Clarence Cameron White (1879-1960), African American Composer, Honored in Birthplace

Program honors city-born composer
By STACY SMITH SEGOVIA
The Leaf-Chronicle, Clarksville, Tennessee
February 27, 2008

"People walking in the Woodward Library at Austin Peay State University Tuesday afternoon were met with a shocking sound - loud music coming from the third floor."

“Presented by Gail Robinson-Oturu, chair of APSU's music department, the program explored the life and work of Clarence Cameron White. White, a black composer born in Clarksville in 1879, rose to prominence during his lifetime, but his work is lesser known since his death.”

“Robinson-Oturu developed an interest in White through an unusual path. An accomplished singer, she was approached by Ann Ladd, a Clarence Cameron White fan, after a performance in Florida. Twelve years passed, and Ladd again contacted Robinson-Oturu, this time wanting to pass along her priceless collection of White's music, written in White's own hand. By then, Robinson-Oturu was working in Clarksville, White's birthplace, so it seemed a perfect fit.”

“White's life was marked by hardship, but none worse than when his son died, followed by the death of his wife, mother and father within a 6-month period. White composed a piece called 'Elegy' during his time of grief and loneliness. He set the music aside for 12 years, then entered it in a national competition and won. It was significant because the judging was blind, and the winner was black.

As part of the presentation, musicians performed several of White's compositions. Erien Fryer and Simone Rothemel performed 'Chant,' Leandria Lott from Tennessee State University and Philip Autry from Fisk University performed 'Pilgrim,' and Phoebe Gelzer-Govatos and Anne Glass performed 'Cappricio.' Robinson-Oturu also sang one of White's vocal compositions.

Robinson-Oturu made a phone call near the program's end to 103-year-old Ann Ladd, who spoke to the group via speakerphone.

'Dr. White was a very fine man, and a handsome man, and most of all a modest man,' she said about the composer, whom she knew personally.” Full Article

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