John Bee

John Robert Bee (30 December 1895 – 24 September 1983) was a British theatre organist who held solo positions at the Haymarket Theatre, Norwich, and The New Gaumont, Worcester. He broadcast regularly for the BBC in the 1930s and 1940s and toured extensively playing organ recitals in later life, being known as one of the 'Old Timers' of British theatre organists.

Biography

Early life Bee was born in Lincoln on 30 December 1895. He showed talent as a young child,

Bee studied organ under Harry Trevitt FRCO, at Lincoln Cathedral, and practised on the three manual organ at the Wesley Chapel, Clasketgate, Lincoln, also known as ‘Big Wesley’. At this time he performed in recitals with the choirmaster Charles Elvin, and deputised at local cinemas during the school holidays.

Second World War Bee continued as organist at The Gaumont, Worcester at the outbreak of World War II. He regularly broadcast throughout the war from there, from the Gaumont Palace, Birmingham, and from the BBC wartime headquarters at Wood Norton, Evesham. In 1952 he was awarded a Certificate of Honorary Life Membership of the Kinematograph Weekly Company of Showmen. He retired from cinema management in 1962. Other venues he performed at include The Pavilion, Bath; The Odeon, Leicester Square, London; The Odeon, Weston-super-Mare; The Regal, Edmonton; The Gaumont, Dudley; The Odeon, Manchester and The Odeon, Birmingham. He was appointed organist at Worcester Crematorium in 1970 and maintained an active teaching schedule. Variations on Cwm Rhondda The Theatre Organ Club Presents John Bee At The Wurlitzer Organ (1985) - CLC 8517