Swinging into the Blitz: A Culture Show Special
Clemency Burton-Hill reveals the untold story of the black British swing musicians of the 1930s, whose meteoric rise to fame was cut short at the height of the Blitz.
When a handful of musical immigrants from the Caribbean islands came to Britain in the 1920s and 30s, it was the beginning of both musical and political change. Leslie Thompson, an innovative musician and trumpeter, and Ken 'Snakehips' Johnson, a brilliant dancer and charismatic band leader, pooled their talents to start the first black British swing band.
Clemency Burton-Hill reveals the untold story of the black British swing musicians of the 1930s, whose meteoric rise to fame on London's high society dance floors was cut short by unexpected tragedy at the height of the Blitz.
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Clip
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Soweto Kinch on Ken 'Snakehips' Johnson
Duration: 00:42
Credits
Role | Contributor |
---|---|
Presenter | Clemency Burton-Hill |
Series Editor | Janet Lee |
Director | Kath Pick |
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