Roger Browne travels around the country with his keyboard, his recordings and his very entertaining talk charting the development of the ragtime and blues of the deep south which gradually evolved into the incredible 1920s popularity of the musical. Composers worked with various lyricists to bring some of the eternally popular shows to the public, one of the first being Jerome Kern’s 1926 masterpiece ‘Showboat’ which stunned audiences with its song “Ol’ man river” which brought to light the shocking reality of slavery.
The musician Cole Porter not only composed the music but also wrote his own lyrics and Roger recounted an amusing anecdote about an occasion when Cole Porter was dining in a restaurant when his companions challenged him to write a song using the first words he heard and moments later the waiter approached a lady sitting alone at a nearby table with the message ‘Miss Otis regrets….’. By the end of the meal Cole had written a ballad which became very famous and one can but wonder what the original recipient of the message must have thought if she ever heard why Miss Otis regretted not being able to dine that day!
As the musicals evolved orchestration became more important and George Gershwin combined both classical and jazz styles into his works. Sadly this genius died at the age of 38 but left the legacy of masterpieces such as “I’ve got rhythm”, “Summertime” and his piano concerto to the world.
Throughout his talk Roger Browne entertained us with his own considerable musical talents both on the keyboard and with his voice. An afternoon which will be long remembered!
As well as our regular monthly meetings Enderby U3A has many other interest groups and if you would like to learn more you can contact our membership secretary Anne on 07933 165200 or visit our website www.u3asites.org.uk/enderby
Roger Browne travels around the country with his keyboard, his recordings and his very entertaining talk charting the development of the ragtime and blues of the deep south which gradually evolved into the incredible 1920s popularity of the musical. Composers worked with various lyricists to bring some of the eternally popular shows to the public, one of the first being Jerome Kern’s 1926 masterpiece ‘Showboat’ which stunned audiences with its song “Ol’ man river” which brought to light the shocking reality of slavery.
The musician Cole Porter not only composed the music but also wrote his own lyrics and Roger recounted an amusing anecdote about an occasion when Cole Porter was dining in a restaurant when his companions challenged him to write a song using the first words he heard and moments later the waiter approached a lady sitting alone at a nearby table with the message ‘Miss Otis regrets….’. By the end of the meal Cole had written a ballad which became very famous and one can but wonder what the original recipient of the message must have thought if she ever heard why Miss Otis regretted not being able to dine that day!
As the musicals evolved orchestration became more important and George Gershwin combined both classical and jazz styles into his works. Sadly this genius died at the age of 38 but left the legacy of masterpieces such as “I’ve got rhythm”, “Summertime” and his piano concerto to the world.
Throughout his talk Roger Browne entertained us with his own considerable musical talents both on the keyboard and with his voice. An afternoon which will be long remembered!
As well as our regular monthly meetings Enderby U3A has many other interest groups and if you would like to learn more you can contact our membership secretary Anne on 07933 165200 or visit our website www.u3asites.org.uk/enderby