Cassandra Boydston, Author at

Independent Historian

Cassandra Boydston considers music and studying history to be her lifelong passions and vocations. She has combined the two while writing articles for Blackpast.org. Cassandra has been studying history at the University of Washington since 1999 while simultaneously working as a computer programmer. She hopes to be able to devote herself to studying and writing about history full time after graduation.

Ntozake Shange (Paulette Williams) (1948-2018 )

The author, poet, and playwright Ntozake Shange was born Paulette Williams on October 18, 1948 in Trenton, New Jersey. Until she was eight, she lived in a racially diverse community among well-educated upper middle class black and white families. She socialized with prominent musicians and performers, including Dizzy … Read MoreNtozake Shange (Paulette Williams) (1948-2018 )

Aretha Franklin (1942-2018)

In her five decades as a recording artist, Aretha Franklin, the undisputed “Queen of Soul,” became a music legend. Aretha Louise Franklin was born in Memphis, Tennessee on March 25, 1942. Her family soon relocated to Detroit, Michigan, where her father, Reverend C.L. Franklin, became a minister at New Bethel Baptist Church. Rev. Franklin … Read MoreAretha Franklin (1942-2018)

Clarence Muse (1889-1979)

On October 14, 1889, Clarence Edouard Muse was born to Alexander and Mary Muse in Baltimore, Maryland. Muse had intended to become an attorney and earned a degree in International Law from The Dickerson School of Law in Pennsylvania in 1911. Because of poor opportunities … Read MoreClarence Muse (1889-1979)

Sarah Vaughan (1924-1990)

Sarah Louise Vaughan was born in 1924 in Newark, New Jersey. Both of her parents were amateur musicians and they provided their daughter piano lessons as a child as well as a solid background in vocals, as a member of her mother’s church choir. By … Read MoreSarah Vaughan (1924-1990)

Coleman Hawkins (1904-1969)

Coleman Randolph Hawkins was born November 21, 1904, in Saint Joseph, Missouri. He began his musical education early with lessons on both the piano and cello. Despite parental encouragement towards more classic instruments, Hawkins focused on the saxophone after he received a “C melody” tenor … Read MoreColeman Hawkins (1904-1969)

Carolynne Snowden (1900-1985)

Caroline Snowden (she later changed her first name to Carolynne), known as “California’s Josephine Baker,” was born on January 16th, 1900, in Oakland, California. From an early age, Snowden knew that she wanted to be a performer and, despite the lack of opportunities for African … Read MoreCarolynne Snowden (1900-1985)

The Creole Palace, San Diego, California (1924-1946)

The hallmarks of the “Roaring ‘20s” are legendary in American history: dashing and daring men and women, illegal alcohol, flamboyant entertainers, and the music inspired by the post-war, prohibition era frenzy: jazz. While the hot spots in New York and Los Angeles, California generally garner … Read MoreThe Creole Palace, San Diego, California (1924-1946)

Noble Sissle (1889-1975)

On July 10, 1889, the musician and lyricist, Noble Sissle, was born in Indianapolis, Indiana. His father, a minister and organist, shared his passion for music with his son. In 1906, the family moved to Cleveland where young Sissle sang on a vaudeville circuit. In … Read MoreNoble Sissle (1889-1975)

Eubie Blake (1883-1983)

Eubie Blake was born James Hubert Blake in Baltimore, Maryland, on February 7, 1883. He died one hundred years later on February 12, 1983, having become one of the most important figures in early 20th-century African American music and a major contributor to ragtime and … Read MoreEubie Blake (1883-1983)

Alphonse Trent Orchestra

Jazz arose in 19th century America from music brought from West Africa by slaves. It is therefore not surprising that the many of the most successful jazz musicians come from the African American communities in the South. While there is a common belief that Jazz … Read MoreAlphonse Trent Orchestra