Few lives intertwine music, espionage, and culture quite like Pete Goodall’s. Known today as The Jazz Spy, Goodall’s memoir offers an extraordinary glimpse into a life that spans British pop history, Cold War intrigue, and decades of musical innovation.
From Liverpool to the Limelight
Born in 1945 in Merseyside, Pete Goodall showed a remarkable musical gift from an early age. By four, he was playing piano, and by eleven, he was performing guitar with local bands. Even before The Beatles became global icons, talent scouts Brian Epstein and Bob Wooler had noticed him. Yet Pete carved his own path, heading to London’s thriving music scene, ready to make his mark.
Rising Star of the Session World
At just eighteen, Pete was a sought-after session musician, praised for his precision and artistry. His work spanned collaborations with The Tremeloes, Georgie Fame and The Blue Flames, Thunderclap Newman, Percy Sledge, and The Foundations. Within the music industry, he earned a reputation as the musician’s musician — a true legend behind the scenes.
The Secret Agent Life
While his guitar sang on stages across the world, Pete’s life took a dramatic turn. Recruited by MI6 during the Cold War, his international tours doubled as cover for intelligence missions. From apartheid-era South Africa to the heart of the Iron Curtain, Goodall lived a thrilling double life, earning the nickname The Jazz Spy.
Dedication to Music and Culture
After decades performing and recording, Pete founded Pandora Music in Stratford-upon-Avon. He worked closely with the Royal Shakespeare Company and co-created Pick n Tell with Pete Brown, lyricist for Cream. His Speakeasy Label releases remain highly sought after by jazz collectors worldwide.
Pete also curated The Birth of The Beatles, a travelling exhibition featuring 69 historic Liverpool recordings, including early tracks from The Quarrymen. With talks by John Lennon’s sister Julia, the exhibition continues to tour internationally, preserving a vital part of music history.
A New Project: NAKUPENDA
Even in his 80s, Pete shows no signs of slowing down. His upcoming multimedia project, NAKUPENDA (Swahili for “I Love You”), will premiere in October 2026 at Brixton Library. Combining music, art, and poetry, the project reflects on the legacy of slavery and celebrates Black creativity. A UK tour and a special Edinburgh Fringe Festival presentation are also planned.
From Memoir to Media
Pete’s memoir has already attracted attention from major UK and US publishers. Pete Phillips of The Young Vic has expressed interest in adapting Goodall’s fascinating life for film, television, and radio.
“Most of my friends are dead,” Pete chuckles, “but I’m ready for a few more battles — just not the spying kind!”