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Ken "Snakehips" Johnson
Manage episode 351409699 series 3432491
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Ken "Snakehips" Johnson was a gay, black dancer who formed an all black band, 'His West Indian Orchestra' in 1936. Through inspiration from the US, he introduced swing to Britain and importantly helped radical change to society through racial integration up to and during The Blitz.
*NOTE* Longer intro than would be usually due to first episode in upcoming series.
Sources & Links
Information:
1. Stephen Bourne - Fighting Proud: https://stephenbourne.co.uk/fighting-proud/
2. National Archives - Travel to UK: https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C9318473
3. Ancestry (Subscription Required) - Travel to UK: https://www.ancestry.co.uk/search/collections/1518/?name=Kenrick_Johnson&arrival=1929-8-31
4. Black Plaque Project: https://blackplaqueproject.com/biography/ken-johnson/
5. Bucks Free Press: https://www.bucksfreepress.co.uk/news/19288218.tragic-death-ken-snakehips-johnson-borlases/
6. Uncovered: http://uncover-ed.org/ken-snakehips-johnson/
7. Londonist: https://londonist.com/london/history/when-a-music-legend-was-killed-playing-in-central-london
8. Alastair Macaulay - Buddy Bradley: https://www.alastairmacaulay.com/all-essays/etjksjeyv5b3se5z2p9ar7bo8qr1mh
9. Sandy Brown Jazz - Black British Swing by Lionel King: https://www.sandybrownjazz.co.uk/Features/BlackBritishSwing.html
10. Henry Bebop - Black British Swing Discogrophy: http://henrybebop.co.uk/bbswing2.htm
Music:
1. Goodbye My Beautiful, Ken "Snakehips" Johnson and His West Indian Orchestra
2. From My Heart, BDKSonic (VN Video Editor)
3. Better Days, Bensound.com
Additional Resources:
1. https://www.swbgs.com/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=87
2. http://www.elisarolle.com/queerplaces/klmno/Ken%20Johnson.html
3. Interview with Joe Deniz: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oul53elqeuw
4. https://www.biography.com/musician/cab-calloway
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