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Retro_Saiyan
She has the distinction of having been the first Black woman with her own series on British television ("The Winifred Atwell Show", 1956-1957), as well as the first Black woman with her own series on Australian television ("The Amazing Miss A", 1960).
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LondonLouis
Elton John nominated her as one his icons in the current "Gay Icon" exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery in London. This has nothing to do with her sexuality (whatever that might have been). Elton was instead referring to the impact that her playing had on him in his formative years. Like Alma Cogan, she is one of those half-forgotten British stars from the pre-Rock 1950s. All credit to Elton for giving her reputation a boost. She shouldn't be forgotten.
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LondonLouis
Black and White Rag gives a better idea of why she was such a big star. She was a decent ragtime pianist, with a distinctive, tinkly sound. There's some variety in the composition to suggest that, as a trained classical pianist, she knew what she was doing. She must have been one of the first Afro-Caribbean musicians to make it big in the UK, so all power to her. (There had been Hutch, who was very big in upper crust circles in the 1930s. I can't immediately think of anyone else before Winifred, though the likes of Louis Armstrong drew big crowds.)
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LondonLouis
She was a big star as Iwas growing up in the UK. On the basis of "Body and Soul" she wasn't massively talented as a jazz pianist, but her Boogie Woogies cheered us up in early Fifties Blighty.
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