John Bee facts for kids

John Robert Bee (born December 30, 1895 – died September 24, 1983) was a talented British theatre organist. He played the organ at famous places like the Haymarket Theatre in Norwich and The New Gaumont in Worcester. He was also a regular voice on the BBC radio in the 1930s and 1940s. Later in life, he traveled a lot, playing organ concerts. People knew him as one of the 'Old Timers' among British theatre organists. His special theme song was ‘The Honeysuckle And The Bee’.

A Life in Music and War

Early Musical Talent

John Bee was born in Lincoln on December 30, 1895. From a young age, he showed a lot of musical skill. He studied piano with local teachers Rosa Sparkes and Gertrude Foster. John could play classical music by ear, which means he could play it just by listening. By the time he was 13, he was already performing piano concerts for the public.

He also learned to play the organ from Harry Trevitt at Lincoln Cathedral. John practiced on a large organ at the Wesley Chapel in Lincoln. While still in school, he became the organist there. He held this job for several years. During school holidays, he would also play the organ at local cinemas.

Serving in World War I

John Bee joined the army and became a Lieutenant. He served with the 19th Yorkshire Regiment and the 1st West Yorkshire Regiment. While fighting in France, he was injured by an explosion and buried under rubble. He was then taken as a prisoner of war to the Mainz Prison Camp. There, he helped create and put on shows with other prisoners like Maurice Besly. When he returned to England, he found out he had been awarded the Military Cross for his bravery.

Between the World Wars

After the war, John went back to civilian life. He managed a music shop and played concerts in Lincolnshire. He was also a solo pianist for the Lincoln Musical Society. He performed important pieces like the Grieg piano concerto.

In 1926, he became an assistant organist at The Regent in Hanley. This was for the Gaumont Picture Corporation. Later, he became the main organist at The Coliseum in Burslem. Then he moved to The Haymarket Theatre in Norwich, where he stayed until 1935. In 1935, he became the organist at the Gaumont Palace in Worcester. He played for its grand opening on October 28, 1935.

John Bee gave his first broadcast for the BBC in 1936. He regularly played live on the radio from different Gaumont cinemas and from St George’s Hall, London. These broadcasts continued until World War II began in 1939.

During World War II

When World War II started, John Bee continued to be the organist at The Gaumont in Worcester. He kept broadcasting regularly throughout the war. He played from Worcester, Birmingham, and the BBC's wartime headquarters. His programs included popular shows like ‘Music While You Work’. He also gave public concerts at places like The Tower Ballroom in Blackpool.

After World War II

After World War II, John Bee moved into cinema management. In 1949, he became the Manager at the Gaumont, Worcester. Then, in 1950, he managed the New Odeon Cinema in Worcester. In 1952, he received an award for his long service in the cinema industry. He retired from managing cinemas in 1962.

John Bee continued to perform regularly from the 1950s to the 1980s. He played many concerts across the country. In 1956, he gave a recital at Worcester Cathedral at the invitation of the famous organist Sir David Willcocks. In 1973, he appeared on TV playing the Wurlitzer organ at the Town Hall in Burton on Trent. He also played at many other famous venues. In the 1970s, he made occasional appearances on the BBC radio show ‘The Organist Entertains’. In 1970, he became the organist at Worcester Crematorium. He also kept a busy schedule teaching music.

Selected Compositions

• Shoulders Square – Mayfair Music Co 1940
• Variations on Cwm Rhondda

Selected Recordings

• Bee Line - Concert Recording - CR-73304-S-A
• The Theatre Organ Club Presents John Bee At The Wurlitzer Organ (1985) - CLC 8517