City's African American music legacy showcased

In Newcastle, a fascinating exhibition is currently on display at the City Library, showcasing the rich legacy of African American music in the city. This exhibition, created by 22-year-old student Lily Usher-Unsworth from Whitley Bay, is part of her final year project at Northumbria University. It highlights the significant contributions of renowned artists who performed in Newcastle between 1957 and 1970, including legendary figures like Jimi Hendrix, Ella Fitzgerald, and Duke Ellington. Lily expressed her excitement about the exhibition, stating, 'It’s a celebration not only of incredible music but also of the cultural exchange that happened in Newcastle during the civil rights era. ' Initially, she had only requested the library to host her exhibition for a single afternoon, but the library staff were so impressed that they decided to extend the display for two weeks. Lily remarked, 'It’s spiraled – in a good way! ' This unexpected support has allowed her to share her passion for music history with a wider audience. One of the highlights of the exhibition is a yellow ticket from a Duke Ellington concert held in Newcastle on November 27, 1969. Lily noted that her research revealed just how many famous musicians visited the city during that time. She pointed out, 'When you want to book a concert nowadays, it’s not often that someone you want to see comes to Newcastle. If you want to see someone, you often have to travel to places like Manchester or Edinburgh. ' In contrast, she discovered that artists like Duke Ellington performed in Newcastle multiple times, making it a vibrant hub for music lovers. The exhibition also features a quote from Muddy Waters, who praised the Newcastle audience, saying, 'You are the best people I have ever met in my life. ' The exhibition showcases the African American musicians who performed at three key venues in Newcastle during the late 1950s and 1960s: City Hall, the former Odeon cinema, and Club a'Gogo. The materials on display come from the library's archives, which include items donated by local residents and compiled by dedicated volunteers. Lily explained, 'A lot of it is programs, signed photographs, and concert tickets. ' She spent time sifting through several boxes of archival material, and although she initially felt like a nuisance to the library staff, they were incredibly supportive and helpful throughout the process. To enhance the visitor experience, the exhibition also features headphones that allow guests to listen to the music of the artists being showcased. This interactive element adds an enjoyable dimension to the exhibition, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the sounds of the past while learning about the influential musicians who shaped Newcastle's music scene.