![2014 by Craig von Buseck Published by Baker Books a division of Baker - photo 1](/uploads/posts/book/333132/Images/titlepage.gif)
2014 by Craig von Buseck
Published by Baker Books
a division of Baker Publishing Group
P.O. Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6287
www.bakerbooks.com
Ebook edition created 2014
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any meansfor example, electronic, photocopy, recordingwithout the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
ISBN 978-1-4412-4554-0
Scripture used in this book, whether quoted or paraphrased by the characters, is taken from the King James Version of the Bible.
Im thrilled that the historical and important story of the legendary Harry Burleigh is finally being told! That he was for fifty-two years a member and celebrated soloist at the very church I attend here in New York City makes it all the more extraordinary. Hats off to Craig von Buseck for his tremendous research and work!
Eric Metaxas , New York Times bestselling author of Bonhoeffer : Pastor , Martyr , Prophet , Spy and Amazing Grace : William Wilberforce and the Heroic Campaign to End Slavery
Mr. von Busecks book, Nobody Knows , reads like a good novel, and yet he balances this colorful historical narrative with reliable scholarship. His subject of choice is the great African American legend, singer and songsmith Harry T. Burleigh. Mr. Von Busecks language is warm and accessible. I love being taken by surprise, particularly when being introduced with such clarity to a historical figure of my own country, a pioneering spirit, one of those rare musical types that gave the soul of this nation its voice. Nobody Knows is delightfully readable.
David Teems , author of Majestie : The King Behind the King James Bible and Tyndale : The Man Who Gave God an English Voice
This is an important book for people interested in American music, the Episcopal Church, and African American cultural life. Harry Burleigh was a starhe brought light to a vast number of peoplehis art was shared in Jewish and Christian communities, in New York City, Marthas Vineyard, and so many places. He was a man of deep feeling and ability who shared his gifts in all directions.
Rev . Tom Pike , former rector of St. Georges Episcopal Church
in New York City
We welcome Craig von Busecks new book on Harry T. Burleigh, the great African American musician. Nobody Knows adds a rich chapter to the record of great American composers and musicians.
Vinson Synan , Dean Emeritus, Regent University School
of Divinity; author of The Century of the Holy Spirit
Nobody Knows is an important tribute to a master of the American spiritual. An inspirational story, this work is an important read, as it sheds light on a key composer whose contributions to the history of American music are otherwise neglected.
Afa S . Dworkin , executive director of the Sphinx Organization; member of President Obamas National Arts Policy Committee
I dedicate this book to my children, Aaron, Margo, and especially David, who asked at the age of six, Daddy, how long is Harry T. Burleigh going to live with us? Harrys finally moving out, guys, but I know he will always be in our hearts. Thank you for your never-ending love and encouragement. With much love.
Contents
Cover
Title Page
Copyright Page
Endorsements
Dedication
Harry T. Burleigh Family Tree
Harry T. Burleigh Timeline
1. The Gospel Train
2. Nobody Knows the Trouble Ive Seen
3. There Is a Balm in Gilead
4. My Lord, What a Mornin
5. Didnt My Lord Deliver Daniel?
6. Wade in de Water
7. Little David Play on Your Harp
8. Steal Away
9. Were You There?
10. Go Down, Moses
12. Heavn, Heavn
13. Hard Trials
14. The Trees Have Grown So
15. The Frolic
16. King of Kings
17. I Know de Lords Laid His Hands on Me
18. Hear de Lambs a-Cryin
19. Deep River
20. In Christ There Is No East or West
21. I Dont Feel No Ways Tired
22. Goin Home
Acknowledgments
Bibliography
Back Cover
![Harry T Burleigh Timeline 1832 March 5 The final manumission is entered - photo 2](/uploads/posts/book/333132/Images/famtree.gif)
Harry T. Burleigh Timeline
1832 | (March 5) The final manumission is entered into the Somerset County, Maryland, deed book, titled Bill of Sale, for the purchase of Hamilton Waters and his mother, Lovey. |
1835 | (April 13) Hamilton Waters secures a Certificate of Freedom, allowing him and his mother to travel without fear of slave catchers. |
18351838 | Hamilton Waters marries Lucinda Duncanson (exact date unknown). |
1838 | Elizabeth Waters is born near Lansing, Michigan. |
18381841 | Hamilton, Lucinda, Lovey, and Elizabeth move to Erie, Pennsylvania (exact date unknown). Lovey dies in Erie (exact date unknown). |
1841 | Louise Waters is born in Erie, Pennsylvania. |
1855 | (July 11) Elizabeth Waters graduates with a bachelors degree from Avery College in Pittsburgh. |
1864 | Elizabeth Waters marries Henry Thacker Burleigh. |
1864 | (November 14) Reginald Burleigh is born. |
1866 | (May) The National Conservatory of Music is founded in New York City. |
1866 | (December 2) Harry T. Burleigh is born in Erie, Pennsylvania. |
1867 | Lucinda Duncanson Waters, Burleighs grandmother, dies. |
1869 | (May 24) Harry T. Burleigh and his brother Reginald are baptized at St. Pauls Episcopal Church in Erie, Pennsylvania. |
1873 | (February 27) Henry Burleigh dies of a heart attack while in Chicago. |
1875 | (April) Elizabeth Waters Burleigh marries John Elmendorf. |
1877 | (February 6) Hamilton Waters dies. |
1891 | Harry T. Burleigh wins a scholarship to cover tuition at the National Conservatory of Music in New York City. |
1891 | (Fall) Harry T. Burleigh begins classes as a student at the National Conservatory of Music in New York City. |
1892 | (Fall) Antonin Dvorak becomes director of the National Conservatory of Music in New York City. |
1893 | (December 16) Antonin Dvoraks Symphony no. 9 in E Minor, From the New World, is completed and premiered in New York City. |
1894 | Harry T. Burleigh is chosen by J. P. Morgan, Rector William Rainsford, and choirmaster William Chester to be the baritone soloist at the prestigious St. Georges Episcopal Church in New York City. |
1895 | (April 27) Antonin Dvorak resigns from the National Conservatory and returns to Prague. |
1896 | Burleigh graduates from the National Conservatory of Music. |
1898 | Harry T. Burleigh marries Louise Alston. |
1898 | G. Schirmer publishes Burleighs first songs, If You Knew, Life, and A Birthday Song. |
1899 | (August 18) Harry and Louise Burleigh welcome a son, Alston Waters Burleigh. |
1900 | Harry T. Burleigh begins a twenty-five-year career as soloist at Temple Emanu-El in New York City. |
1901 | Burleigh publishes his earliest arrangements of spirituals for solo voice and piano in Plantation Melodies, Old and New . |
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