Meet The Minstrels/Leslie Stuart Melodies/In The Moonlight/Your Requests/Meet The Girls/Tribute To Al Jolson/ Memories Of Stephen Foster/Grand Finale
First spin off LP from the long running BBC TV light entertainment show. It is worth remembering that in 1960 absolutely nobody considered this programme to be anything other than wholesome family entertainment. Comprising medleys of old standards, Black & White Minstrel Show was a massive commercial success. (UK:1)
“Although largely forgotten now, there was a time when The Black & White Minstrel Show was a staple diet in British homes. First airing on television in 1958, it would run for the next twenty years, pulling in audiences of 18 million at its height.”
“Putting aside the arguments over the political incorrectness of the shows, as recorded music The Minstrels’ albums were full of polished performances and superb arrangements. They may appeal to only a certain section of the public today, but it must be remembered that in the first half of the 1960s they featured in the album charts, including at times the number one spot, holding their own against musical soundtracks and the dominance of the rock and pop of the era.”
“If you recall an age when it was the music and not the politics that mattered then you will enjoy once again the wonderful songs of The Black and White Minstrels.”
“Somehow the silk top hats weren’t screaming slavery at me and the reference to 'that coal black mammy of mine' comes from a time when it wasn’t paranoiac to mention the actual colour 'black' and see it as an automatic insult.”
“We should view the best of British light entertainment for what it was, not as the oh so tedious pc brigade would wish us to see it. Most people at the time enjoyed The Minstrels and I am not going to be made to feel guilty because I am among them.”
“The Minstrels were not blacking up to make fun of anyone; they were performing a long recognised tradition of minstrelsy. Back then it was accepted as good clean entertainment - far better than what passes for entertainment nowadays.”
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