Club History: 1940’s - 1950’s
Many of the clubs where music was played were the haunts of fledgling jazz musicians such as Jimmy Skidmore and Kenny Baker, who often sat in with the coloured groups. The Nest Club, The Bag O' Nails, Shim-Sham Club and The Cuba Club are names that occur over and over again in jazz history from this period.
One of the features of the war years was the presence on the London club scene of a number of exiled West Indian swing/jazz musicians. Prominent players included Dave Wilkins, Leslie 'Jiver' Hutchinson, Frank Deniz, Yorke de Souza, Lauderic Caton, Carl Barriteau and Bertie King. They remained after the war ended and some of them in the fledgling bop scene as bands.
Club History 1940’s - 1950’s continued...
The Downbeat Club was a separate club that opened in the Bag O'Nails premises every Sunday afternoon from February, 1948, but only lasted for six months. Regarded as having an exciting atmosphere it often featured the Tito Burns Band as well as various pick-up bop groups. It was here that Ray "Duke" Ellington made his debut with his quartet, when in 1946, Pete Chilver joined Ellington and was playing with him at the Bag O'Nails when two great names of the Jazz world, Django Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli came in to listen to their performance.
Air Raid Shelter
The Club during the second world war was also used as a public air raid shelter.
The Bag O' Nails is also hosting many more theme nights, so there will be something for everyone, Visit the Whats On page to find out more and to book your place. Be sure to book early to avoid disappointment.
Find out how the Bag O’ Nails changed through the different eras to stay at the forefront of musical trends. Listen to music of the time and see some video footage to really help set the scene.
» 1920’s - 1930’s
» 1940’s - 1950’s
» The Swinging 60’s
» Present Day