William Grant Still

1925

William Grant Still composes Levee Land

Lillian Evanti (b. Lillian Evans, 1890-1967) makes her debut with the Paris Opera in Lakmé

The first concert consisting solely of Negro spirituals is performed by the bass-baritone Paul Bustill Robeson at the Greenwich Villa ge Theatre in New York.

Louis Armstrong begins a series of recordings with studio musicians variously known as the Hot Five and Hot Seven which establish his reputation as a jazz artist.

1926

Schomburg Collection of Literature and History established at the New York Public Library; name changed to Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in 1980.

The Eva Jessye Choir becomes a leading choral group and tours throughout the U.S.

1927

Bessie Smith is the highest paid black artist in the world.

Thomas Dorsey tours the Midwest and South, establishing his reputation as the "Father of Gospel Music."

Composer John Wesley Work (1901-1967) begins his teaching career at Fisk University. He will continue in this position as teacher, conductor, and chairman until 1966.

1928

W. C. Handy's Orchestra and Jubilee Singers appear at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

T. J. Anderson born in Coatesville, Pennsylvania.

1929

"Fats" Waller's Hot Chocolates (featuring the songs "Ain't Misbehavin' " and "Black and Blue") premieres in New York City at the Hudson Theater.