We, the undersigned, would like to write to you today with an urgent and heartfelt appeal: Sheffield must honour Reginald Dixon with a Legends star.

Reginald Dixon, born in Sheffield on 16 October 1904, was a true musical pioneer. From his early days in this city, where he earned his ARCM diploma at just seventeen, he went on to transform the theatre organ into a national institution. For an astonishing four decades, from March 1930 until March 1970, Dixon was the unchallenged principal organist of Blackpool’s iconic Tower Ballroom.

Imagine this: Day after day, night after night, under those glittering chandeliers, his powerful bass lines and sprightly melodies captivated crowds of 7,000 people. He created an atmosphere where up to 2,500 dancers swayed and 4,000 spectators watched in awe, singing along to his melodies. His performances weren't just for those in the room; by 1952, he had made over 1,000 live BBC broadcasts, each reaching upwards of six million listeners. Empire News even calculated that he had performed for more than 60 million people at the Tower alone. His signature tune, "Oh, I Do Like to Be Beside the Seaside," became synonymous with the joy of the British seaside holiday, weaving its way into countless homes and cherished memories.

His output was nothing short of monumental: between 1932 and 1958 he released 296 commercial 78 rpm records, and throughout his career issued some 400 recordings and albums - a body of work that placed him squarely alongside the likes of Victor Sylvester and Bing Crosby, and made him the most prolific recording organist in history. His discs were pressed not only in the United Kingdom, but also in France, India, Australia and Canada, ensuring his music reached every corner of the globe. 

Equally impressive were his artistic partnerships: he recorded and performed with the great stars of his day - Gracie Fields, Bob and Alf Pearson, Moira Anderson, Josef Locke, Vince Hill, Betty Driver, Val Doonican, Acker Bilk, Andy Stewart, Chester Harriott, Ken Dodd, Tessie O’Shea, Frank Ifield, and even Dame Vera Lynn. These collaborations not only testify to his extraordinary versatility and standing among Britain’s entertainment elite, but also underscore how universally respected and beloved his artistry was.

His impact extended far beyond his performances. He founded the Lancashire School of Music (now the North and Midlands School of Music). He wanted to give aspiring musicians the rigorous training, graded examinations, and public performance opportunities he felt Sheffield had given him. This institution continues to thrive today, a testament to his unwavering commitment to nurturing future generations of musicians.

Even almost forty years after his passing, Reginald Dixon's star continues to rise. On modern streaming platforms like Spotify, he attracts over 1,000 monthly listeners, with his recordings racking up tens of thousands of plays worldwide. Fan-run YouTube channels dedicated to his work boast combined subscriber counts exceeding 10,000, and individual performance videos regularly surpass 50,000 views. The comments sections are filled with heartwarming stories of grandparents dancing at the Tower and new listeners discovering the "majestic" sweep of his playing. Recently, the Organist Encores podcast dedicated an entire episode to his enduring legacy, proving that his music continues to resonate across generations.

Sheffield shaped Reginald Dixon's early promise, and in turn, he shaped the soundscape of British entertainment for half a century. He left us with his bespoke, three manual Wurlitzer Theatre pipe organ (installed in 1935), which remains the most heard theatre organ on Earth, still booming daily beneath Blackpool's iconic red tower. His career spanned some 400 commercial recordings, thousands of live broadcasts, and decades of live performances that truly defined an era.

Granting Reginald Dixon a brass star outside Sheffield Town Hall would be more than just a symbolic gesture; it would be a powerful statement that Sheffield proudly celebrates its own. It would acknowledge the prodigious talent born there, the innovator who brought joy to tens of millions, and the educator who invested in future generations. There is no more fitting way to honour one of Sheffield's greatest sons, whose music continues to bring pride and delight to audiences around the world.

We are calling on the people of Sheffield and Blackpool and all admirers of British musical heritage to join us. Let's make this undeniable gesture: a Sheffield Legends star for Reginald Dixon. Let every passerby know the story of the boy from Sheffield whose fingers made history on a Wurlitzer, and whose melodies still echo in hearts today.

Please add your name below to support Reginald Dixon for a Sheffield Legends Star! Please remember to like and share to spread the word. 

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