July 27, 2024

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Harlem Hellfighters: The black soldiers who brought jazz to Europe: Video

World War One brought many social changes – not least, the introduction of jazz to Europe.

Thanks to a black American regiment of musicians called the Harlem Hellfighters, the French discovered the joys of syncopation.

More than a century on, US musician Jason Moran is raising fresh awareness of the Hellfighters and their leader, James Reese Europe.

Video by Jane O’Brien and Bill McKenna