A Life in Ragtime: A Biography of James Reese Europe
ISBN: 9780199851553
Platform/Publisher: Oxford Academic / Yale University Press
Digital rights: Users: Unlimited; Printing: Unlimited; Download: Unlimited
Subjects: Music;

In this significant biography, Badger (The Great American Fair) examines the life and accomplishments of the black composer and conductor whose brilliant career was cut short at age 39 in a bizarre murder. Europe (1880-1919), who came from a poor family in Mobile, Ala., rose to a position of prominence, leading a number of black orchestras, including those that played for dancers Vernon and Irene Castle, who popularized professional social dancing. He also created and led the WWI Hellfighters, the all-black 15th Infantry Regiment Band, and organized black music associations like the Clef Club, devoted to furthering the careers of black musicians in New York City. Although little is known of Europe's personal life, Badger indicates he was an man of great dignity and pride. Largely forgotten after his death-he was stabbed by a drummer in his own orchestra-he has recently been rediscovered as a major figure in the history of black American music at its transition from ragtime to jazz. Includes a list of Europe's compositions and a discography. Photos not seen by PW. (Jan.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved


Reid Badger is Professor Emeritus of American Studies at the University of Alabama and Adjunct Professor of Humanities at New York University. He is also author of The Great American Fair: The World's Columbian Exhibition and American Culture and co-editor of Alabama and the Borderlands: from Prehistory to Statehood.

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