Pat Bebby

19th Jan 1929 - 8th Jan 2021

Producer of the Independent Jazz List

Pat's story - "The Independent Jazz List made its first appearance in July 1990 and I'm glad to say that many of our first subscribers are still loyal supporters. Each bi-monthly issue introduces new releases with details of personnel and tunes played. My own interest in traditional jazz goes way back to the days in the '50's when I was managing various bands, and even before that when I was introduced to my boyfriend's precious collection of 78's.

It was at the end of one of the first Bude Jazz Festivals where most of the bands were selling their own cassettes, that I thought, "Shall I buy another one or do I need more petrol to get home? Wouldn't it be great if it was possible to buy all these recordings from one source, when the money was available?" I discussed the idea with Mart Rodger whom I had known for many years, and he was kind enough to help me finance the setting up of The Independent Jazz List and gave me all kinds of help with Photocopying etc.

This is strictly 'trad' jazz, and I've enjoyed every minute,  as The Independent Jazz List has spread all over the U.K. and to Sweden, France, Germany, Slovenia, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Happy Jazzing - Pat Bebby

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Pat Bebby on 8th January 2021. She was 91. Pat was well known around the northern jazz scene, managing her own band in the 1950s and 1960s which included her first husband, Jim Percival, on trumpet. Later, until about 2010, she published the Independent Jazz List and sold the listed music on behalf of several jazz bands across the country. She was a regular at festivals and was recognised, and introduced to the crowd, as recently as 2019 at the then Newtown National Club, Rochdale. Pat's son, Terry, can be contacted at terryper@sky.com with any memories you may wish to share about her extraordinary life.

Pat with her son & family

18/01/21 -

I’m not sure how many of the current members knew Pat Bebby, probably John Higham and myself and maybe Peter Darwin. I know John Lawrence. Nob Baldwin, Frank Robinson and Don Lydiatt knew her very well going back to the 50s I guess.

Please pass on our sympathy to her family from us.

In her younger days I remember seeing her at the various venues we played at from 1980, when I joined the band.

Peter Fryer
Merseysippi Jazz Band

20/01/21

Sorry to hear of the death of Pat Bebby. Founder and producer of Independent Jazz List. In the 1990s Pat also ran a jazz club in Failsworth where we played a few times. During her life she contributed much to the Manchester jazz scene.

Condolences to her family.
Dave Donohoe