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 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 and defamed. ‘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.
