The 'Black and White Minstrel Show' achieved a definitive standard of excellence in TV entertainment that was never surpassed during its record breaking run on BBC TV and in theatres in London, all over Britain, and throughout Australia and New Zealand.
The show's success was very much a reflection of he love that ran through the backbone of the show, the George Mitchell Choirs - love for the songs, love for the spectacular productions, and love for the group's immaculate vocal arrangements, all of them by their supportive and very talented leader, George Mitchell himself.
George arranged an endless succession of songs from the cream of popular music from most of the twentieth century and audiences love it - everybody enjoyed some of their favourite melodies. No wonder it achieved audience figures of 21 million, won a Golden Globe at Montreux, and was sold to over 30 countries.
The 'Black and White Minstrel Show' entertained a worldwide audience of millions between 1958 and 1978. It was a celebration of black music, featuring the music of the great blues composers like W C Handy (St Louis Blues), Spencer Williams (Basin Street Blues), and other popular music composers who have given the world some of its best loved melodies.
They included 'Memories of You' (Eubie Blake), 'Isn't She Lovely' (Stevie Wonder),'Soul Boss Nova' (Quincy Jones),' 'Take The A Train' (Billy Strayhorn), 'Aint Misbehavin' (Fats Waller), 'I'm Beginning To See The Light' (Duke Ellington), and Sy Oliver (Opus One).
George also arranged negro spirituals like 'Swing Low, Sweet Chariot', 'Beautiful Dreamer', 'Carry Me Back To Green Pastures' - and folksy favourites set in America's south like 'Camptown Races' and 'Swanee River'.'The 'Black and White Minstrel Show' featured music that touched the hearts of millions, black or white, as the title suggests.
When it won a Golden Rose at Montreux in 1961, it was regarded as the best light entertainment production in the world. I bet there are many who feel that it still is.
