Joseph Henry Douglass (July 3, 1871 – December 7, 1935) was an Americanviolinist, the son ofCharles Remond Douglass and Mary Elizabeth Murphy, and grandson of abolitionistFrederick Douglass.
Joseph Douglass was born in theAnacostia area ofWashington, D.C. He was exposed to music at an early age through his father, Charles, and his grandfather, the famous abolitionist and orator Frederick Douglass, both of whom were amateur violinists. Joseph began playing the violin as a child. With moral and financial support from his grandfather Frederick, he receivedclassical training for five years at theNew England Conservatory of Music, followed by further studies at theBoston Conservatory.[1]
During the time following theCivil War, many African-American musicians began to break into theart music genre. Joseph Douglass, a concert violinist, was one of the first African-American performers to be nationally and internationally renowned. He received his first big break as a concert violinist at the age of 22 when he performed at theWorld's Columbian Exposition, also known as the Chicago World's Fair. On August 25, 1893, performers joined together to celebrate Colored American Day (which Frederick Douglass helped plan).[2] Included in the celebrations were readings ofPaul Laurence Dunbar's poetry and performances bySidney Woodward andDeseria Plato. Joseph Douglass also performed at Colored American Day, garnering him a large audience for his talents.
After his performance at theWorld's Columbian Exposition, he was very well known. Douglass is credited as the first Black violinist to make transcontinental tours. In the 1890s, he was lauded by the black press as "the most talented violinist of the race".[3] Douglass toured extensively for three decades, performing in every Black educational institution and America and a significant number of churches as well.[3] Douglass was also the first Black violinist to make recordings for theVictor Talking Machine Company, in 1914, but they were never released.[4] On top of his performance career, Douglass was an educator and conductor, too. He had tenured positions atHoward University and theColored Music Settlement School in New York throughout his life. He had many students including a youngClarence Cameron White.
Douglass married Fannie Howard Douglass. Fannie was a musician as well, often accompanying Joseph's performances on the piano. He and Fannie had two children: Blanche and Frederick III.[5]
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Other | |
