Student’s exhibition shines light on Newcastle’s unsung history of African American music

A new exhibition at Newcastle City Library is taking visitors on a journey back in time to celebrate the rich, yet often overlooked, legacy of African American musicians who performed in the city in the 1950s and 60s.

Curated by Northumbria University final-year History student Lily Usher-Unsworth, CROSSTOON TRAFFIC: A Celebration of African American Musicians in Newcastle Upon Tyne, 1957–1970 opens this month as part of a new public engagement initiative linked to the university’s final-year dissertation module.

The exhibition showcases rare and fascinating archival material from Newcastle’s City Hall performances, including tour posters, concert programmes, ticket stubs, and signed photographs of legendary artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Jimi Hendrix, Sonny Boy Williamson, Muddy Waters, Chuck Berry, and Duke Ellington.

Lily, 22, from Whitley Bay, uncovered the materials during research at the City Library’s Local Studies Centre – home to the Newcastle City Hall Archive, compiled by Frank XX.

With guidance from her dissertation supervisor Professor Brian Ward, a historian of popular music, the African American freedom struggle, and Martin Luther King's ties to the UK, Lily approached the library about turning her findings into a public exhibition.

“It started as a small idea for a final-year project,” said Lily. “But with the library’s support, it’s become a full two-week exhibition. I’m thrilled to share these stories with the public—it’s a celebration not only of incredible music but also of the cultural exchange that happened in Newcastle during the civil rights era.”

The exhibition builds on Lily’s written dissertation, titled Performing Politics: British Media, African American Touring Musicians, and the Civil Rights Movement, 1956–1970, in which she explores how the British press responded to African-American musicians during a turbulent time in US history.

She discovered that, in contrast to the discrimination many artists faced back home, they were often warmly received by UK audiences – particularly in Newcastle, a city with a deep love for jazz and blues.

As part of the immersive experience, visitors will be able to listen to music from the featured artists via headphones and an MP3 player, and access curated playlists via QR codes. Another QR code invites attendees to share their own memories of the concerts or reflections on the music. A memory box will also be available for handwritten stories and memorabilia contributions.

One item featured in the exhibition is a rare photo booth strip from Club A’Gogo, a legendary Newcastle nightclub of the 1960s that hosted many iconic performances

“My parents introduced me to Hendrix and rock, but discovering jazz through this project has been amazing,” Lily added. “There’s just so much depth to this era of music, and Newcastle played a bigger role than I think people realise.”

The exhibition opens with a nod to the recent MOBO Awards held in Newcastle, drawing a powerful line from the past to the present in celebrating Black music-making in the UK.

As Brian Ward said, “On the back of the MOBOs, Lily’s Cross Toon Traffic exhibition does a great job of reminding us of the richness and the diversity of Tyneside’s musical heritage.”

Event Details:

Exhibition Title: CROSSTOON TRAFFIC: A Celebration of African-American Musicians in Newcastle Upon Tyne, 1957–1970

Dates: 14th - 28th April 2025

Location: Newcastle City Library, Third Floor Landing

Admission: Free

Public Contribution: Visitors are welcome to bring their own memorabilia or share stories of concerts they attended.