Tucson.com: Notable Tucsonan: Ulysses Kay was a renowned composer

Undated Tucson Citizen file photo of Ulysses Kay.

Ulysses Kay (1917-1995) is profiled at AfriClassical.com, which features a comprehensive Works List and a  Bibliography by Dr. Dominique-René de Lerma, www.CasaMusicaledeLerma.com.

Tucson.com

Arizona Daily Star

August 04, 2015 3:00 pm  •  Johanna Eubank Arizona Daily Star

Ulysses Kay was born and raised in Tucson, went to the University of Arizona and then made it big. He was a composer with an international reputation and more than 100 compositions that were performed all over the world.

From the Arizona Daily Star, April 28, 1962:

'New Experience' Confessed

Composer Kay Comes Home

Famed Native Son To Lead One Of Own Pieces At UA Concert Tuesday Night

After an absence of more than eight years, Ulysses Kay, internationally known composer, arrived in Tucson yesterday and shared the feelings he possessed on returning to the Old Pueblo where he was born.

"Returning again to Tucson to conduct one of my pieces is for me a new experience and being here away from the pressures of New York gives me a new perspective."

Kay, who was graduated from the University of Arizona in 1938, will conduct his "Symphonia in E" at the Tucson Symphony Orchestra concert Tuesday night at the UA Auditorium.

Comment by email:

Hello Bill.  What a surprise! Thank you very much. I would have missed this otherwise. Will write family members to visit your site. Thanks again. Warm wishes, Virginia  [Virginia Kay]