Passing of a Legend: James Shepherd
The death has been announced of James Shepherd, the former principal cornet of the Black Dyke Mills Band, and the founder of the James Shepherd Versatile Brass ensemble. He passed away on Thursday 22nd June, aged 86. His family announced: "It's with heavy hearts and great sadness that we inform everyone of Jim Shepherd's passing following a stroke on Tuesday evening. He was peaceful and surrounded by his loved ones, a beautiful soul who touched the lives of so many."
One of the greatest cornet players ever to put mouthpiece to lip, Shepherd revolutionised the art of cornet playing and was the bridge between the great players of the immediate post war period and those modern superstars of the current era. From those childhood days and those first tentative steps on to the stage at the Newbiggin Salvation Army Citadel, Jim Shepherd was to become a true legend of the brass band movement. He made rapid progress until, after his National Service, he was ‘spotted’ and invited to Yorkshire and join Carlton Main and Frickley Colliery Band under the direction of Jack Atherton.
He made an early impact on the Yorkshire Band scene and was declared the Champion Soloist of Great Britain for three years running during the 1960’s. It was long-time family friend Ralph Lowery who had initially encouraged him to travel south to join Carlton and actively supported his move to Black Dyke to replace the legendary Maurice Murphy.
He led Black Dyke through one of their most celebrated periods until following the 1972 'double' he decided that he didn't wish to put himself through the anxieties of contesting any longer and took the step to form with others, James Shepherd Versatile Brass.
Over the next 35 years (and intermittently for a total of 45 years) or more they toured the world, thrilling audiences with their playing. At their peak they packed concert halls at home and abroad — from Uppermill to Sydney, including three times at the Festival Concerts after the National Finals at the Royal Albert Hall. He continued to play with remarkable facility to the very end of his playing days — audiences still thrilled by his triple tonguing technique that rattled like machine gun fire.
He was the automatic choice to become the principal cornet of the Virtuosi Brass Band of Great Britain on its celebrated recordings, and in 1980 he won the 'Best Soloist' award at the Brass in Concert Championships playing 'Napoli' with the Ever Ready Band. In 1971 he was presented with the 'Insignia of Honour' in recognition of his 'conspicuous service to brass bands', followed in 1989 by the Iles Medal. In addition to his superb playing, he was also an inspirational peripatetic teacher and conductor. In later years he was a much sought after tutor on courses, made occasional cameo playing appearances and enjoyed many evenings reminiscing with friends. His family life remained treasured and close to his heart.
Richard Marshall paid tribute stating, “To be part of the Principal Cornet royalty of Black Dyke is such an honour, but there’s one name engraved on that music stand in Queensbury that inspires me every time, and that name is Jim Shepherd. For me, the greatest cornet player of all time. Not only a phenomenal player but something l strive to be every day of my life, a good person.”
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