Jul 31, 20233 min read

A Beautiful Ledged

Patti Flynn (born Patricia Maude Young, 1937 – 10 September 2020) was a jazz singer, author, model and social activist. She was a founder and patron of Black History Wales. In 2019 she was honoured with the Ethnic Minority Welsh Women Achievement Association's (EMWWAA) Lifetime Achievement Award.

Pattyi Flynn’s early career was influenced by the local Butetown singer Victor Parker, who was the first person to call her up onto the stage. She loved Ella Fitzgerald, Diana Ross, Barbara Streisand, and Blossom Dearie.

Patti starred in the West End hit 'Bubbling Brown Sugar' in London's West End in the late '70s. And sang with Jeff Goldblum's band in LA. Performing all over the world, she appeared with the old variety guard back in the day, including Bruce Forsyth, Tommy Cooper, Les Dawson, and many more. Patty even started her own radio show in Marbella, a place she called home during the 80's.

Five interesting Patti Flynn facts:

1: Patti worked hard to ensure that service people from the global majority fighting fascism during WWI and WWII were acknowledged, celebrated and remembered. As a result of her efforts, every November the British army and Navy, now hold a remembrance day in honour of their sacrifices. This is particularly important to Patti as her father and two brothers gave their lives fighting for the British army during WW11.

2: Patti enjoyed celebrating Black History Month, both as a patron and activist. She regularly gave talks and workshops to the young and old about the impact of racism and the contributions to Welsh culture, commerce, and education. Patti was glad to see that people from the global majority and their contributions was no longer confide to just one month, but celebrated 365.

3: Whilst visiting Michael her son in LA she attended an evening with Uri Geller, which led to her throwing her bra onto the stage to win a prize. She even sang with Jeff Goldblum and his celebrity band, assuming her Diva role.

4: At the age of 67, Patti attended Ruskin College, where she studied Black History. This exciting opportunity came as a result of Patti winning a bursary from Radio 4's Woman's Hour. Patti developed a skill for writing and even wrote several poetry books.

5: Patti hosted her own radio show in Marbella, Spain, which became very popular with the locals. She had a few celebrities on, such as Frank Bruno, Kevin Keegan, and Kenny Lynch, who once changed a plug for her on the show.

Patti legacy will always live on in her family, friends, and music, as well as her dedication to increasing racial equity. Her activism and tireless efforts ensured that people of colour never felt like victims but always saw themselves as excellent. This legacy can be witnessed in her children, who grew up believing that anything was possible and that the colour of your skin holds no barriers. Patti was also the perfect hostess, opening up her home to artists on the road and offering them bed and board. She loved people, regardless of their background, and set a firm example for her children that, underneath it all, we are all the same. Patti welcomed all kinds of artists traveling to the city, including comedians, drag queens, ventriloquists, dancers, and singers. Her children grew up with a sense of belonging and an understanding that people are just people. Patti Flynn is Wales’ first Black women to receive a purple plaque. Unveiled in March 2023, at the Cabaret bar at the Wales Millenium Centre.

In March 2023 a purple plaque was unveiled at the Wales Millennium Centre to commemorate Patti Flynn (1937-2020), best known as a jazz singer. The WMC was one of her many performance venues. You can find the plaque at the entrance of the Cabaret bar.

Michael, Patti’s son, said, 'She would have been honored and humbled, but not surprised (she was a Diva after all). But she would have loved to have seen the range of individuals, government officials, and organizations who took time out of their busy weekends to turn up and celebrate her.