'Many brave things were done that night, but none were more brave than the men playing minute after minute as the ship settled quietly lower and lower in the sea.'
When the Titanic collided with an iceberg on 14 April 1912, the eight members of the band had already retired for the evening. Still, they put on overcoats and came out to play in the lounge. When most of the First Class passengers had taken to their lifeboats, the musicians moved to the deck and continued to play as the ship sank.
As Charlotte Collyer, a Titanic survivor, recalled: ‘They kept it up to the very end. Only the engulfing ocean had the power to drown them into silence.’ But who were these musicians? What journeys brought them to this deck on this icy ocean? Who did they leave behind? Until now, little was known about them and the events that led each of them to that ill-fated ship.
In this lively and thoroughly researched account, historian and biographer Steve Turner retraces each man’s steps, revealing eight unique and inspiring portraits of bravery, and offers a fresh perspective on the legendary sinking of the Titanic.
‘For those the least bit interested in the Titanic tale, this is another intriguing chapter in the legend.’ USA Today
‘This fascinating focus on the musicians that played on as the mighty ship sank will send a shiver down your spine.’ Brisbane News
‘This is a most moving book, filled with drama and human interest stories and a beautiful example of what painstaking research may uncover about ordinary people who, in a moment of supreme crisis, found the strength and courage to die like heroes.’ Canberra Times
‘Music writer Turner has done a masterly job of fleshing out their stories, piecing together contemporary accounts and tracing descendants to give a poignant portrait of these brave young men.’ Sydney Morning Herald
‘Truly riveting.’ Hobart Mercury
‘Fabulous story of the stoic musicians who went down with the Titanic.’ Geelong Advertiser
‘With modern-day detective work, Turner goes in search of the eight brave men to tell their story against the events of April 1912. It's a must-read for Titanic fans.’ Herald Sun
‘Steve Turner has trumped them all with the remarkable story of the eight brave musicians who made up the band on the Titanic.’ The Senior
