Des Verney, Bertha

Bertha Des Verney was an African American pianist, composer/arranger, singer, playwright, concert promoter, and music teacher, who devoted much of her time to church and community activities. Des Verney joined Harlem's Mother A.M.E. Zion Church in 1919 and for more than forty years served as the director of several of its choirs and was president of the church's Dramatic Club. Among other educational responsibilities, she was director of the Washington Music School in Albany, New York in the 1930s. Des Verney was a member of the National Association of Negro Musicians, serving as president in 1964. She also organized the Ministers of Music and Drama League, which honored performing artists. She died in 1975 in New York City.

From the description of Bertha Des Verney papers, 1929-1977. (New York Public Library). WorldCat record id: 608233079