Speaker: Jim Stebbings

Jim says about himself, “ I am a retired professional businessman with a life-long interest in the theatre, and in particular the musical theatre. I now consider myself a music historian with particular interest and expertise in the American songwriters of the 20th century and whose compositions make up what is commonly called The Great American Songbook."

The Talk - American Cultural Influences on Post-War Britain 

Anyone growing up during the austere and gloomy years immediately after the end of WW2 and into the second half of the 20th century will recall the influences that American culture had in brightening up our lives and introducing us to new sounds, images, fashions and foods, themselves promoted by the American servicemen who still remained among us.

With images and sounds of the era we recall some of these influences and how they remain part of our lives today. This is not so much a study of post-war social history but a celebration of the things we shared with our great ally as part of the ‘special relationship’.  It will stir the memories of those who grew up in that era and act as a reminder of how much as a nation we still share today. We shall also give some consideration to what cultural influences flowed in the opposite direction in later years.

The presentation will be accompanied by images and music from the post war era.

NOTE: Since his last visit to Rutland U3A, Jim has  published a book on the history of Gilbert and Sullivan and D’Oyly Carte ( www.thelostheirs.co.uk ). Although this is not the subject of his talk to us, he will bring copies for sale at a discount to members .