By Martin Brisland.
In the latest in our series of fun facts about Southampton we look at some more little known gems about the city.
Gateway to the world?
Southampton – as a major port – has always welcomed people and influences from all around the world.
Emperor Haile Selassie (1891-1975) was Emperor of Ethiopia from 1930-1974.
He arrived in Southampton on the Orient Line’s SS Orford in June 1936 during a period of exile after Italy, then under the control of fascist dictator Benito Mussolini, had invaded his country. For the next four years he was living at Fairfield House in Bath. In 1938 he visited Ventnor on the IOW staying on the Esplanade.
He was intrinsically linked to the Rastafari movement which developed in Jamaica in the 1930s.
Rastafarians regard him as the 225th descendant of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. The red, gold and green colours they use were adopted from the flag of the Ethiopian monarchy.
Reggae musician Bob Marley (1936-1981) was a Rastafarian follower. He played in Swaythling in May 1973. The £75 gig was to a small audience at the Coach House, situated behind the Fleming Arms. The then little-known Wailers were in the UK to promote Catch a Fire, their first album for Island Records. They soon became known as Bob Marley and The Wailers.
Local reggae band Ebony Rockers started in 1979 at the Newtown Youth Club. Managed by local youth worker Don John they were signed to EMI Records and had a minor hit with Steppin’ Out/Human Jungle in 1980.
An Ebony Rockers photo-realist mural by Southampton artist Slam is on the corner of Ogle Road and Above Bar Street. 
Bass player George David is the father of Craig David. Craig has over 20 UK Top 40 singles and 7 UK Top 40 albums selling over 15 million records. He grew up on the Holyrood Estate and can currently be heard on a Just Eat commercial.
Mama Cass (1941-1974) of the American Mamas and Papas group was arrested in Southampton in October 1967 after a transatlantic crossing on the liner France. Scotland Yard Special Branch officers wanted information on a previous partner Pic Dawson who was involved with importing drugs to the UK. Cass was released and was seen outside the former Civic Centre police station dressed in bright yellow flares and a trademark floppy hat. The Mamas and Papas concert at the Albert Hall was cancelled.
Sarah Siddons was the first superstar actor, a favourite of Jane Austen and King George III.
She was so popular that her followers were accused of having ‘Siddonsmania’. She was famous for her dramatic style and her interpretations of Shakespeare’s tragic heroines.
Sarah also had a home in Southampton and visited frequently to stay with her close friend and biggest fan Charlotte Fitzhugh. In 1804 Charlotte commissioned a painting of Sarah by Sir Thomas Lawrence (1769-1830). Her name is used by the Sarah Siddons Fan Club who perform historical street theatre in Southampton.
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