Blind Tom Wiggins, an African-American pianist and composer, entered the world in 1849 as a slave in Georgia. Despite the challenges of being blind and autistic, he possessed remarkable musical abilities, capable of reproducing intricate compositions after hearing them just once.
General Bethune, Tom's master, recognized his exceptional talents and provided him with a room furnished with a piano, setting him apart from the typical duties assigned to other slaves.
In 1860, at the age of 11, Tom achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first African-American to perform at the White House. Following this significant performance, Blind Tom rose to become the highest-paid pianist of the nineteenth century. His story is a testament to his extraordinary musical gifts and the recognition they garnered, transcending the constraints of slavery.
There are conflicting historical accounts of Blind Tom's first public performance, some indicating he was as young as three. One account from 1857 indicates that he had been performing publicly for several years.
In 1860, Blind Tom performed at the White House before President James Buchanan; he was the first African-American to give a command performance at the White House. Mark Twain attended many of Blind Tom's performances over several decades and chronicled the proceedings.
On- and off-stage, Tom often referred to himself in the third person (e.g., "Tom is pleased to meet you"). His piano recitals were augmented by other talents, including uncanny voice mimicry of public figures and nature sounds. He also displayed a hyperactive physicality both onstage and off.
Blind Tom Wiggins' life story is a testament to the power of talent and resilience overcoming immense challenges. Born into slavery in 1849 in Georgia, Tom displayed prodigious musical abilities from a young age, despite being both blind and autistic. His talent did not go unnoticed, and General Bethune, his owner, recognized his extraordinary musical gifts.
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