Item #4730 Songs, Sketch of the Life, Testimonials from the Most Eminent Composers, and Opinions of the American & English Press, of Blind Tom The Marvelous Musical Prodigy, The Negro Boy Pianist Whose Recent Performances at the Great St. James’ and Egyptian Halls, London, and Salle Hertz, Paris, Have Created Such a Profound Sensation.
Songs, Sketch of the Life, Testimonials from the Most Eminent Composers, and Opinions of the American & English Press, of Blind Tom The Marvelous Musical Prodigy, The Negro Boy Pianist Whose Recent Performances at the Great St. James’ and Egyptian Halls, London, and Salle Hertz, Paris, Have Created Such a Profound Sensation.
Songs, Sketch of the Life, Testimonials from the Most Eminent Composers, and Opinions of the American & English Press, of Blind Tom The Marvelous Musical Prodigy, The Negro Boy Pianist Whose Recent Performances at the Great St. James’ and Egyptian Halls, London, and Salle Hertz, Paris, Have Created Such a Profound Sensation.
Songs, Sketch of the Life, Testimonials from the Most Eminent Composers, and Opinions of the American & English Press, of Blind Tom The Marvelous Musical Prodigy, The Negro Boy Pianist Whose Recent Performances at the Great St. James’ and Egyptian Halls, London, and Salle Hertz, Paris, Have Created Such a Profound Sensation.

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Songs, Sketch of the Life, Testimonials from the Most Eminent Composers, and Opinions of the American & English Press, of Blind Tom The Marvelous Musical Prodigy, The Negro Boy Pianist Whose Recent Performances at the Great St. James’ and Egyptian Halls, London, and Salle Hertz, Paris, Have Created Such a Profound Sensation.

New York: French and Wheat, [ca. 1868]. 8vo (230 x 150 mm), printed wrappers, 30, [1], pp.

Popularly known as “Blind Tom,” Tom G. Wiggins (1849–1908) was a blind and autistic African-American musical genius born into slavery on a Georgia plantation. Known for his remarkable musical memory, Tom also produced original compositions and was the first black performer to play at the White House. The present pamphlet collects various testimonials from European musicians, music critics and publications that were gathered by Tom’s owner James Bethune when he took his slave-musician to perform in Europe. The text—which also serves as a program—includes a biographical sketch of Tom; lyrics to the songs he played; a program for his concerts on the back-cover; American testimonials; and a note on Tom’s memory. The endorsements contained herein would help propel Blind Tom to international fame during his lifetime.

CONDITION: Good, moderately worn and soiled.

REFERENCES: Zick, William J. Wiggins, Thomas “Blind Tom” (1849-1908) at blackpast.org

Item #4730

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