When they embarked for Dublin from Greenock on the night of 8th October 1921 the Southern Syncopated Orchestra was one of the best known musical acts in Europe, bringing Black American music to a Britain and Ireland still processing the trauma of the First World War and leaving a legacy that influences Black British music to this day. 

That night on the sea, however, would be the beginning of the end. 

Come and hear Charlie telling some coastal stories in person:

https://www.waterstones.com/events/the-channel/canterbury-rose-lane

Coastal Stories on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/PodcastCoastal

Buy Coastal Stories a pint:

https://ko-fi.com/coastalstories