Jazz band. Founded by Will Marion Cook, the all-black band included performers from many areas including the U.S.A., the Caribbean and Ghana. They became extremely popular throughout Europe and performed for the future Edward VIII at Buckingham Palace. On October 9th 1921, whilst sailing from Glasgow to Dublin on the S.S. Rowan, the boat collided with a steamer. Another ship answering their distress call also collided in the fog, causing the Rowan to sink in about a minute. Reports vary, but eight or nine musicians died in the tragedy. Within a year the orchestra had broken up.
Credit for this entry to: Alan Patient of www.plaquesoflondon.co.uk
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