One 2 Three
Patrick Sherring
Sharon Quilter talked about Black History being everyone’s history. Black History Month was originally established to honour the contributions of all African and Caribbean communities to the UK over the generations. Now it recognises and celebrates the rich history, achievements and contributions of Black people from all backgrounds. It also serves to inspire and empower future generations. It provides an opportunity to reset the negative narrative about Black people and a platform to write a more positive history, to re-shape the landscape. Sharon mentioned individuals who are today making significant contributions in the UK. Sir William Wooley – Lord Woolley of Woodford. Amongst his contributions are being Principal of Homerton College, Cambridge since October 2021, a first for an Oxbridge college. Dame Maggie Aderin -Pocock OBE, a space scientist and Presenter of The Sky at Night on BBC TV. Bishop Wilfred Wood, consecrated the first Black Bishop in the Church of England as Bishop of Croydon in 1985. Lillian Bader, one of the first Black women to join the RAF, joining the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force in 1941. She found herself, “the only coloured person in this sea of white faces”. By the end of 1941 she was a Leading Aircraftwoman at RAF Shawbury, soon gaining the rank of Acting Corporal. By the end of the 20th century, three generations of her family served in the British Armed Forces.
Sharon suggested reading books by authors Zadie Smith, Mo Gillingham and Malorie Blackman. She suggested watching TV series by David Olusoga and the Dimbleby Lecture by David Harewood. Among films she highlighted were – To Sir with love – and – Murder is easy – an adaptation of an Agatha Christie book with David Jonsson as the detective.
Of course there is music to explore by numerous black artists. She also suggested a visit to the Black Cultural Archives, 1 Windrush Square, London SW2 1EF
For more information go to https://www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk
Ibhm-uk.org International Black History Month – UK
English Heritage – Black History including Windrush.
Playlist
Marvin Gaye – Mercy mercy me – from 1970 album – What’s going on – no 1 in the 2020 Rolling Stone 500 Greatest albums of all time.
Grand old echo – Time on the stage – lead singer Alex is from Billericay. On the PhoenixFM A list.
Bob Marley – Three little birds – 1980 UK no 17, Spain no 3. Track has now sold over 2 million. Sharon chose this because of the line, “every little thing is gonna be alright”.
Labi Sifre – Something inside so strong – 1987 UK no 4, Netherlands no 3, Ireland no 2. Sharon commented that black people still face discrimination. This powerful song is about being able to endure these kind of incidents because, “There is something inside so strong”.
Louis Armstrong – What a wonderful world – 1968 UK no 1. No 171 in 2021 Rolling Stone 500 Greatest songs of all time. Global sales of over 6 million. Sharon noted that Louis had been asked why he recorded this song at the time of the Vietnam war? He said that he wanted to sing that despite everything that was happening, it is still a wonderful world.
Birthdays competition
Alesha Dixon – The boy does nothing – 2008 No 1 in Hungary & Czech Republic, UK no 5, Top 10 in 11 more countries. On Monday Alesha celebrated her 46th birthday.
Bruno Mars – Count me in – from 2010 album – Doo-Wops and Hooligans – nominated for 5 Grammy awards, UK no1 and in seven more countries, selling over 15 million copies. On Tuesday Bruno, born Peter Gene Hernandez, celebrated his 39th birthday. He has sold over 130 million world wide.
Steve Miller band – Rock n’me – 1976 No 1 USA and Canada, UK no 11. On Saturday Steve celebrated his 81st birthday.
Thanks to Chris and Bob in Harlow, Patrick in Ingatestone, Sharon in the studio and Chris in Guildford for taking part. The winners with 3 points were Sharon and Chris in Harlow
Michael Crawford – Memory – from the album – Michael Crawford sings Andrew Lloyd Webber. Patrick requested this song written for the 1981 musical – Cats.
Nina Simone – Feeling good – from 1985 album – I put a spell on you – charted in the UK in 1984 when featured in a car commercial.
Lady Blackbird – Let not your heart be troubled – from the recently released album – Slang spirituals.
Chart this week in 1980
No 3 Madness – Baggy trousers – UK no 3 selling over half a million 45 rpm singles.
No 5 Diana Ross – My old piano – UK no 5, Top 10 in 3 more countries. From the album – Diana – no 394 in 2020 Rolling Stone 500 Greatest albums of all time,
No 16 Queen – Another one bites the dust – USA no 1 where it was the best selling single of the year, with over 5 million sales. No 1 in three more countries. UK no 7, Top 10 in 9 more countries.
Pet Shop Boys – Feel – from the 2024 UK no 2 album – Nevertheless
Quincy Jones – Soul Bossanova. 1963 track, best know as being featured on the soundtrack of the film – Austin Powers.
Paul Carrick – Sleep on it – from the 2016 album – Soul Shadows – UK no 25.
Next week my guests are Tino To and Annie Bayley. They are from the Hutton East Asians Community, which holds services four times a year at All Saints church.
