Henry Hart (1839-1915) was a free Black American composer, singer, and violinist based in Indianapolis, Indiana. An 1879 article from the Indianapolis News gives this account of his life and career:
“The composer of some of the most popular plantation songs of the latter day negro minstrels well known in this city [Indianapolis] as Henry Hart, the colored violinist and Bee Line freight office messenger … Henry Hart was born … of free parents. In 1853 he left Frankfort and went to Cleveland. There he learned to play the violin, and was a member of Stanton’s band of white musicians. In 1864 he left for New Orleans, playing his way down the river on one of the fine steamers. In that city he played for several months as first violinist in Prescott’s Museum. He there married his wife, who was a professional pianist, and who played with him in various places in that city until 1867, when he removed to Evansville [Indiana].”
Hart published a significant number of popular works for piano, solo voice, and chorus during his time in Evansville. After moving to Indianapolis, he advanced quickly through the musical social ranks of the city and became well-respected as a performer. In 1901, the Indianapolis News described him as a “social necessity,” and Hart and his wife taught their children music and formed a professional family ensemble that was quite popular. His daughter Myrtle was respected as a professional harpist, and his daughter Hazel was a school teacher and principal.
Sources
Wikipedia Article
Henry Hart and His Family Orchestra
Works Featured on Expanding the Music Theory Canon
On the Beautiful Lake Erie
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