Memories of the SSO: Descendants Speak

Abstract

��� The reception given to black musicians in Britain was reflected in the reviews of their shows and acts, in recording contracts, billing in theaters of varying statuses, and the recollections of professional colleagues. The human side, where friendships were made with local people, led many foreign-born individuals to make their homes in Britain. By conducting interviews with descendants of the Southern Syncopated Orchestra performers, this often overlooked aspect of their history has been documented. The interviews, conducted in 2007 and 2008, brought fresh information and encouraged more archival research.