About a boy

The story of Thomas Greene, or “Blind Tom”, is sadly a story that we continue to hear – if only in new ways. He was born enslaved in Georgia in 1849. The family (Bethunes) who enslaved him enjoyed music, so he was introduced to music at a young age and began to display remarkable gifts. Thomas was most likely what we would recognize today as an autistic savant. He could listen to music and perform it back remarkably well. The Bethunes took advantage of his talent and began having him perform throughout the United States. In fact, he was the first African American to perform for a United States President, and he did this at the age of 11! I wish I could say that after the Civil War, Thomas enjoyed freedom, but he remained tied to the Bethunes until he died – writing music and playing concerts for their financial benefit. The piece that Wren played today is called The boy with the axles in his hands (1866). She picked this piece because it made her feel happy … she said “I liked the happy mood.” What did Wren learn? She “learned that he didn’t give up in life despite challenges.” Perseverance is a great life skill! Thank you Thomas Greene!!!

Historical information and arrangements from Music by Black Composers (MBC) Violin Volume 1. Published by Ludwig Masters Publications 2018. Rachel Barton Pine Foundation.