February 21st
louis drysdale born 1884 died 1933
click on images for larger view.
Louis Drysdale was born in Jamaica, probably in Kingston, in 1884, but so far no information has come to light on his parents or his family background. Like other musicians of the time, such as
T Ellis Jackson and Adeline McDermott, he appeared, new-minted, as a member of the Kingston Choral Union, in 1904. He appeared then in a concert for the Jamaica Union of Teachers, along with the well-established members of the group. By 1906 he was well enough established as a singer to be included in the group invited by Sir Alfred Jones to appear at the Colonial Products Exhibition:
The Kingston Choral Union, consisting of the following members,
Mr. T. E. Jackson, Director, Mr. C. Bryan, Mr. L. Drysdale, Mr. J. L.
Loncke, Mr. H. Nation (pianist), Mr. J. Packer Ramsay, Miss C.
Coverly, Miss E. Gordon, Mrs. Lawrence and Miss MacDermot,
sailed on the s. s. Port Antonio yesterday afternoon for Bristol.
The troupe was given a hearty send off by their many friends
and well-wishers. On arriving at Avonmouth the company will
proceed to Liverpool. It is expected that they will make their
first appearance in the mother country at the Liverpool
Exhibition which opens sometime next month.
The Jamaica Choir 1906
Louis Drysdale is probably third from the right, in the back row, next to T Ellis Jackson the founder and leader of the Choir
In the UK the Kingston Choral Union became famous as the Jamaica Choir during its two tours extending from 1906 to 1908. Several members, including Drysdale, decided to stay on to make use of the opportunities to improve their musical skills. It seems that with the backing of Sir Alfred, Drysdale was able to study at the Royal College of Music with ourstanding operatic performers of the day. He then made a very successful career training singers, using the finest Italian methods. Although it does not seem that he ever returned to Jamaica, and apparently he and his first wife were divorced around 1911, he maintained strong links with the island.
In 1930 the great Jamaican comedian, Ernest Cupidon, wrote of his recent visit to Britain -
While I was in England it was my good fortune not only to meet
Mr Drysdale and his charming English wife, but to stay in their
home at Forest Hill for several weeks.
That Mr. Drysdale is a distinguished teacher of voice production
and singing has been demonstrated by the results he has achieved.
His wife, an accomplished accompanist, is of invaluable service to
his art. He has a large clientele of men and women of all nationalities,
and people travel from distant parts of England to take lessons from
Mr. Drysdale. Daily Gleaner, February 5, 1930
In addition to his 'palatial' house at 11 Westbourne Road, Forest Hill, Drysdale had studios in the centre of London, one being at the Grotrian Hall on Wigmore Street. Among those mentioned as benefitting from Drysdale's - 'Dri' as he was known in London - coaching were the enormously popular American singer, Florence Mills, and the young Marian Anderson, at the start of her remarkable career. Drysdale offered a generous scholarship to Jamaican singers in 1930, though it seems no one took up the offer. Fellow Jamaicans were always welcome at his home.
Louis Drysdale died in 1933, and for several years Jamaicans remembered his achievements, but, as has happened to so many, his name soon faded from the Jamaican memory.
famous singers who once studied with 'Dri' [click]
The only recent references to Louis Drysdale are in articles by Jeffrey Green, an English writer on Black history, and especially music history; these articles can be accessed through a library.
Jamaican history month 2007
the worthy frog
Joy Lumsden 2007
