Main content

Black Music in Europe: 1910-1920

Clarke Peters uncovers the stories of black musicians in Europe during World War One.

Clarke Peters explores the music of black Europe at the time of World War One. The sounds of what would become jazz start to emerge, including African-American banjo bands who entertained London high society, and the military music of Harlem bandleader James Reese Europe which enthralled France. The programme also includes music by captured African prisoners of war, recorded in camps across Germany.
Much of the music in this series is drawn from Black Europe, a vast box set issued by Bear Family Records and documenting the sounds of the era.With readings by Paterson Joseph.

Presenter: Clarke Peters
Producer: Tom Woolfenden
Executive producer: Maria Williams

(Photo: Clarke Peters. Credit: Alexandra Quinn)

Available now

27 minutes

Broadcasts

  • Sat 30 May 2020 07:32GMT
  • Sat 30 May 2020 08:32GMT
  • Sun 31 May 2020 00:32GMT
  • Sun 31 May 2020 16:32GMT