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World War One: The Cultural Front

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Series 3

Francine Stock explores how World War I changed art, words and society.

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World War One: The Cultural Front: Series 4

World War One: The Cultural Front: Series 4: The Jazz Kings Go to War

12/08/2017

The Jazz Kings Go to War

Series 4

BBC Radio 4 - World War One: The Cultural Front, Series 4, The Jazz Kings Go to War

The story of the Harlem Hellfighters and how jazz conquered France.

1917, and America enters World War I. Francine Stock tells the story of how an African American regiment brought jazz to France.

In the first episode of a new series of The Cultural Front, Francine Stock tells the little known story of the 15th New York Regiment of the National Guard, who through acts of bravery and daring, came to be known as the Harlem Hellfighters.

They were an African American unit who, along with their military band, were sent to France in 1917. 

It was a time of segregation in America; a time when Jim Crow laws still dominated society. The American military would not allow black soldiers to fight alongside white recruits so they gifted the 15th regiment to the French, following their terrible losses at the Somme and Verdun the year before. 

The regiment was viewed as war fodder, they would entertain French villages before being sent off to the Frontline to fight, and most likely die. 

But that did not happen.

The Harlem Hellfighters would not only go on to be the most decorated regiment in the American Expedition Force, but are credited with bringing jazz to Europe; a musical form which would define a generation.

Producer: Caitlin Smith.

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Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Francine Stock explores how World War I changed art, words and society in 1917.

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World War One: The Cultural Front

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The Jazz Kings Go to War

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