Dawson, William L. (William Levi), 1899-1990

Variant names
Dates:
Birth 1899-09-23
Death 1990-05-02
Americans,

Biographical notes:

William Levi Dawson (1899-1990), African American composer, conductor, and educator, was born in Anniston, Alabama, the oldest of the seven children of George W. Dawson, an illiterate day laborer and former slave, and Eliza Starkey Dawson. Dawson married Cecile Demae Nicholson in 1935. A graduate of the Tuskegee Institute, Dawson composed the NEGRO FOLK SYMPHONY and arranged a number of African American spirituals. He also conducted the Tuskegee Institute Choir for 25 years. Dawson died May 2, 1990, in Montgomery, Alabama, at the age of 90.

From the description of William Levi Dawson papers, 1903-1990. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 84669561

Composed 1930-31. First performance Philadelphia, 16 November 1934, Philadelphia Orchestra, Leopold Stokowski conductor. Dedicated to Leopold Stokowski.--Cf. Fleisher Collection.

From the description of Negro folk symphony / William Levi Dawson. 1930-1931. (Franklin & Marshall College). WorldCat record id: 43934242

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Subjects:

  • African
  • African American universities and colleges
  • African American composers
  • African American musicians
  • African Americans
  • African Americans
  • African American women
  • Copyright
  • Music
  • Music publishing
  • Sacred songs with piano
  • Spirituals (Songs)
  • Symphonies

Occupations:

  • Collector
  • Composers
  • Conductor

Places:

  • Africa (as recorded)
  • Alabama (as recorded)
  • United States (as recorded)

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