People, Locations, Episodes

Louis Gottschailk, Pianist born

*Louis Gottschalk was born on this date in 1829. He was an white american classical pianist and educator.

Edmund Dédé, Musician, and Composer born

The birth of Edmund Dédé in 1829 is celebrated on this date. He was an African American violinist and composer.

The son of free Black West Indian parents, Dédé first studied the violin in New Orleans then in Mexico. In 1850, he left for Paris, completing his musical education and beginning a career that lasted for nearly fifty years. As a violinist, musical director and composer, Dédé developed a considerable reputation abroad.

The “Yellow Rose of Texas,” a story

This date in 1830 marks the commemoration of the song The Yellow Rose of Texas. On this date annually, the Knights of the Yellow Rose of Texas at San Jacinto TX celebrate the song and its history.

Black History, and Jazz Music in America, a story

On this date, we focus on Jazz Music in America and the Black culture’s role in creating and influence its existence.

Frederick Loudin, Choral Conductor, and Businessman born

*Frederick Loudin was born on this date in c.1836.  He was a Black vocalist and choral director.  Frederick Jeremiah Loudin was born to free parents in Charlestown, Ohio.  His family moved to rural Ohio from Burlington, VT, to be farmers, but when they learned that, although they had made regular financial contributions to Hiram College, […]

José White Lafitte, Classical Musician born

*José Silvestre White Lafitte was born on this date in 1836.  Also known as Joseph White, he was an Afro Cuban, French violinist and composer.   Born in Matanzas, Cuba, his father, Don Carlos White, was Spanish, and his mother was Afro Cuban.  After receiving early musical training from his father, an amateur violinist, White gave […]

Antonio C. Gomes, Composer born

Antonio Carlos Gomes was born on this date in 1836. He was an African Brazilian composer, one of the most distinguished 19th century operatic composers in the world.

Henry Hart, Musician born

*Henry Hart was born on this date in 1839.  He was a Black musician (Violinist).    He was born in Frankfort, Kentucky. His father, Frederick Hart, was born in Boone County, Kentucky, and his mother, Judith Brown, in Frankfort. In 1853, he left Frankfort and went to Cleveland. There, he learned to play the violin […]

Antonín Dvořák, Classical Composer born

*Antonín Dvořák was born on this date in 1841.  He was a white-European Czech composer and advocate of American Black Spiritual Music. Antonín Leopold Dvořák was born in Nelahozeves, near Prague, in the Austrian Empire, and was the eldest son of František Dvořák and his wife, Anna, née Zdeňková.  František worked as an innkeeper, a professional player of […]

Manuel Posadas, Composer, and Musician born

*Manuel Posadas was born on this date in 1841.  He was an Afro Argentinean violinist and composer.  From Buenos Aires, He was the older brother of Carlos Posadas; he was sent to study music in Europe with Belgian violinist Eugene Ysauye.  This came with the financial support of Bartolomé Mitre, the founder and publisher of […]

George W. Johnson, Singer, and Musician born

The birth of George Washington Johnson in 1846 is celebrated on this date. He was a Black singer and musician, and a pioneer in American recorded music.

‘Blind Tom’ Wiggins, Musician, and Composer born

Blind Tom Wiggins, an African American composer and pianist, was born on this date in 1849.

Ella Sheppard, Jubilee Singer born

*Ella Sheppard was born on this date in 1851. She was a Black musician, vocalist, and educator.

Millie and Christine McKoy, Conjoined Twins, born

*Millie and Christine McKoy were born on this date in 1851. They were Black pygopagus conjoined twins who were singers and actresses. Millie and Christine (the “Carolina Twins”) were born in Whiteville, North Carolina, to Jacob and Monemia McKoy, who Jabez McKay enslaved. Before the sisters’ birth, their mother had given birth to seven other […]

Jennie Jackson, Choral Singer born

*Jennie Jackson is celebrated on this date in 1852.  She was a Black singer and voice teacher. She was one of the original Fisk Jubilee Singers, a cappella ensemble. Jennie Jackson was born in Kingston, Tennessee. Her grandfather was enslaved in Andrew Jackson’s household. Her parents were also enslaved, but she was raised in freedom from an early […]