BENEATH THE MERSEYBEAT

Beneath The Merseybeat is a four-part podcast series exploring how Black American music found its way to Liverpool post-war. 

It discusses the impact these sounds had on Liverpool and its music scene and how they were assimilated and appropriated by musicians in the city. Made possible through extensive ongoing research, these themes are further explored through archive interviews and music, charting what was happening throughout the 1960s and 70s to raise awareness and help preserve Liverpool’s Black music heritage. These artists are a major part of Liverpool’s musical history and are integral to what makes it a world-famous music city.

Episode 1 – ARRIVAL

Introducing the Afro-American music that was coming to Liverpool through the 1940s and 50s and how it was arriving.

Episode 2 – FIRST FLOWERINGS 

Continued exploration of the ways Black American, African and Caribbean music arrived in Liverpool and how these new sounds were assimilated, appropriated and expressed by Liverpool’s own music community.

Episode 3 – THROUGH THE 60s 

What was happening with Liverpool’s Black musicians during the 1960s.

Episode 4 – THROUGH THE 70s 

In the final episode, the exploration of Black music in Liverpool continues with a journey through the 1970s.

All episodes hosted by Rich Pontefract & Dave McTague and produced by Mellowtone.