A Tribute to Peps Persson: Joddla med Siv Celebrates a Local Legend in Hässleholm

As the anniversary of what would have been Peps Persson’s 80th birthday draws near, the community of Hässleholm prepares to honor one of its musical icons with a dedicated tribute concert. On the evening of December 19, the Röda salongen at Hässleholm Kulturhus opens its doors to a celebration of Persson’s influential career, marked by deep ties to the region and a legacy that continues to inspire generations of musicians and fans alike.

A Night of Local Talent and Musical Heritage

The tribute concert is organized by the town’s culture and leisure administration in partnership with Hässleholms Jazzklubb, reflecting the profound local significance of Persson's music. Kapellmästare Niclas Brandt, together with a skilled house band, will guide the evening as artists rooted in Göingebygden interpret Persson’s storied repertoire. According to Brandt, the event promises an atmosphere rich in warmth, joy, and distinctively personal performances, as each musician brings their unique interpretation to Persson’s songs.

The first artist announced for the tribute is Martin Jernse, also known as Lukky Martin, frontman of Joddla med Siv. Jernse and his band maintain a special connection to Persson; in the early 1990s, Joddla med Siv famously stepped in to perform at Hembygdsparken in Hässleholm when Persson was delayed, an impromptu appearance that proved transformative for the group’s future. This enduring link adds another meaningful layer to their participation in the event.

Tickets for the tribute go on sale May 21, and more artists will be announced both ahead of summer and during the fall, ensuring anticipation remains high. The concert is not just a commemorative performance—it is an active celebration of Persson’s ongoing influence on the musical landscape of Hässleholm and beyond.

Complementing the live concert, Hässleholms Jazzklubb also unveils a special recording: a selection of previously unreleased live performances featuring Peps Persson, captured between 1967 and 1968. These tracks, sourced from an impressive archive of ten concerts totaling fifteen hours, offer fresh insights into Persson’s early career and his passion for live performance. While the exact release details of this album are yet to be revealed, the announcement adds another dimension to the season of remembrance.

Peps Persson’s roots in Hässleholm and the surrounding Göingebygden run deep. He formed his first band, Downbeat Crowd, in the area, practiced at the rehearsal space Ladan in Röinge, and delighted local audiences with many performances in Hembygdsparken. For much of his life, Persson called a house in the forests near Vittsjö home, embracing the local landscape that so often infused his music with a sense of place and authenticity.

Persson’s contributions have been formally recognized over the years; in 2005, he received Hässleholm’s cultural prize, and in 2017, he was named Citizen of the Year in Hässleholm—a testament to his lasting impact on the town’s cultural life. Catharina Hjalmarsson, cultural developer at the municipality, underscores his significance, noting that his influence on the local musical community is beyond measure, and that he remains a beloved cultural figure who helped put Göingebygden on the musical map.

The upcoming tribute concert and the accompanying album release not only pay homage to Persson’s remarkable artistic journey but also reaffirm the bond between the musician, his community, and the generations inspired by his work. As Hässleholm gathers to celebrate his memory, Peps Persson’s legacy remains as vital and cherished as ever.