Thomas "Blind Tom" Wiggins (1849-1908)
Some autistic individuals who possess extraordinary skills
are called “savants.” Thomas “Blind Tom” Wiggins was an
African-American autistic savant musical prodigy who mastered the piano.
With numerous original compositions published and a long-running
successful performance career, he became one of the best-known American
pianists.
Born blind on May 25, 1849, Tom, along with
his parents, was sold in 1850 to General James Neil Bethune. Tom’s
blindness prevented him from performing work demanded of slaves, causing
him to be of no economic value to his owners. Initially they proposed
killing Tom but later left him alone, a freedom that allowed him to
explore the Bethune plantation.
Young Tom developed an
early interest in the piano after hearing the instrument played by
Bethune’s daughters. By age 4, he acquired some piano skills by ear. He
soon gained access to the instrument and by age 5, composed his first
tune: “The Rain Storm.” This composition was created after listening to
the melodious cadence of a rainstorm pounding against the roof.
In
fact, Tom could repeat any sound he’d heard—from animals around the
farm to birds in the trees. He had the ability to parrot conversations
and recite a political speech made by a presidential candidate,
including the heckles and cheers of the crowd.
At 9
years old, Tom was hired out as a slave musician. One year later he
became the first African-American to play at the White House, performing
before Pres. James Buchanan. His piano pieces “Oliver Galop” and
“Virginia Polka” were published in 1860.
By age 16,
Tom, now indentured to James Bethune, mastered the difficult works of
Bach, Chopin, Liszt, Beethoven, and Thalberg. He performed pieces after
hearing them once, and memorized poems and texts in foreign languages.
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