Pearly kings and queens--a bit off topic
Posted: Sun Apr 01, 2018 4:57 pm
I'm hoping to snare someone's attention with that subject line. I don't really have a 78 record or cylinder question, just trying to find an answer to a question I've had for sometime. I just spent the better part of an hour trying to answer it without luck. The closest I came to finding what I'm looking for were pictures of pearly kings and queens, who were /are generally not musicians.
So let me back up. I have occasionally seen in older British films (1930-40s, say) street musicians dressed a distinctive way, with studs that outline their lapels and pockets and so forth--something like the pearly kings. But the pearly kings and queens are way over the top compared to what I've seen in the pictures. The Disney film Mary Poppins has a scene in which Julie Andrews sings with animated musicians dressed in this manner. So they seem to be an identifiable group, musicians who dressed a certain way.
Who are these musicians? Where did they come from? And when were they active? I would genuinely appreciate any help with this, just not sure where or whom to ask. Perhaps someone in the UK might know what I refer to.
I would supply a picture had I one, but had I one I probably would have my answer and not make this post. Given the broad experience to found in the Forum, I am hopeful for an answer.
John
So let me back up. I have occasionally seen in older British films (1930-40s, say) street musicians dressed a distinctive way, with studs that outline their lapels and pockets and so forth--something like the pearly kings. But the pearly kings and queens are way over the top compared to what I've seen in the pictures. The Disney film Mary Poppins has a scene in which Julie Andrews sings with animated musicians dressed in this manner. So they seem to be an identifiable group, musicians who dressed a certain way.
Who are these musicians? Where did they come from? And when were they active? I would genuinely appreciate any help with this, just not sure where or whom to ask. Perhaps someone in the UK might know what I refer to.
I would supply a picture had I one, but had I one I probably would have my answer and not make this post. Given the broad experience to found in the Forum, I am hopeful for an answer.
John