The Black Roots of the British Invasion with Billy Bragg
In the early 1950s, the folk stylings of Black American artists like Josh White and Lead Belly inspired British teens to form impromptu, exuberant “skiffle” bands. One of these bands, the Quarrymen, morphed into the Beatles. Beginning with a deep dive into the Josh White guitar from the museum's collection, we uncover the sparsely known beginnings of the British Invasion through a discussion with the NMAAHC’s Associate Director for Curatorial Affairs, Dr. Dwandalyn Reece, and music writer James Sullivan, followed by a conversation between Selema and folk-punk singer Billy Bragg.
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