General Meeting: July 2024

Roger Browne is President of the Stockport Operatic Society and began singing and playing music at the age of 4. He spoke with great passion, humour and musicality about the development of jazz and musical theatre in the USA.

He talked about how slavery, poverty, racism and the migration of Jews into America changed western society and musical structure. The big Broadway musicals of the 50’s and 60’s grew from these beginnings. Roger was a class act with an awesome memory. He spoke, played the keyboard, recited and sang, all without notes. His piano rags were played at a fast tempo, note perfect.

He ended his talk with a moving rendition of Cole Porter’s Miss Otis Regrets. Roger could have talked all day but fortunately we will have the pleasure of seeing him again soon, I hope.

Marianne White