/LC.GIF&client=easterncarolinaedu)
Hall Johnson : his life, his spirit, and his music / Eugene Thamon Simpson.
| Author/creator | Simpson, Eugene Thamon |
| Format | Book |
| Publication Info | Lanham, Md. : Scarecrow Press, 2008. |
| Description | xv, 371 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm |
| Subjects |
| Contents | A historical account. Roots ; Academic preparation ; The instrumental years, 1910-1925 ; The birth of the Hall Johnson negro choir, 1925-1930 ; The ascendancy of the professional choir, 1930-1951 ; Triumph in Berlin ; Concert touring in the United States ; The final years, 1952-1970 ; Independence of spirit ; Struggle with alcoholism ; The burden of interpersonal demands ; Personal relationships ; Professional friends and associates ; Organizational and promotional skill and breadth of concepts ; Influence on choral and vocal music and musicians in America -- The Hall Johnson choir: star of the silver screen. Eminence among movie choirs ; The chronology of the Hall Johnson film legacy ; Major movie stars the Hall Johnson choir appeared with ; The role and scope of the Hall Johnson choir in its films -- The music of Hall Johnson. Methodology employed in listing ; The complete works of Hall Johnson ; Extended works -- Literary expression. The essays of Hall Johnson ; The letters of Hall Johnson ; The poetry of Hall Johnson -- Personal recollections. John Morrison ; Helen Duesberg ; Arthur Bryant ; Louvenia Pointer ; John Motley ; Thomas Carey ; William Warfield ; Elijah Hodges ; Madeline Preston ; S. Carroll Buchanan ; George Royston ; Shirley Verrett ; John Patton Jr. |
| Abstract | During his lifetime (1888-1970), Hall Johnson's 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 Johnson's life and accomplishments as conductor, composer, arranger, violist, author, and teacher has never been told until now. This book is the first definitive biography of Hall Johnson, providing both a historical narrative of Johnson's 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. The author, 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 Johnson's 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. |
| Local note | Little-353453--305131033062R |
| Bibliography note | Includes bibliographical references (page 355), discography (pages 345-354), and index. |
| LCCN | 2007034589 |
| ISBN | 9780810860384 (hardcover : alk. paper) |
| ISBN | 0810860384 (hardcover : alk. paper) |
Availability
| Library | Location | Call Number | Status | Item Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Music | Closed Stacks - Ask at Circulation Desk | ML410.J655 S56 2008 | ✔ Available | Place Hold |