R. Nathaniel Dett

Details

Inductee: R. Nathaniel Dett

Year inducted: 2006

About:

Nathaniel Dett was born in Drummondville (now Niagara Falls) on October 11, 1882. When he was a small boy he learned to play the piano by ear while listening to his older brothers take lessons. Upon hearing him play, teacher offered to teach him for free.

The family moved to Niagara Falls, New York, where Nathaniel attended the Oberlin Conservatory of music, graduating with a Bachelor of Music degree with honours in 1908. He later studied in France at the Fontaine Bleu School of Music.

Throughout his life Nathaniel taught music at various musical institutions and created many poems and musical compositions. He conducted chorals and performed many concerts in Canada and the United States, where they were heard on CBS and NBC.

Nathaniel was presented with honorary doctorates from Harvard University and Oberlin. He also received many gold medals and various prizes from different foundations and associations.

As a composer, Nathaniel Dett was known for his work on African American spirituals, as a teacher for nurturing many musical students, and as an outstanding soloist performer.

Nathaniel Dett died in 1943 and is buried in Fairview Cemetery in Niagara Falls. The music of Nathaniel Dett is still performed today. Canada’s Nathaniel Dett Chorale bears his namesake and performs his music.