singer and songwriter best known as the vocalist and lyricist of the iconic rock band Led Zeppelin. He has also had a successful solo career...
has made several impromptu appearances with Bev’s band who shared the bill when Robert launched his “Priory Of Brion” band at Bewdley on 20 November 1999. Bev has also played alongside Sonny Curtis
Sonny Curtis
Sonny Curtis is an American singer and songwriter. Most of his work falls into the Pop and Country genres. He was a teenage pal and band member with Buddy Holly in Lubbock, Texas...
during two of his UK tours.
He is referred to in Get Your Kicks on the A456 by John Combe p. 17 ISBN 0-9550482-0-6 and also Bittersweet: The Clifford T Ward Story (Cherry Red Books), Pages 324, 77, 78, 79,80,81,82,83,84,95,98,115. - ISBN 978-1901447187 “Brum Rocked On!” by Laurie Hornsby, pages 210 and 229. - ISBN 0-9536951-5-8.
The "Record Collector Rare Record Guide" lists several of Bev Pegg’s LPs..
Also a keen sportsman, Bev Pegg won the over 65s Hereford and Worcestershire Tennis single title in 2008, the Hereford and Worcestershire over 60s Racketball title in 2010, and was losing semi-finalist in the UK National over 65s Racketball Championships in 2010.