From running community classes to recording country songs, Peter Crockett is proof that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself. As one of the founders of Islington-based charity Healthy Generations, Peter has spent years bringing people together through music, movement and connection. Now, he’s stepping into the spotlight as Joe No One, his new country music alter ego, to help raise awareness and funds for the charity’s work with older residents.

We caught up with Peter to talk about the story behind Healthy Generations, the making of the first Joe No One album, and how a few familiar songs can brighten someone’s day.

Tell us a bit about Healthy Generations

David Oliver and I came together with staff and users at the Council’s New Park Day Centre as a trust called Music for People in 2006. We took skilled musicians with lived experience of mental health challenges to perform in care homes and day centres for older people.

In 2009 we achieved charitable status and in 2012 we began providing exercise and digital exclusion classes in care homes, day centres and out in the community. We became Healthy Generations in 2013 to better describe our mission to promote inclusion and health and wellbeing through a growing range of activities.

Today, we work with around 30–50 community centres and partner with more than 30 other charities across London.

What sparked the idea for creating a record label?

Healthy Generations has always been about music. I was the musician-in-chief before the Covid lockdown of 2020 and have always loved pop music. During lockdown I thought, “We should make an album to promote the charity, let’s start with the most popular genre…country.”

I didn’t quite realise what I was getting into! It took three years to record the songs to a professional standard, and in the end, we had to set up our own record company to release it. That’s how HG Records and Joe No One were born.

How did you choose the songs for the album? Were residents involved?

Absolutely. Every track comes from our live sessions, they’re the country classics residents have asked for over the years, songs everyone knows and loves.

Country music has this incredible ability to connect generations, even our 18-year-old sound engineer really got into it which shows how timeless those tunes are.

Can you share a story of how music has helped someone with dementia?

One woman told me after a session, “I knew every word of your songs. I’ve been diagnosed with early-stage dementia and felt so depressed — but you’ve given me hope. I’m going to start doing my exercises again.”

Another woman at Whittington Park Community Centre danced the entire session. Afterwards she said, “My husband died six months ago, and this is the first time I’ve properly left the house. It’s made me realise I need to get out there again and start living my life.”

Moments like that remind us why we do this.

Why the name Joe No One?

I was writing a song about how hard it is for ordinary people to have their voices heard. One line was “Joe No One from Nowhere has something to say.”

It’s a reminder that we’re all trying to make sense of things in a noisy world. In an age of misinformation, we need to stay curious and compassionate, that’s what Joe represents to me.

How have residents responded to Joe No One?

I’ve only performed as Joe three times so far, but the reaction has been incredible. Dressing up as Joe wasn’t my idea, it was my colleague Lee’s, but once I did it, people loved it! It adds an element of fun and theatre to the sessions.

What’s next for Healthy Generations and HG Records?

We’re already working on another country album, starting with Blue Bayou by Roy Orbison. After that, we might explore show tunes which is another favourite among residents.

We’re also hoping to host a small album launch event after Christmas.

How can local residents get involved?

Come along to one of our classes! It’s a great way to meet people and stay active.

You can also visit our website to explore the new HG Records page, we’re planning to share more music, updates and maybe even a fan club soon.

Fancy learning more about Healthy Generations and how you can help support the fantastic work they do? Head over to their website.