The Rising Star Talent Agency was set up in the late 1970's by Cecil Morris to promote talent in the Birmingham community. Through this agency the community had more of a voice than had previously been heard.
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| Bibi James (singer) visits Rising Star's office |
The 1970's was a wonderful creative time for Black music but it wasn't being reflected in the UK media. Rising Strar tried to address that, people like; Azwad, Musical Youth, Beshara, Steel Pulse all came through Cecil's small office above his Black Culture shop on the run-down Dudley Road in Edgbaston suburb of Birmingham.
One of the first events organised was 'The Miss Afro-Caribbean' contest. Winner was
Miss Jackie Bailey. This addressed the Miss World shows that had not seen too many black winners. Shown here are some of the runners up.
This somewhat faded photograph shows the judges table at a Beauty show at the ballroom found in Birmingham's Botanical Gardens in Edgbaston.
Singer
Caroll Thompson & her manager Berty waiting to see Cecil. Posters on the wall show Rising Star shows, Gregary Isaacs, Peter Tosh , Frankie Paul, UB40 and many more.
Miss Awia winner at the Santa Rosa club, note Lady Diana & Prince Charles on the wall. Awia was a big lovers rock recording label at the time.
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