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Letters for Tony Jebb and IPod Campaign

Letters for Tony Jebb and IPod Campaign magazine cover

Tony was the best dj at the Highland Room in Blackpool during it's heyday of the early 70's. I became friends with him in 71 when us London lads would make the long journey up on a Saturday morning. We all fell in love with Judith but Jebby was one of the highlights of a Saturday night. Such a personality at the decks and on the mike.

MS is a terrible disease and I will say a prayer for him. So many great memories especially him playing Wendy Rene and his catchphrase "meantime!"

Update on Tony Jebb - I spoke to Tony's daughter, Natalie, today and would like to provide an update for friends on his current health condition. Tony is living in his own place which is a 1 bedroom unit in a community care neighbourhood in Blackpool where he is visited by care workers regularly. Natalie lives very close by and also sees him regularly.

Unfortunately, Tony is now bedridden due to his poor physical condition even though he underwent two hip replacements and many years of physiotherapy. He has lost the use of his right hand which was his writing hand. The good news is that Tony has not lost his spirit and sense of humour and reads with the aid of glasses. Natalie said that he would love an iPod with northern soul classics so, job done. As soon as I can load one up with tunes it will be on its way to Blackpool!

He gave a lot of pleasure to many of us in the 70's at the Highland Room so it's the least we can do.

I will also write a letter to Tony so if anyone else would like to send him a letter Inbox me and I will ask for permission to give out his address.

God bless him xxx

Dave Burton

Hong Kong

ccs-1-0-49583100-1337364260.jpg

In conjunction with sending the iPod to Tony I have just launched a campaign to persuade Apple to start redistributing used iPod Shuffles to the elderly & infirm around the world. At the moment they only have a recycling thing and they re-sell them to the "electronics industry". It's about time they did some CSR and gave back to the community. Please take a look at my campaign page at:

http://www.facebook....liveinsideipods

The news article was posted after a thread was started by Kev Roberts regarding Tony in the forums and can be read via the link below




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if anyone else would like to send him a letter

Tony was the best dj at the Highland Room in Blackpool during it's heyday of the early 70's. I became friends with him in 71 when us London lads would make the long journey up on a Saturday morning. We all fell in love with Judith but Jebby was one of the highlights of a Saturday night. Such a personality at the decks and on the mike.

...

Click here to view the soul article in full

Hey Dave

Nice one.

:thumbsup:

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Dave just had a chat with Rod Allsworth (Billy the Kid from the Mecca) we can source a venue in the

Blackpool area for a charity event. Tony Jebb the first 'proper' Soul DJ.

Regards

Jimmy Scriv

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Guest soulmusicforever

Posted

a tribute night/allniter is the least someone could do!!!!!!!!!

I have approached Kev Roberts about a benefit for Tony as he is already running big events in Blackpool.

Judith has receommended that any funds raised should be given to Tony's daughter, Natalie, for safe keeping and used for meds, future care needs, etc. I also suggested a computor so that Tony can keep in touch with friends.

I would certainly attend any benefit event and think it would be very well supported.

Over to you Kev.

DB.

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Dave- If you can email me, we can formulate a gameplan benefit for Tony. Once agreed, his friends, colleagues, family etc can share in the updates on Soul Source and Facebook.

Over to you.......

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I think Tony would be thrilled to have the music community support & pay tribute to his contribution to the Northern Soul Scene.....I knew Tony well & wish him the best

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if anyone else would like to send him a letter

Tony was the best dj at the Highland Room in Blackpool during it's heyday of the early 70's. I became friends with him in 71 when us London lads would make the long journey up on a Saturday morning. We all fell in love with Judith but Jebby was one of the highlights of a Saturday night. Such a personality at the decks and on the mike.

...

Click here to view the soul article in full

:hatsoff2: HI DAVE..#1 DJ He was, although, I was just a FACE back then, I do have great memorys of going around the guest house he owned, he had not been long married, when myself, BIG CLIVE, MICK SMITH & CHRIS GALARD went a calling on him, this was after we went hunting for a well known SOUTHPORT collector, thought he could get away with out paying for records?

We took TONY to the HIGHLAND ROOM, were he got a good reception from everyone, then we set of to the CASINO, WHERE AGAIN HE GREATED WITH WARM APLAUSE! he actualy did a spot at the CASINO that night, KEITH MINSHAL gave him use of his DJ BOX, RIGHT ON KEITH, a great night, and the start of the LAVINE IS S**T Campaine,

As you well no MICK HAS A CLOSE BOND WITH TONY,and he is deverstated at the news and your apeal, he is away on Holiday with Lynn, but has assured me that he will make contact with TONY when he returns, until he does, we are all thinking positive thoughts for our #1 man, if there is any thing I can do to help, please contact me, also if I can have updates for the lads pleasekeep me informed mate, :thumbsup: EACE & LOVE :huh: DAVE KILWORTH,

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Guest soulmusicforever

Posted

:hatsoff2: HI DAVE..#1 DJ He was, although, I was just a FACE back then, I do have great memorys of going around the guest house he owned, he had not been long married, when myself, BIG CLIVE, MICK SMITH & CHRIS GALARD went a calling on him, this was after we went hunting for a well known SOUTHPORT collector, thought he could get away with out paying for records?

We took TONY to the HIGHLAND ROOM, were he got a good reception from everyone, then we set of to the CASINO, WHERE AGAIN HE GREATED WITH WARM APLAUSE! he actualy did a spot at the CASINO that night, KEITH MINSHAL gave him use of his DJ BOX, RIGHT ON KEITH, a great night, and the start of the LAVINE IS S**T Campaine,

As you well no MICK HAS A CLOSE BOND WITH TONY,and he is deverstated at the news and your apeal, he is away on Holiday with Lynn, but has assured me that he will make contact with TONY when he returns, until he does, we are all thinking positive thoughts for our #1 man, if there is any thing I can do to help, please contact me, also if I can have updates for the lads pleasekeep me informed mate, :thumbsup: EACE & LOVE :huh: DAVE KILWORTH,

Hi Dave

Thanks for the post. Yes, Mick was really good mates with Tony so I know he must been very upset. I will keep posting on this thread with updates so please clcik "follow" at the top so you receive notifications of future posts.

Cheers

DB.

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Guest soulmusicforever

Posted

I am very happy to report that thanks to Kev Roberts and Richard Searling a benefit for Tony Jebb will take place during the Blackpool Tower Weekender in November this year. Full details below:

Tony Jebb Benefit at Blackpool Tower Weekender

Date: Nov 9-11, 2012

Special TJ Favourites Hour dedication on Saturday 10th November

Tony is eager to attend the event to meet friends old & new. It promises to be an emotional re-union.

________________________________________________________________________

Many on this forum will remember Tony Jebb, the legendary DJ from Blackpool, who, along with Ian Levine, Colin Curtis and Les Cockell (RIP) played a major part in establishing The Highland Room as the UK's best northern soul venue during the early 70's.

The mid-sized room was on the top floor of Blackpools' Mecca establishment and people in the know would travel from far and wide to be there every Saturday night to hear the best there was in up-tempo soul rarities of the day.

For me, Tony was always Number 1. TJ stood out from the crowd with his long hair, tank tops and flares and yet this northern geezer looking like he was on his way to a Slade concert played soul music to die for - loud. Tony's talents on the mike were also unbeatable as he charmingly kept the dancers in excited anticipation for the next "sound" with his eccentric loud 1000 mph announcements like "... that was the brilliant Vibrations for you ...... MEANTIME we've got the sounds of Wendy Rene and Bar-B-Q." The record would start on the button and dancers didn't even realize there was a break in the music.

Tony knew how to keep the floor full and then some. He also knew his stuff and would never compromise by playing a record he personally didn't like. Unlike many a DJ, he essentially played for himself and his own taste but also knew what would please the floor. No messing about with Tony at the decks. Never a dull moment and job well done.

Us London guys loved TJ to bits. We were Mods at the time of course and there was this "hippy" playing the best soul music we had ever heard. One after the other, storming monsters. As we say in the capital ... Jebby was a Top Bloke ¯Âí… 

That was quite a long time ago now but the memories haven't faded a bit (for most of us). That is why we hope as many people as possible will attend the benefit for Tony who has suffered greatly over the last decade or so from Multiple Sclerosis. He has had 2 hip replacements and years of physio but sadly is now virtually bedridden, although he does occasionally venture out. Tony lives in his own 1-bedroom unit in a care neighborhood but his life is very hard these days.

I have to thank Sheila Hart (now living in San Diego but a Lancashire lass through and through) for putting the idea for the benefit forward. Bless your heart Sheila xxx.

Richard Searling and Kev Roberts, promoters of the Blackpool Tower Weekender are devoting one hour during the weekend to TJ. Some of his friends and colleagues will be spinning and saying a few words, such as his Blackpool Mecca colleague Rod Allsworth (aka Billy the Kid)

By attending the benefit in Blackpool in November you will be able to contribute to a fund for Tony's future care by purchasing raffle tickets. Raffle prizes promise to be well worth owning (no hints just yet) and GoldSoul will also be contributing more than £250 worth of gifts.

A superb tribute to a Northern Soul pioneer - Tony Jebb at the famous Blackpool Tower, Nov 9-11, 2012

www.goldsoul.co.uk

Dave Burton

Hong Kong

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Thank You Dave,

For devoting your time, effort & concern.........also for the acknowlegement.......sometimes a simple idea can turn into an unforgettable memory...... & I hope that everyone who attends will get to experience a little bit of the magic that Tony gave us every Saturday night in the Highland Room......:)

Sheila Hart

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Tony was a fantastic guy to work with/for.

I had the pleasure of working alongside him at The Blackpool Mecca in the early days on Saturday nights(as the junior DJ)-and then in later years on Sundays at the same venue.

We also worked together at The Cats Whiskers in Burnley on Tuesday nights-and I seem to remember The Victoria pub in Cleveleys for a while.

His caftan coat went everywhere!!!

Tony was also an outstanding striker in local league Sunday football.

Rod Allsworth

Hambleton

6th June 2012

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Guest soulmusicforever

Posted

Important info:

The hour dedicated to Tony Jebb will take place during Saturday afternoon 10th November with the raffle climax on Sunday night. Raffle tickets will be on sale throughout the weekend commencing on Friday 9th November.

All merchandise stalls will be selling raffle tickets for the benefit of Tony for which the proceeds will be handed over to Natalie, Tony's daughter, before the event finishes at Midnight on Sunday 11th November.

...

This is a huge event and attracts around 2,000 people so make sure you get tickets early. For more info on the event please go to:

https://www.goldsoul....roducts_id=1610

Hope to see you all there :thumbup:

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Guest soulmusicforever

Posted

As Dave Burton said about Tony Jebbs catchphrase

i have the immortal "meantime this next record going out for the young gentleman waiting patiently with his tape recorder,have you got it ready?Mr Earl Wright and thumb a ride"

at the Torch, the recording was later put on emi-disc and played all over Gloucester & Cheltenham no ovo in those days :D j

Hi Steve

I don't suppose that tape or Emidisc is still available is it? We would love to get hold of a copy for the Blackpool event. Please advise asap.

Cheers

DB

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Guest soulmusicforever

Posted

I am very pleased to report that Tony has received his iPod shuffle full of many of his favourite northern tracks from the early seventies era. Loads of classic tunes from the Mecca, Torch, Catacombs, etc.

We hear he is chuffed to bits with it and really appreciates all your messages and hopes he can attend the event in November at the Blackpool Tower Weekender.

Tickets from:

www.goldsoul.co.uk

Hope to see you there :)

Dave Burton.

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Here's an update about Tony from Judith Wilkinson (nee Jebb)

I have just been down a long memorie lane with Tony Jebb,he is very well at this time, and once i start him talking about the DJ years, he has not time for breath : )

As most of you know Tony started at the Highland room in 68 then to the Brian Londons 007 .1968 in the HR is our first meeting, he actually went back to the HR in Feb 71 when the twisted wheel closed, in those days he was playing won...

derful stuff like Boogaloo party...Flamingos yum yum.Tell me that it's just a rumour baby...Isley Bros, New york city...Add libs.

Marvellets?

Just a little misunderstanding...Contours...

Let the good times roll...Bunny Ziggler...Thank you Tony...We will be chatting manana for some more of his fav sounds, he may even surprise and delight us with his presence in November : ) Judith xx

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