Joseph Douglass

Born in the Anacostia area of Washington, D.C., his musical influence came at an early age from his father Charles and grandfather, famous abolitionist and orator Frederick Douglass, both of whom were amateur violinists.

On August 25, 1893, performers joined together to celebrate Colored American Day (which Frederick Douglass helped plan).

[2] Included in the celebrations were readings of Paul Laurence Dunbar's poetry and performances by Sidney Woodward and Deseria Plato.

[3] Douglass toured extensively for three decades, performing in every Black educational institution and America and a significant number of churches as well.

[3] Douglass was also the first Black violinist to make recordings for the Victor Talking Machine Company, in 1914, but they were never released.

Joseph Douglass (left, standing, in morning dress ) with grandfather Frederick Douglass (right, sitting in frock coat ) (ca 1890s).
Broadside advertising a concert by Joseph H. Douglass, ca. 1895. MS Thr 1590, Houghton Library, Harvard University.