Elisabeth Welch Blue plaque

Who could imagine the echoes of “Stormy Weather” swirling around this very spot? Right here, at Ovington Court, marked by the Elisabeth Welch Blue Plaque, lived a woman whose voice captivated audiences for eight decades. The Elisabeth Welch Blue plaque commemorates the singer who graced stages from New York to Paris and finally, London. Elisabeth Welch’s journey began in New York in 1904. Her diverse heritage, a blend of Native American, African American, Irish, and Scottish roots, shaped her unique perspective. She danced the Charleston on Broadway, mingled with Harlem Renaissance icons like Josephine Baker, and honed her cabaret skills in Paris. London beckoned in the 1930s. Elisabeth Welch became a pioneer, a trailblazer for Black women in British entertainment. Here, at Flat 1 Ovington Court, from 1933 to 1936, she found a home. Imagine her returning to this very building after electrifying performances and radio recordings of classics like “Stormy Weather” and “Solomon.” She shared this space with a dresser-cum-maid and a lively fox terrier. A Melody Maker reporter once found her here preparing for a broadcast. In a rare diva moment, she dismissed him after a mere four and a half minutes. From Ovington Court, Elisabeth Welch’s star continued to rise. She introduced “Stormy Weather” to British audiences, graced the West End, and even became the first Black broadcaster with her own BBC radio series, “Soft Lights and Sweet Music.” Years later, her rendition of “Stormy Weather” in Derek Jarman’s film “The Tempest” earned her a new generation of admirers. The Elisabeth Welch Blue Plaque stands as a testament to her indomitable spirit, her groundbreaking career, and her contribution to music and culture. She brought joy, defied expectations, and left an enduring legacy. As you stand before this plaque, let the echoes of her voice resonate, a reminder of the remarkable woman who once called this place home.