Pete Warner was born 11th Sep 1927 at  7, Osborne Rd., Earlsdon, Coventry and writes...                   My Aunt ran a family boot and shoe shop at the Woodbine Cottages Terrace in Earlsdon St.  A. Baileys. Number   35...... My father played piano for the silent movies in the 1920s..He also graced the piano at the Cottage Inn and many many others.  I attended Earlsdon Infants, 1932..Centaur Rd Juniors...and  Broadway Senior Boys schools

I worked when the time came at the Coventry Radiator and Pressworks Canley as a trainee draughtsman until the music bug caught up with me...I took up the Clarinet and Saxophone. After a few years playing with almost all of the local dance bands during the late 40s, I played at the Rialto Casino and Jack Owens excellent band at the Arden Ballroom. 

On my release from the R.A.F. I was picked up by the then famous band leader Teddy Foster.and away I went on tour.  Then on to the great Stan Kenton orientated band Vic Lewis. We did many  tours on the continent...Onwards and upwards into the then famous Oscar Rabin Orchestra. It was during this period that we performed on the very first COME  DANCING series. Since then I have played on scores of them... Next came the great swinging Basil Kirchin band at Edinburgh and again on tour.. During   the 1950s we were broadcasting on the old Light Programme at least three or four times per week and all of it LIVE!!!! so there was no room for mistakes. 

1953 I joined Ken Mackintosh"s Orchestra touring.  We also performed on Radio Luxembourg regularly. A high point in the bands career was to appear in the film   "An Alligator named Daisy " We had made it to Pinewood Studios!  We used to also appear at the dear old Coventry Theatre in variety.    

1955, I became a member of the great legendry Johnny Dankworth Orchestra.  We actually got into the hit parade of that time. I began to feel that I had made it!!!!   I worked with Eric Delaney next and then Cyril Stapleton...and a years spell at the Savoy Hotel.   We were employed frequently at the ABBEY Rd Studios for E.M.I. sessions with most of the well known artists of the times. 

 I appeared by invitation at two Royal Variety performances at the London Palladium with the Joe Loss Orchestra soloing on one of themThen came my really big break. I joined the staff of the B.B.C. Radio Orchestra as principal Tenor Sax/Clarinet /Flutist based in London and I stayed until 1987 . I had reached the age when one is obliged to retire by the BBC.. However I have depped with them many times since.  We would be required to broadcast 6 to 8 times per week and many many concerts at the Albert Hall and the Royal Festival Hall as well as overseas trips.....I retired finally last year at the age of 73 BUT!!!!! I have not given up yet.  

I have enjoyed my career in music and have always tried to keep in touch with dear old Coventry - especially Earlsdon.  I would be so pleased to hear from anyone who may remember  me.

Pete Warner