What if your favourite session guitarist from the golden age of British pop had once lived a double life as a secret agent?
Meet Pete Goodall — producer, musician, and the man behind the remarkable new memoir, The Jazz Spy.
A Prodigy from Merseyside
Born in 1945 to a GI father, Pete Goodall’s story began in Merseyside, where his natural musical gift shone early. By age four he was playing piano, and by eleven, his guitar skills caught the eye of Liverpool’s top music figures — including Brian Epstein and Bob Wooler, who almost signed him before The Beatles even formed. Instead, Goodall followed his own rhythm — and destiny.
London’s Hidden Virtuoso
By eighteen, London became his stage. His impeccable playing soon made him a go-to session guitarist, recording and performing with The Tremeloes, Georgie Fame and The Blue Flames, Thunderclap Newman, Percy Sledge, and The Foundations.
Within the music scene, his name carried quiet respect — the musician’s musician.
The Spy Who Played Jazz
But behind the spotlight was a secret that few could imagine.
During the tense years of the Cold War, Goodall was recruited by MI6. His tours became the perfect cover — a jazz musician travelling the world, gathering information from South Africa to Eastern Europe. He became known as The Jazz Spy, walking a fine line between rhythm and risk.
A Legacy in Sound and Culture
After retiring from espionage, Pete never left the music world. He founded Pandora Music in Stratford-upon-Avon, collaborating with the Royal Shakespeare Company, and producing acclaimed projects such as Pick n Tell (co-written with Cream lyricist Pete Brown).
His label, Speakeasy Records, remains a treasure among collectors.
Goodall also curated The Birth of The Beatles, a travelling exhibition featuring 69 rare Liverpool recordings, including the earliest known tracks by The Quarrymen. The exhibition, featuring John Lennon’s sister Julia, continues to draw fans across the globe.
What’s Next for The Jazz Spy
Even in his 80s, Goodall continues to innovate. His next major work, NAKUPENDA — meaning “I Love You” in Swahili — will debut in October 2026 at Brixton Library. The project blends music, art, and poetry to explore the legacy of slavery and the power of Black creativity. A UK tour and Edinburgh Fringe appearance are already on the horizon.
From Page to Screen
With The Jazz Spy attracting attention from both UK and US publishers, film and theatre interest is also growing. Pete Phillips of The Young Vic has already expressed intent to adapt the story for the screen.
“Most of my friends are dead,” jokes Pete, “but I’ve still got a few more adventures left — just not the spying kind!”
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