Basic Facts
Born: June 16, 1792, Martinique, West Indies, or Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Died: April 6, 1844, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Type of Performer: Composer, bandleader
Genre: Marches, dances
About Francis Johnson
Little is known about Francis "Frank" Johnson's early life, but as a proficient violinist and bugler, he rose to prominence as a fiddler and bandleader in Philadelphia-area bands. He started to publish compositions, primarily marches and dances, in the 1820s, and gradually rose to greater fame. In 1824, he received two important commissions, including one to write the music for the return of the Marquis de Lafayette to Philadelphia. He also began to teach and he put together his own band to tour and give concerts. In 1837, he organized a British tour with his group, which introduced him to a greater variety of classical repertoire, like Mozart and Rossini. He brought back a silver bugle that had been presented to him by Queen Victoria, and he wrote several waltzes inspired by the waltzes of Johann Strauss. As his fame grew, he toured more broadly and conducted larger groups. In 1841, he conducted a 50-person orchestra and 150-person choir in a performance of Haydn's creation. His 1843-1844 concert series was the first integrated concert series in the United States.
Johnson was at the front of the trend in the United States towards military-style brass bands. He was one of the most prolific composers of his time (with over two hundred pieces), and he was the first Black composer to have his sheet music published. He was one of the first people in the United States to make a full-time career as a musician. Many scholars credit him as the leader of the Philadelphia School of composers. Johnson fell ill in early 1844 and died in April 1844.
Listen
"Philadelphia Firemen's Cotillion"
"The Philadelphia Gray's Quickstep"
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