Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

1849 in Columbus, GA

Death

:

June 13, 1908 in Hoboken, NJ

Genre

:

Keyboard

 

Thomas "Blind Tom" Wiggins was a 19th-century African American composer and pianist who was born on May 25, 1849, in Harris County, Georgia. He was born into slavery and was sold at a young age to a plantation owner named Wiley Jones. Jones recognized Tom's musical talent and allowed him to play the piano in his home. Tom quickly became a sensation, and Jones began to showcase him at local events. In 1859, Jones took Tom on a tour of the United States, where he performed for audiences in major cities such as New York, Boston, and Philadelphia. Tom's performances were unique in that he could play any piece of music after hearing it only once. He also had a remarkable memory and could play entire concerts from memory. Tom's talent caught the attention of many prominent musicians and composers of the time, including Franz Liszt and Anton Rubinstein. They were amazed by his ability to play complex pieces of music and his improvisational skills. Tom's performances were often compared to those of the great pianists of the time, such as Chopin and Beethoven. Despite his success, Tom was still a slave and was not allowed to keep any of the money he earned from his performances. In 1865, after the end of the Civil War, Tom was freed from slavery. He continued to tour and perform, but now he was able to keep the money he earned. Tom's compositions were often inspired by the music he heard during his travels. He composed pieces that were influenced by African American spirituals, European classical music, and popular music of the time. Some of his most famous compositions include "The Battle of Manassas," "The Rain Storm," and "The Ethiopian Serenade." Tom's performances were not without controversy. Some critics accused him of being a "freak" and exploited him for his blindness and race. Others praised him for his talent and saw him as a symbol of African American achievement. In 1887, Tom suffered a stroke that left him partially paralyzed and unable to perform. He spent the rest of his life living with his mother in New Jersey. He died on June 13, 1908, at the age of 59. Despite the challenges he faced, Tom's legacy as a composer and pianist has endured. His music has been performed by many musicians and has been featured in films and television shows. In 2019, the University of Georgia unveiled a historical marker in honor of Tom's life and achievements.

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