Thomas “Blind Tom” Wiggins: Autistic savant and musical genius
One of the most famous American entertainers of the nineteenth century, Thomas “Blind Tom” Wiggins was an African American musician and composer. Blind from birth...
Tag : Musician
Kofi Ghanaba (Guy Warren): The Divine Drummer who pioneered Afro-jazz
“The reuniting of African-American jazz with its African roots.” Kofi Ghanaba, also known as Guy Warren, was one of the most influential Ghanaian musicians of...
Sammy Davis Jr: Mr. Entertainment
For a staggering 60 years, from his debut as a four year old child star in the late 1920’s to his untimely death in 1990...
James A. Bland: Composer of the great minstrel show tunes
James Alan Bland was an African-American musician and composer who was known as The World’s Greatest Minstrel Man. Bland wrote songs about the American South...
John Coltrane: An iconic figure of 20th century jazz
“My music is the spiritual expression of what I am — my faith, my knowledge, my being…When you begin to see the possibilities of music,...
Joseph Douglass: The Black concert violinist
Joseph Douglass (1871–1935) was a groundbreaking African-American concert violinist. He was the grandson of abolitionist Frederick Douglas; and was widely viewed as Douglass’s favorite grandchild....
Tony Allen: Master Drummer of Afrobeat
Tony Oladipo Allen is a Nigerian drummer, composer and songwriter who has been described as “perhaps the greatest drummer who has ever lived.” As drummer...
William Manuel “Bill” Johnson: The father of the “slap” style of Double bass playing
William Manuel “Bill” Johnson was an African American jazz musician, considered the father of the “slap” style of Double bass playing. Johnson who started out...
Clarence Cameron White: Violinist par excellent
Clarence Cameron White (August 10, 1880 – June 30, 1960) was an African-American violinist and composer. Born in Clarksville, Tennessee, White spent his childhood in...
Louis Armstrong: Ambassor Satch
Louis Armstrong, known as Ambassor Satch is considered the most important improviser in jazz. Armstrong was a trumpeter, bandleader, singer, soloist, film star and comedian....