Teddie Beverley, the last surviving member of the popular 1950s vocal trio the Beverley Sisters, has died at the age of 99. Along with her sisters Joy and Babs, she formed one of Britain's most beloved singing groups, known for hits such as I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus and Little Donkey.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born Hazel Pamela Chinery on 5 May 1924 in Bethnal Green, east London, Teddie was the twin of Babs (Babette). Their parents, Victoria and George Chinery, had performed in music halls as Coram and Mills. The family moved to Northamptonshire during World War II. Initially singing as the Chinery Sisters with elder sister Joy, the twins tossed a coin to decide their vocal parts; Teddie lost and took the lower harmony, a role she kept throughout their career.
Rise to Fame
After being recommended to BBC producer Cecil Madden, they adopted the name the Beverley Sisters and made regular radio appearances from 1945. Their first recording success came in 1951 with (Down at the) Ferry Boat Inn. Despite a setback when their planned cover of How Much Is That Doggie in the Window was delayed, they achieved a Top 10 hit with I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus and became associated with seasonal songs.
The sisters performed in five Royal Variety Shows, often singing Irving Berlin's Sisters from the film White Christmas. They were considered the highest-paid British female entertainers in the 1950s and 1960s.
Personal Life and Later Career
Teddie married British waterskiing champion and dentist Peter Felix in 1959, and they had a daughter, Sasha, in 1967. The group disbanded shortly after. Following her divorce, Teddie married property developer Donald Cottage in 1973, receiving a £40,000 engagement ring once owned by Elizabeth Taylor.
The sisters returned to the stage in 1985 at the London Hippodrome, where Teddie remarked the laser lights and smoke felt like being back in air raids. They continued touring, performing in gay clubs and for military charities. They participated in Queen Elizabeth's golden jubilee in 2002 and the D-day 60th anniversary concerts in 2004. Teddie, along with her sisters, was appointed MBE in 2006.
Donald predeceased Teddie. Joy died in 2015, Babs in 2018. Teddie is survived by Sasha and a granddaughter, Francesca.
