Billy Waters - Captivated 1820s London

Subject: Billy Waters - Captivated 1820s London
From: Rain Dog
Date: 21 Mar 23 - 08:46 AM

An article from The Guardian today

Billy Waters, the African American musician who captivated 1820s London


"As a disabled war veteran, Waters’ busking drew crowds and was portrayed in books, plays and paintings. But he died in wretched poverty and only 200 years on is his legacy being recognised."

He has been mentioned twice before on Mudcat.

Subject: RE: Billy Waters - Captivated 1820s London
From: Rain Dog
Date: 21 Mar 23 - 04:24 PM

On BBC Radio 3 this evening at 22.00

Free Thinking, Busking & Billy Waters

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Billy Waters became a celebrity in early 19th century London as a talented street performer. New Generation Thinker Oskar Jensen and Mary L. Shannon join Rana Mitter to tell Billy's story and those of other musicians performing on the streets of London at the time. Charlie Taverner has written a history of Street Food. We also hear from Marigold Hughes about the latest production from Streetwise Opera, an organisation that devises opera productions with people who are or have been homeless.

Vagabonds: Life on the Streets of Nineteenth-century London by Oskar Jensen is out now.
Mary L. Shannon's book 'Billy Waters Is Dancing' will be published later this year.
Street Food: Hawkers and the History of London by Charlie Taverner is out now
Streetwise Opera, BBC Concert Orchestra and The Sixteen perform Re:sound at the Southbank Centre, London on Weds 22nd March and at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, London on Sun 26th March.

Producer: Torquil MacLeod

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