The Renowned Billy Waters

Talk and Powerpoint Presentation in the Depot Studio

Music journalist and historian Tony Montague talks about his research into the life and legend of Billy Waters, who first brought African American music and dance to Britain.

A sailor from New York, Waters [c1776 – 1823] became a naval gunner in the Napoleonic Wars. He lost a leg in a fall, and supported a family as a fiddling, singing, and dancing busker on the streets of Regency London. He became a celebrated figure, but was ruthlessly exploited thendefamed.

‘The Renowned Billy Waters’ – first presented at the British Library - traces his remarkable narrative in 50 images, with sound clips and short video. This spring Tony was part of Jump Billy! a celebration of Waters’ life in London, featured later in the Radio 3 programme King of the Beggars.