The Portsmouth Music Scene

Sarah Pritchard 18th February 1957 - 10th September 2017

Sarah Prichard nee Blott, noted jazz vocalist. Born March quarter 1957 - Sarah E BLOTT. Father's Name Stanley Blott, Mother's maiden name Jean S A BARNET birth registered at Ealing. Moved to the Portsmouth area from Southend (Essex). Her Mum sang with big bands (notably the Dave Gearing Band), Dad was pilot with British Airways. Married to Keith Prichard, 3 children - Geoffrey, Hannah and Ella. Lived in South Africa where Keith was working for a time. Later married Roger Grigg and lived on Hayling Island. She sang with lots of local bands, most notably with the well known Teddy Leyton bands (quartets and quintets). Was resident at the Wickham wine bar, with Terry Cole's band, for many years. Sarah sang regularly with the well known Sussex big band - Freddie Woods Orchestra. Also, the nationally established Len Phillips Big Band and occasionally with the Dave Pearson Big Band at the Blue Lagoon. Sarah was a distinctive and original vocalist who worked the "American Song Book" in a lyrically interpretive way. Had a huge following and gained fans wherever she performed. She was unlike most singers one is likely to hear. A one off, a true original! Sadly, Sarah died much too soon. A single photo of Sarah and then Sarah with John Pearce (celebrated jazz pianist) and Pete Maxfield (bass) at Rosie's Wine Bar, a venue she played regularly.

Return to the previous page