Meet Eddie Huggins
(Scroll down for his audio story)

Content warning - Some of the language used is from the period and may cause offense nowadays. Also mentions of drugs, drinking alcohol and white people's view of 1960s Black music.
 

"One of the gigs I did, Wilson Pickett was there or…and his backing band, and they weren't playing. They were just hanging out with friends who were in the military."

Eddie Huggins, offers a rare insight into the rhythm and blues and jazz scene in East Anglia during the early 1960s. A classically trained pianist and semi-professional musician, he became one of the few local players immersed in the seal sound of Black American soul and blues. Then based in Norwich, word of his talent reached nearby US airbases, and he was soon performing with African American servicemen stationed at Lakenheath, Mildenhall, Bentwaters and Alconbury.

​

Through gigs on and off the base – from Norwich’s legendary Orford Cellar to venues across Norfolk and Suffolk – he entered an informal but influential musical network shaped by Black airmen, touring artists and local players. His story highlights a largely overlooked cultural exchange in Cold War East Anglia, where music, food and fellowship created connections that extended beyond the stage.

​

Eddie mentions three African American airmen and singers: Milton who is Milton Ingram, Lucas - Bruce McPherson aka Lucas, Geno - Geno Washington. Here's more information about Eddie's early music career.