The Sapphires

Back in June 1970 I was in Bangkok on R & R.

I teamed up with a couple of GIs whilst staying in the Florida Hotel.

The hotel, believe it or not, is still there, but it's fallen on hard times.

These guys were southern negroes, and into Motown music. I was aware of Motown, but that was about all. It was played over American Forces Radio in country.

Back then, Bangkok had a vibrant live black music scene.

They took me (and another digger) to a soul bar in the city. We were the only white faces in the bar. They told us that Aussies were "colour blind", so we were welcome. White GIs were not.

That night was one of the best. We didn't buy a beer all night, the place was full of negro nurses who had an amazing way of saying "sheeet honey....", and I ended up playing the drums.

Despite this uncharacteristic drumming behaviour I was mostly sober, so it was a great night. However, I was high on the music, and when it comes to Motown, have been ever since.

Hence the post from the Sapphires It's a great movie, but the music makes it.

Don't miss it.