Langston Hughes At The Third

Langston Hughes

(4.9 estrellas; 4 reseñas)

In 1964, during a pivotal presidential election year in the United States, the Third Programme broadcast an epic series about African-American life called 'The Negro in America'. Co-produced by the renowned poet Langston Hughes, this series brought to the airwaves a rich tapestry of sounds and voices from the Civil Rights struggle, jazz music, and black literature—elements that had rarely been heard in Britain.

'The Negro in America' also tells the story of an unlikely friendship between Hughes and his British co-producer, Geoffrey Bridson. Media historian Professor David Hendy has dedicated years to studying this original series and the collaboration between these two men. He now shares the story of 'Langston Hughes at the Third', featuring interviews with notable figures such as jazz pianist Randy Weston and cultural historian Professor Michele Hilmes.

The programme includes highlights from the original series, showcasing remarkable on-location recordings of riots in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1963, as well as contributions from writers like James Baldwin and jazz musicians such as Cannonball Adderley. Much has changed in America since 1964, yet the discourse from the original series remains strikingly relevant today.

This recording is part of the Old Time Radio collection.