42

In the 1930s, Jimmy Noon MBE [42] and his brother were an accordion duo, The Capaldi Brothers. He was a popular Redcoat at Butlin’s Ocean Hotel in Saltdean, where he played the organ to the age of 84.

The following is taken from the 'Find a Grave' website...

Jimmy Noon was renowned as an entertainer of countless holidaymakers with his organ recitals at the Grand Ocean Hotel in Saltdean whilst working for Butlin's. He made his first public performance playing the accordion when he was four and retired from music aged 80.

He became well-known as one half of the Capaldi Brothers, with Carmino Capaldi and then he and his brother Johnny became the Noon Brothers, appearing on radio in the forties.

The Second World War curtailed Jimmy's radio career but he was drafted into Stars in Battledress and spent the war armed only with his accordion, under the command of Captain Jack Hawkins. 

At the end of the war, Jimmy and Johnny were awarded an MBE for their wartime entertaining, but they never collected it as there was only one medal for the two brothers.

Jimmy returned to variety and toured the country, combining his stage act with the role of musical director. He met his wife Lynda, who was training in ballet but soon became the company soubrette. They later became redcoats in 1957 and Jammy spent more than 40 years with Butlin's, where guests would phone to check he was still there before booking to return year after year. While working for Butlin's he met and influenced countless rising stars.

He said that when he was born, his mother had been told he would be lucky in life and he was. He died very peacefully.

Listen to Jimmy Moon! Listen to an excerpt from a signed, Jimmy Noon vinyl single!