Bev Pegg is a UK vocalist, guitarist and comedian from the Black Country. He was born in 1941 in Halesowen, and lived in Cradley in his early years. He entertains crowds with his humorous anecdotes on his experiences in the Black Country from childhood to the present day, interspersed with related songs. Besides his solo performances, he fronts his “Bev Pegg and his Good Time Jazz Gang” playing classic jazz from the 1920s and 1930s, “Bev Pegg and his Cowboy Band” playing country music, “Bev Pegg and his Railroad Skiffle Group”, and also “Bev Pegg and his Rock ‘n’ Roll Band.” His musical career started in the late 1950s when he played lead guitar with the Rhythmaires. In the early 1960s, Bev moved on to the jazz scene playing with pianist Duncan Swift. He was with Ken Rattenbury and his Band during the 1960s and played alongside Bill Rank during 1968. During the late 1960s and early 1970s, Bev was into the more contemporary folk / rock style that was in vogue at the time. It was in this period at his studio in Kinver, that he recorded songs with Clifford T. Ward, immediately before Clifford was signed to the Dandelion label of which John Peel was a co-owner. He has recorded songs by Dave Cartwright and also John Richards with whom he co-wrote “Did You Like The Battle Sir?”. This song has been recorded by Paul Downes and many other notable folk artists. Robert Plant has made several impromptu appearances with Bev’s band who shared the bill when Robert launched his “Priory Of Brion” band at Bewdley on 20 November 1999. Bev has also played alongside Sonny Curtis during two of his UK tours. Bev is referred to in "A Life", the authorised biography of Robert Plant by Paul Rees. There is a reference on page 134 of Bev's first meeting with Robert. There are picture credits for Bev, one of Robert with Najma Akthar together with Bev's wife Sheena at the wedding of Bev's cousin and also Robert's schoolmate, Rob Brinton. On the following page there is a picture of Robert singing with Bev's Rock 'n' Roll Band at Stourbridge Lawn Tennis and Squash Club in January 2004. The "Record Collector Rare Record Guide" lists several of Bev Pegg’s LPs. Also a keen sportsman, Bev Pegg won the over 65s Hereford and Worcestershire Tennis single title in 2008, the Hereford and Worcestershire over 60s Racketball title in 2010, and was losing semi-finalist in the UK National over 65s Racketball Championships in 2010. In May 2012 he was the winner of the Men's Over 70s National Racketball Championships. Bev was unable to defend his title in 2013 due to appearing at The Upton Jazz Festival, however he regained the title once more in 2014.
