Who were the Harlem Hellfighters?

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The Harlem Hellfighters was the nickname of an American army regiment, whose military band during the First World War was as renowned for its bravery as it was for its musical ability. They were led into battle on the Western Front in France by the pioneering African-American composer, jazz musician and activist James Reese Europe. To mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the conflict and as a tribute to James Reese Europe, the American pianist Jason Moran has written new pieces inspired by the bandleader’s music. The BBC's Martin Vennard has been speaking to Jason Moran, and discovered how he first heard about James Reese Europe. (Photo: The 369th Regiment band, whose nickname was The Harlem Hellfighters Credit: Underwood Archive/ Getty Images)