Wow! eBook
Hall Johnson: His Life, His Spirit, and His Music
Author(s): Eugene Thamon Simpson (Author)
- Publisher: Scarecrow Press (UK)
- Publication Date: 15 Feb. 2008
- Language: English
- Print length: 404 pages
- ISBN-10: 0810860384
- ISBN-13: 9780810860384
Book Description
During his lifetime (1888-1970), Hall Johnsons concert arrangements of spirituals have been performed and recorded by stellar singers, such as Marian Anderson, Leontyne Price, Kathleen Battle, Jessye Norman, and Denyce Graves, and were sung by school and concert choirs all over the world. The Hall Johnson Negro Choir was acclaimed in concert halls throughout America and Europe, on Broadway, on radio, and in Hollywood and can be seen and heard in movie classics like Lost Horizon, Jezebel, Dumbo, and Song of the South. Yet the story of Johnsons life and accomplishments as conductor, composer, arranger, violist, author, and teacher has never been told until now.
Hall Johnson: His Life, His Spirit, and His Music is the first definitive biography of Hall Johnson, providing both a historical narrative of Johnsons entire life and work, as well as a comprehensive treatment of his movie career, his literary creations, his work in musical theatre, and a complete exploration of his music, with special emphasis on the larger works. Author Eugene Thamon Simpson, the curator of the Hall Johnson collection in New Jersey, has amassed important pieces of the collection, such as letters, reviews, interviews, and other documents by and about Hall Johnson, and referenced or published them here for greater accessibility. The book also includes personal recollections of Hall Johnson by people who knew him as teacher, conductor, or professional colleague. Over 20 photos, a discography, and a complete listing of Johnsons works help to document his achievements, making this a valuable resource for those interested in Black History Studies, the evolution of the Negro Spiritual, and blacks in American Cinema and musical theatre.
Editorial Reviews
Review
A superb volume chronicling the life, music, choirs, essays, letters, and poetry of Johnson…. Simpson”s interspersing serves to heighten interest in the man, his choir, and his music…. The work is highly recommended not only for its personal and historical accounts but also for its scholarship.
About the Author
Eugene Thamon Simpson is the Founding Curator of The Hall Johnson Collection and is professor emeritus of Voice and Choral Literature at Rowan University of New Jersey.
