#IMBHM: 3 Remarkable Acts That Shaped Black British Music

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

October is Black History Month in the UK, a time to recognise the vital role Black Britain has played in shaping this country. Thereby, it is a good time to celebrate and uncover the legendary stories of Black British music pioneers, who despite navigating systemic racism and discrimination, managed to pave the way to liberate the generations who will come after them.

The music industry is fast-moving, and many musical trailblazers often get forgotten or overlooked. I have chosen three acts from three different generations of music to spotlight and honour. Their stories are uplifting, heartbreaking, complex, and courageous as they are.

Winifred Atwell

Winifred Atwell was a Trinidadian-born British pianist, and the first Black Brit to have a number one in the UK singles chart.

She fell in love with the piano at a young age, and it soon became the centrepiece of her life and career. Her sound was heavily inspired by the American ‘boogie-woogie’ genre of blues that gained popularity in the early 1900s. She gained notoriety playing local gigs in her hometown, but soon got the opportunity of a lifetime. She travelled to America to expand her talent, under the mentorship of Russian-American pianist Alexander Borovsky.

As WW2 came to a close, Atwell packed up her American life and moved to England to study at The Royal Academy of Music. Times were tough for her as, despite booking gig after gig, she lived in an attic in London and spent many nights hungry to afford her schooling. However, in a few short years, she would become the top billing act at the London Palladium.

Soon after this came a flurry of radio and TV appearances. Winifred’s sunny demeanour and infectious zest for life made her an industry favourite. As a result, she was signed to Decca Records in the early 50s and released instrumental tunes to critical acclaim. Her single ‘Let’s Have Another Party‘ was the first piano instrumental to ever go number one.

This remarkable lady even bagged her own TV show. The Winifred Atwell Show was not only groundbreaking – a black woman in a prime-time ITV slot – but it had some A-list fans. One of them being the late Queen Elizabeth II. She loved Atwell so much that she had her perform for her privately, as well as at several Royal Variety performances.

Atwell enjoyed a happy later life as she retired to Australia. She passed away in the early 80s. She has a piano-shaped gravestone allegedly funded by one of her biggest fans – Elton John. Though it’s only speculated he is behind the touching tribute, he has mentioned many times that Atwell was his childhood hero. A worthy idol indeed.

Shirley Bassey

Shirley Bassey is an underrated Black British icon. She was the first Welsh artist to get a number-one single and one of the first Black Brits to get international recognition. In 2000, she officially became a Dame for her contribution to music, but so much came before this.

Born in a poor neighbourhood in Cardiff, the vocal powerhouse struggled with her mixed-race identity and felt lonely. She never knew her father and grew up with an interesting dilemma. She was socially shy but she adored performing. At 14, she left school for a life on the stage. She managed to get a few parts in stage shows while working at a factory. However, she soon became pregnant and had to reconsider her dreams.

After the birth of her daughter, she got back on the road more determined than ever. She signed her first professional contract in 1953, starring in the musical ‘Memories of Jolson‘. By 1956, her first single ‘Burn My Candle‘ was released, followed by a slew of hits. One being her first number one – ‘As I Love You‘.

Despite gaining popularity as a recording artist, she never lost her theatrical flair. Furthermore, she is sincerely one of the most dazzling live performers.

However, it was three lucky numbers that won her the jackpot. No – not a win on a Las Vegas slot machine. Those numbers were 007. In 1964, James Bond was one of the UK’s biggest cultural exports. Bassey was appointed to deliver a theme song of a lifetime – and that she did in the form of ‘Goldfinger‘. Furthermore, she holds the crown of being the only person to be asked back to do more for Bond. Must we remind you of ‘Diamonds Are Forever‘ in 1971, or ‘Moonraker‘ in 1979?

Despite all the glitz, glamour, and gold, Bassey never forgot her roots. ‘The Dame Shirley Bassey Scholarship‘ gives financial aid to young performing arts students from underprivileged backgrounds. She never forgot being the little girl with big dreams.

Soul II Soul

Soul II Soul not only took the 80s music scene by storm but carved a path for the Black British club scene and black ownership. As two-time Grammy award winners and nominated for several BRITs, the London music group has hits that still set the club alight today. Singles ‘Back To Life‘ and ‘Keep On Movin’‘ have been sampled time and time again by artists who recognise their brilliance. Caron Wheeler deserves credit here – her incredible vocals saw these singles sell in their millions.

Jazzie B is the group’s founder. He came from humble beginnings, with aspirations to nurture a new sound in music. He shared these goals with his bandmate Daddae. Further to this, the group’s name Soul II Soul, allegedly comes not just from the soulful music they were creating, but the unspoken deep bond between the two group founders. The group originated as a sound system, a group of DJs and Engineers that play and produce music for dance clubs. However, they soon started hosting their own club nights in Black clubs around London. Africa Centre in Covent Garden was their prime location, which acted as a friendly meeting place for the African diaspora of London to connect and relax. Further to this, they recorded their first-ever single there.

As their legendary Sunday night parties gained popularity, they moved to The Fridge in Brixton. Through these events, they helped build British club culture, popularising rave nights and what is now known as EDM.

Soul II Soul also played their part in the pirate radio movement. Pirate radio helped elevate Black voices, and get urban music heard at a time when mainstream radio rejected the culture. The band championed anti-censorship and rallied for Black liberation.

Like Winifred Atwell or Dame Shirley Bassey, this act is more than just their hits. In conclusion, they were pioneers and opened the door for the plethora of Black British talent we see thriving in music today.

Read more Black History Month pieces here.

About The Author