The Bebop Scene in London's Soho, 1945-1950

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Focusing on the bebop subculture that flourished in London's Soho from 1945 to 1950, this book explores the construction of bebop identities through race, class, and gender. It combines archival research with theoretical insights to illustrate the vibrant club scene, the fashion surrounding the music, and the drug culture within the community. The narrative highlights the moral panic that led to police raids and traces the evolution of popular culture in Soho during the 1950s, emphasizing the ongoing institutional harassment of black-related spaces and culture.