4BR has been informed of the death of Jack Peberdy, President of the Kibworth Band and one of the banding world's most popular composers and arrangers. He was 101 years old.

Born in the town in 1922, he joined Kibworth Band as a youngster, his remarkable musical talent seeing him become its bandmaster aged just 15. He is noted as taking the band in winning the annual Oxford Contest in 1953.

In announcing the news the band stated: "Jack has done wonders for the brass band movement as a whole, but is especially remembered here at Kibworth for his long unwavering support of the band."

Hugely respected

He went on the become a hugely respected professional musician working with various orchestras, military bands, jazz and pop groups, in addition to devoting his talents to the BBC Orchestra.

He held the title of BBC Arranger of the Year and acted as musical director to many famous artists of the 1960s, including Tony Hancock and Jimmy Edwards.

He was married to the great British saxophonist Betty Smith (1929-2011) in 1950 and played and toured with her with the Freddie Randall Band throughout the UK, Europe and the USA.

Recordings and arrangements

Jack Peberdy supervised and ran his own recording company and supplied bands and artists for shipping lines and top entertainment venues across the world. His 'Flutes & Things' Band recorded extensively.

His numerous arrangements from 'Superman' to 'Skip to my Lou', 'Oranges & Leons' to the theme from the 'Dallas' television show were performed extensively.