James Anderson Depriest Research Paper

James Anderson Depreist, was born on November 21, 1936 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His father died when he was six, then he went to live with his aunt, Marian Anderson the celebrated contralto. It was Ms. Anderson, who was earliest influence in music, and who supported and encouraged all his endeavors. Depriest entered the University of Pennsylvania, as a pre- law major, where he received his bachelor’s degree in 1958. Soon after he realized that he no longer wanted to be a lawyer, so he pursued a master’s degree in composition from the University of Pennsylvania, where he also studied under renowned composer Vincent Persichetti at the Philadelphia Conservatory of Music. In 1962, Depriest was asked to do a tour in Bangkok, Thailand,
He has made over 50 recordings, and has over 15 honorary doctorates. In 2012 Depriest suffered from a heart attack that he never recovered from. Mr. Depriest passed away on February 8, 2013 at the age of 76. He is remembered for how he trailblazed through the world of music, not letting his disability limit him from doing what he loved. There have been many prominent African American conductors who have come along. The men that I have chosen are just a small portion of them. These men have made it possible for many other African American to follow their footsteps and become conductors. They have all been the first African American at something in the world of conducting. Though experiencing racism, they still pursued their dreams and pushed through even when turned down. Each of the composers have been recognized internationally, and their recordings are still being played to this day. Those whom have passed on are still recognized by their contributions to music. Those whom are still alive, are still knocking down barriers and pouring into the lives of young musicians and conductors. We salute these great men for their great work, for it has certainly not gone