A00033 - William Levi Dawson, Composer of Negro Folk Symphony

*William Levi Dawson, composer of  Negro Folk Symphony, died.

Symphony No. 1, Negro Folk Symphony, by William Levi Dawson (1899-1990), was the first symphony on black folk themes by an African American composer to be performed by a major orchestra.  The symphony was substantially revised in 1952, after a visit to West Africa.  Born in Anniston, Alabama, Dawson began to compose when he was sixteen years old.  Under his leadership, the Tuskegee Choir became internationally renowned.