Bez Martin

No wonder he was simply known as “Bez.”

You can not say “Bez” without thinking of music.

He broke all records in South Africa. In the late 60’s and early 70’s, before South Africa had television, there was only one radio station, SABC. Bez was titled Producer, Director and Arranger of the South Africa Broadcasting Company. In that esteemed position he gathered all the best musicians and vocalists in the land.  Every New Year’s eve the population gathered around the radio in their homes, their glasses of champagne ready to toast, and listen to the announcer count down loudly,

    “three, two,  one,…and now, presenting Bez Martin and his SABC      big band.”

His mellow sax was heard over the airwaves with his arrangements played by the orchestra.  An entire country highlighted their parties swaying and singing to Bez’s live music chosen from Sinatra, Nat King Cole and the other greats.

 “Those were the days”

There was always music in the Martin house, often so loud it was deafening. Bella raises her voice instructing everyone to dance and sing while she proclaims “I should be on Broadway.” I know it has been a bit embarrassing to her daughters.

Peter was tutored from a baby by Bez to play every instrument. And the sisters, Caron, Lynn and Susan absorbed the love of music.  Each child’s household is filled with “The Sound of Music.”

When Peter was “discovered,” he was offered the position as a music producer in England. Bez appreciated his most gratifying musical achievement when Peter and Justine arranged a trip for Bez and Belle to visit them in London. There, Bez saw Peter had taken his Dad’s legacy to a higher level. Bez watched and heard Peter in the biggest and most modern recording studio, laying down sound tracks, making sophisticated arrangements and recording Peter’s own original music. Peter was doing sound tracks for American movies. And so, “The music never ends…”

Bella, Caron, Lyn, Susan and Peter, you can truly say “Bez the Buzz” brought the rhythm which permeates your lives.

My sister, Bella, is the big time gambler in our family. She bets on everything, she even bet on how long my marriage would last.

All our lives she taunted us by promising that we would all have a fortune once she won the “large amount.” And that would happen “Any Day Now.”

When Belle and Eileen visited me in Beverly Hills, we made a weekend jaunt to the great gambling mecca, Las Vegas.  Bella ached with excitement, jittering and pronouncing, “I am about to win the large amount, I can feel it in my bones.”  After 48 hours at the slot machines, no sleep, all our pockets empty, all we could feel in our bones were aches and jittering pains.

We are lucky if we learn early in this life where our fortunes truly lie. 

Bella, you did win the large amount. You won the “largest” amount when you married Bez. Doreen and I often remark that the two of you have effortlessly filled our lives with the fortunes of music and laughter and love in large amounts ever since.

Dearest Bella, Caron, Lynn, Susan, Peter, Kurt, Luke, Natalie and Kelly,

      Oh, how I wish I could be there to hold and comfort you!

And to you dear Bez, my birthday this year will be filled with your memory. 

Every year since the 40 years I have been in America you would wake me in the early dawn to make sure you were the first to wish me. You did it with your saxophone.  Each year you played for me over the phone,

“My Funny Valentine, you make me smile with my heart,

Yet you’re my favorite work of art.

But don’t change a hair for me,

Not if you care for me.

Stay, little Valentine, stay.

Each day is Valentine’s day.”

Bez your old mates are waiting to greet you In the big space above and are playing when the saints come marching in. (A real heavenly gig)

I love you more than tongue can tell!

Terry

Uncle Bez, your wonderful music, sense of humour and all the love and caring you imparted to your family was always overwhelming.  I always remember my childhood when you were doing a gig in Durban and lived in the same apartment building.  it was exciting when we could listen to you play in your band, your home was always so welcoming.  Unfortunately the years have flown and we last saw each other in Australia in October 1997 at Paulas wedding and i always have a picture of you playing the clarinet down the stairs through the pub as Paula left the reception.  Your sense of humour when the police stopped us as the car was overloaded and you gave him your business card offering to play at his wedding..   Richard was so impressed at the love and help your family gave us e it was your invitation, that tipped him over the edge to take the family to South Africa the following year so he could enjoy your company once more.  We had a wonderful Christmas with you and the family.  You were a strong giant to us never losing your cool.

Aunty Bella, you have the memories now and don't forget the music.  You have wonderful children and grandchildren to help you through this difficult time.  Bez will always be in our  hearts, and never forgotten and loved.  He will be playing music with his favourite musicians and hopefully Mona and Bob will be dancing to "Always" as he plays. Love and hugs to you all xxxxxoooo

Bez is unforgetable ,he was genuine in everything that he did.

His music fed your spirit ,soul and mind .

He was the Band Leader and Bell was the Cheer leader.

When ever you went  too Bez and Bells home you were always greeted with a vibe ,music and Love and dont forget the food .You left their home happy .

Uncle Bez was the most mellow person I ever knew, he was the last person I hugged before we left for the USA , I will never forget his warm hug and caring words .Uncle Bez you were a great uncle .

To Bell and the family ,iam sorry for your great loss ,Bezs legacy lives on through the daily music in our lives .

My Prayers and thoughts are with you ,

 Love Little Terry.