Live Local Music, Artists & Venues

Hi Philip. James (Jim) Grant was apprenticed to Flanagan construction based in Broad Street Foleshill, Jims father also worked there as a labourer, they were catholics. Jim taught me to drive so I payed him back by introducing him to a lady who later became his wife.

Reg Dixon Comedian with Northern accent though in fact he was Coventry born. Very popular in the 1940s and 1950s, he was introduced with his signature tune 'Confidentially' . In radio's 'Variety Bandbox and later in several shows on ITV. A burly figure he wore a trilby hat his catchphrase was 'I'm not well, I'm proper poorly.' In the 1950s he took over from the film comedian George Formby in the stage musical 'Zip Goes A Million' at London's Palace Theatre. He made several minor films and many television guest appearances later in his career. His new song was send me to Coventry. LINK Confidentially song went to no1 around the world LINK Send me to Coventry song

His brother owned the fish and chip shop in Paynes Lane if it`s the same bloke I`m thinking of Dawn

Thank you Mickw

Your right mickw, we used to go there sometimes.

Hi, can anyone remember any of the following groups that played in Coventry in the 60/70s The STRANGERS_ (a Shadows style group) The DARKNESS _ (played regularly at the PLOUGH London Road) NIGHT TRAIN later THE RED WHITE AND BLUES I played the drums in all of these outfits David

Does anyone remember, or know, a singer called "Martin Upperdine" or "Martin Perdine" also known to us as "Rocky" He was an excellent country and western singer and sang many times at the Humber Hotel which had a C&W night every Thursday night. He also worked at the GEC Spon Street in the early 1960s Does anyone also remember the C&W group who played there, it had a female lead singer but I can't remember their names.

Hi johnwright Martin’s a good friend of mine. Worked with him at The Coventry Review, a free newspaper, and at the Coventry Evening Telegraph. They were a good outfit, Martin Perdine and the Big City Boys. Haven't seen him for a while which has prompted me to nip round and see how he is. I think the country band you refer to was Patsy Powell and the Playboys. A good friend of Martin’s was a member, Ken Harris, before starting up his own band, The Down County Boys.

Hi Wimero. Thanks for a quick response to my question about Martin. I believe that it was he that gave the Down County Boys their name. Yes, I knew that he had worked at a newspaper but couldn't remember which. If you say that you live near him and that you are going to nip around and see how he is I will presume he is still alive!! When you do see him, please give him my regards. Again, many thanks.

Hi johnwright. I popped in today and saw Martin and gave him your regards. He was surprised you still remembered him. He remembered you alright! Middle name Bartlett. He mentioned another lad you may remember, Glynn Goddard. You’re right about him naming the Down County Boys. Incidently the girl singer I gave you was incorrect. Wasn't Patsy Powell but Cheryl Edge and the Rythmn Rangers. Martin said that he still sees her around now and again.

Thanks Wimero Glad that "Rocky" [Martin] is OK. Yes my middle name is Bartlett and I am surprised he remembered that! And yes, I obviously remember Glyn Goddard, we were great friends. I have no idea where Glyn is now. When you previously said that the country group that played at the Humber Hotel was Patsy Powell and the Playboys, it didn't ring a bell, but when you corrected it and said it was Cheryl Edge and the Rhythm Rangers, I the remembered them well. Do you know if Martin is still performing? His singing always went down well, especially his rendition of Grandpa Jones's “Make the rafters ring”. Also, do you know if he has kept up with technology and is on the internet? Perhaps you could ask him next time you see him. As I now live in Devon and have no plans to visit Coventry in the near future, it would be nice to talk by email now and then, as I have done with many old friends that I left in Coventry over 42 years ago. Again thanks for making the effort to go around and see Martin for me, it was much appreciated.

Hi Martin doesn't do any singing now, he hasn't for a while in fact. He didn't actually think he was that good but could ‘sell a song' as he puts it. He's not on the internet but if you want to contact me with your phone number I'll pass it on to him for you.

I saw somewhere this week that Jonny Medlock has died, a stalwart of local music. I remember working him with me delivering televisions when I was about 15.(1969) Years later when my father had a stroke he taught my father to play the organ, though how he stood my father mangling the tunes was a wonder to me. He could play any instrument it seemed, he would just tinker with whatever it was for a while then burst into a tune. RIP Jonny.