1. African American Composers

2. What do these men have in common?

3. a person who writes music
What is a Composer
a person who writes music

4. Now What?
We know what composers do, let’s get to know a few of them.

5. Scott Joplin
Scott Joplin, the "King of Ragtime“ was born in Texas on November 24, 1868
He was considered a professional musician in his teens.
In 1973, his music was featured in the movie, The Sting
In 1976, Joplin's opera Treemonisha won the coveted Pulitzer Prize.
Joplin died on April 1, 1917
To here a sample of Mr. Joplin’s music click here.

6. John Wesley Work III John Work was born on June 15, 1901, in Tennessee
He was awarded first prize in the 1946 competition of the Federation of American Composers for his cantata The Singers
In 1947 he received an award from the National Association of Negro Musicians.
In 1963 he was awarded an honorary doctorate from Fisk University.
Mr. Work was participated in organizing a collection of music from other composers.
To here an example of the collection click here.

7. James Bland Mr. Bland wrote more than 700 songs
When he was 12 he began to teach himself to play
He composed "Carry Me Back to Ole Virginny”

8. Edward Kennedy “DUKE” Ellington
Band leader Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington was a musical genius.
Ellington traveled all over the world. He was very popular in England.
Duke Ellington’s band also performed his music in movies.
In 1959, the NAACP awarded Ellington its coveted Spingarn Medal for his contribution to the African American cultural heritage.

9. notes printed on sheets of paper
What is Sheet Music?
notes printed on sheets of paper
Gladiolus Rag, Scott Joplin

10. There have been many African-American composers
There have been many African-American composers. There are many great and popular composers now. The question is… Are you the next great composer?