Country singer Pete Boddis gaining international fans at 80

Pete Boddis, known as ‘The Guv’nor’ to his friends, family and fans, starred in the 2022 documentary Black Country Cowboy, directed by filmmaker Ryan Davis, after decades of playing his country, blues, and folk music in working men’s and social clubs, pubs and hotels across the Black Country and Birmingham.

The film won best short documentary at The London Independent Film Festival 2024 and has helped Pete to reach new audiences across the globe.

Despite his talents and dedication, Pete has never had a record deal or publishing contract although he has self-released 11 albums.

But thanks to the film, and some help from social media, the octogenarian singer-songwriter’s fortunes have begun to change and he’s released a ‘Best Of…Pete Boddis’ album ahead of his 80th birthday on Friday September 13 via Poster Records.

Filmmaker Ryan Davis said the response to his film about Pete has been “overwhelming”.

He said: “It’s exciting to know Pete’s inspiring story, and most importantly, his fantastic songs have been experienced by a wider group of music fans across the world. “Pete has the special and enviable ability, to write songs that hit you right in the heart and not only make you laugh and smile but cry at the same time.”

Pete was born in 1944 in Stourbridge’s Hungary Hill.

Introduced to rock ‘n’ roll by his older brothers, he began to follow and watch artists including Buddy Holly, Eddie Cochran, and Gene Vincent on their historic tours of the UK before buying his first guitar at age 11.

Pete’s first live show - as Johnny D and The Cruisers - was in 1960 at the Midlands Red bus social club for bus drivers in 1960.

Marrying his lifelong love, Lynn, in 1965, the young musician went on to work as a linotype and keyboard operator for local newspapers over a 20-year-period.

Pete and Lynn Boddis in Stourbridge (Image: Brad Thomas)

Unsociable night shifts meant Pete was unable to continue gigging with bands, instead turning to solo songwriting.

After releasing an EP in 1979 and two albums with his band Mr Peabody's Coal Train, the singer-songwriter went on to release seven solo albums, recorded on his own TEAC four-track machine.

After being made redundant from his role due to the introduction of new technology, Pete opened a vintage goods store in Stourbridge, stocking everything from vinyl LPs, to guitars, to sofas.

A battle with prostate cancer saw him temporarily hang up his guitar after performing week in and week out since 1960.

But during the Covid lockdowns he began broadcasting weekly live performances of his own material and country covers on Facebook to hundreds of international viewers, including fans across the USA.

After being spotted by filmmaker Ryan performing at Claptrap music venue in Stourbridge, Pete agreed to tell his story on camera.

The resulting Black Country Cowboy film has been shown and nominated for awards all over the world (Ireland, France, Kazakhstan) as well as on home turf at Birmingham’s Flatpack Festival and Moseley Folk & Arts Festival as well as boosting popularity for Pete who plays with his long-time accompanying guitarist Pete Arrowsmith.

Pete said of his new found success: “I can't believe it's taken 60 years to be an overnight success. The attention from the film has been wonderful, but as long as I'm fit and healthy, I'll carry on regardless.”

Pete Boddis at his record stall in Stourbridge - at Smithfield Market by the Crown Centre (Image: Pete Boddis)

Pete is also keeping himself busy running a stall that he and Lynn have taken on at Smithfield Market (units one and two) next to the Crown Centre in Stourbridge after having to vacate their Lower High Street shop in the summer.

He continues to sell vinyl records, music related items, collectibles and the odd sofa.

The venture's opening times are Tuesday to Saturday - 12.30pm to 4pm.