Columbus State University Archives and Special Collections

Thomas Bethune/Tomas Wiggins/Blind Tom (MC 169)

Identifier

MC 169

Title

Thomas Bethune/Tomas Wiggins/Blind Tom (MC 169)

Description

The Thomas Wiggins Sheet Music Collection contains three pieces of original sheet music, and one original article on the life of Wiggins.

Subject

Thomas Wiggins, also known as Thomas Bethune or simply as Blind Tom, was born into slavery on May 25, 1849. Blind from birth, young Tom had a unique talent for recreating sounds and setting them to music. His owner, James Bethune, recognized the economic potential of his prodigy and by 1858 had rented Tom out to promoter Oliver Perry for a nationwide concert tour. Tom would work for or with the Bethune family for the remainder of his life. After the Civil War, Tom continued to tour with James Bethune as his manager, playing venues in Great Britain, Scotland, Europe, Canada, and South America. An amazing pianist, his repertoire of music included some 7,000 pieces. Wiggins died at the age of fifty-nine on June 13, 1908 in Hoboken, New Jersey.

Source

http://archives.columbusstate.edu/findingaids/mc169.php

Collection Items

The Battle of Manassas
Sheet Music composed by Blind Tom

Oliver Gallop
Sheet music composed by Blind Tom

Sewing Song
Sheet music composed by Blind Tom

The Mother of Blind Tom
Newspaper article about Blind Tom's mother

Blind Tom's Story Told by N.Y. World
Newspaper article about Blind Tom and his death

"Blind Tom," Columbus' Musical Prodigy Dead
Newspaper article about Blind Tom and his death
View all 7 items