Tributes as Kidderminster record shop’s Mr Tee dies
Kidderminster's very own pop-picker and owner of Mister Tee's Rock Shop has died after a long battle with cancer.
Since the death of Francis Terry Thomas, known as Mr Tee, on May 30 tributes have flooded in from musicians and people connected to the music scene across the country.
Terry opened Mister Tee's Rock Shop in Blackwell Street in 1978 and sold records, badges and other musical memorabilia.
It attracted people from a wide area and Terry was about to celebrate its 40th anniversary in the town.
He had also been a disc jockey working across the Midlands.
Shop manager Terry Hodges said: "I have been inundated by people calling and coming into the shop to pay tributes and many have gone onto Facebook from all over the UK.
"I worked with him since 1984 and have lost not only the boss but a good friend and the music scene across the UK will be short of an important person.
"DJs flocked to Wigan Casino and Blackpool Mecca, two of the most famous venues for soul music, to buy records he was selling."
Adrian Sewell, treasurer for the Horsefair and Proud community group, said: "He was a big part of Kidderminster and a big part of the town's music scene.
"Mr Tee was a good friend of the Horsefair having opened his shop in 1978 and he was about to celebrate its 40th year.
"He was a founder member of Horsefair and Proud and constantly lobbying for improvements to the Horsefair and will be remembered for his commitment to the area and the local community.
"Even through his illness he supported local events and printed badges free-of-charge as prizes for the Christmas event.
"He was also involved in the Big DY10 Project and the social needs of the area and will be sadly missed.
"Originally from Manchester he was well-known for Northern Soul concerts and his love of the genre and his collection of vinyl record which generated national interest.
"He will be remembered as a lovely man."
