Black History Month Tribute to Frank Johnson s Music
Black History Month Tribute To Frank Johnsons Music
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12:00 PM
Colonialism and its legacies including slavery were a part of the lives of several generations of the Stockton family at Morven. For Black History month, Independent scholar John Burkhalter and pianist Sheldon Eldridge explore the link between Robert Field Stockton (1795-1866) the “Commodore”, and the free black composer Francis “Frank” Johnson.
Johnson (1792-1844) now considered one of America’s most prominent musicians during the Federal period, was the first African American to publish sheet music, to perform an integrated concert , and the first musician in America to tour with his band in Europe.
My name is Simon Estes, and I was born in Centerville, Iowa. I could write a whole book about classical music and the reasons why I feel it’s so important. I just want to encourage you to get involved in classical music. Listen • 14:58
Estes decided early that he would work hard to overcome the dual reality and double set of standards that he and other Blacks faced in the United States. He knew that he didn’t want hate or resentment to mar the principles that he had established for himself.
While working full-time, he attended The University of Iowa in the late 1950s, received a full scholarship at Juilliard in 1964, and one year later made his European opera debut as Ramfis in Verdi’s