INSPIRING WOMEN: Jean Martyn
The keys
to success
Jean’s life has always been filled with
music but she never expected to become a star
– thanks to a certain TV talent show
Interview by Lucy Collins Photography PETE SCHIAZZA
I started playing the piano when I was three years
old. By the time I was 15, I had a music degree for piano and
by 21, I had another for jazz. Music was in the family; my
mum was a violinist and a pianist and my grandfather was a
clarinettist.
It’s all about the ear. I’ve got perfect pitch, so I can work
out the notes and harmonies without reading the music. I
can’t stand it if I hear an out of tune violin.
I entertained customers in my parents’ Post Office.
While they were queuing for stamps, I’d play the piano at the
back of the shop and rip off Russ Conway’s Side Saddle. They
rewarded me with pocket money.
I play grand piano, 1930s Wurlitzers, electronic
keyboards and Compton cinema organs. The piano is
my favourite, because of the self expression it affords.
I’m the boogie woogie queen. Boogie is the flamboyant
me. Rachmaninov is my inner soul, when I’m playing from
the heart. If I’m in a melancholy mood, which isn’t often, I’ll
sit and play classical music.
I planned on being a concert pianist in an orchestra
but there were no openings, so I decided the best way
to use my talent was to teach primary school children.
I lost my passion for teaching when the kids asked me who
Beethoven was.
I wanted to have a stab at stardom and reach the top
of my profession. When I was in the classroom I was like
a trapped bird in a cage. It wasn’t a big enough platform.
I retired at 55 and decided that if I hadn’t made it as a
celebrity by the time I was 60, I’d give up.
My life turned around when I beat 60,000 applicants
to win an audition for Britain’s Got Talent (BGT). I
wondered if I was good enough to go on television but my
husband Bob secretly applied on my behalf.
The sparkly jacket I wore for my 90-second
audition cost £5 in a charity shop. Bob suggested I wear
it to stand out and it worked. I felt on top of the world as
soon as I put it on.
Judge Amanda Holden described me as ‘Victoria
Wood on acid,’ when I performed in the BGT semi-
NOV-DEC-Member profilev2.indd 1
finals in 2011. When I played Great Balls of Fire, flames
shot out of the stage. I came tenth.
Simon Cowell said ‘I shouldn’t like you, but I do’.
He told me he could see me playing fish and chip music in
Blackpool. He didn’t realise that I’m the only woman in the
last 50 years to have been recorded playing the Wurlitzer at
the Blackpool Tower Ballroom. I’m very proud of that.
On my 60th birthday I performed at the 02 in
London on the BGT tour. Moments before going on stage,
I found out my mum had died. I could hear her voice saying
‘Get out there and give it your all’. I gave the performance of
my life and afterwards everyone rose to their feet. It was a
lovely tribute to her.
You never know where things will lead. I was talent
spotted by a BBC producer at the 02 and appeared on a
Songs of Praise Mothering Sunday special. Aled Jones came
to my house.
I’ve been to places people yearn to go to. It’s like being
in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, stepping out into
a magical world. I’ve performed at St James’s Palace and at
an MP’s wedding reception in the House of Commons. I’ve
played for Dame Vera Lynn and have met Princess Anne
three times.
I opened a carpet shop in Cannock, and a bank, and
switched on three sets of Christmas lights!
I’ve played the Symphony Hall Birmingham twice for
charity. The acoustics are superb, the organ is magnificent
and it’s a privilege to perform in such a prestigious venue.
I’ve lived the dream. I’ve reached the pinnacle I
wanted to reach. People always say “I bet you wish
this had happened years ago” but I don’t. When I was
younger I wouldn’t have been able to cope because of other
commitments. Now I can enjoy it.
If I’d known what fun and friendship I would have from
the WI, I would have joined years ago. It’s my monthly tonic.
Jean Martyn is a member of Brewood WI,
Staffordshire Federation – www.jeanmartyn.com
With thanks to Symphony Hall Birmingham.
07/11/2014 16:32
WI Life November & December 2014
07
Jean loves the tone
of the organ in Symphony Hall, Birmingham but also plays
piano, Wurlitzers,
electronic keyboards
and cinema organs
Jemma's skills as
an artist come in
handy when it's
time to renovate
the antique gypsy
caravans that her
guests adore.
NOV-DEC-Member profilev2.indd 2
If I’d known what
fun and friendship
I would have from
the WI, I would have
joined years ago. It’s
my monthly tonic
07/11/2014 14:59