Amanda Aldridge facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Amanda Aldridge
Born	(1866-03-10)10 March 1866 Upper Norwood, London
Died	9 March 1956(1956-03-09) (aged 89) London
Other names	Montague Ring, Amanda Ira Aldridge
Parents	Ira Aldridge (father) Amanda von Brandt (mother)
Relatives	Luranah Aldridge (sister)

Amanda Christina Elizabeth Aldridge (born March 10, 1866 – died March 9, 1956) was a talented British opera singer and music teacher. She also wrote music using the special name Montague Ring. Amanda was the daughter of the famous African-American actor, Ira Aldridge. She was also known as Amanda Ira Aldridge.

Amanda Aldridge's Life Story

Amanda Aldridge was born on March 10, 1866. Her birthplace was Upper Norwood, a part of London. She was the third child of Ira Aldridge, a well-known African-American actor. Her mother was Amanda Brandt, who was from Sweden. Amanda had two sisters, Rachael and Luranah, and two brothers, Ira Daniel and Ira Frederick.

Amanda studied singing at the Royal College of Music in London. Her teachers included famous singers like Jenny Lind and Sir George Henschel. She also learned about music theory, like harmony and counterpoint. Her teachers for these subjects were Frederick Bridge and Francis Edward Gladstone.

Her Career as a Musician and Teacher

After finishing her studies, Amanda worked as a concert singer. She also played the piano for other singers. In addition, she became a voice teacher. A problem with her throat stopped her from performing in concerts. So, she focused on teaching music instead.

Amanda also started writing her own music. She published about 30 songs between 1907 and 1925. These songs were often in a romantic style called "parlour music." She also wrote instrumental music.

Famous Students and Connections

Many famous musicians learned from Amanda Aldridge. Some of her notable students included Roland Hayes, Lawrence Benjamin Brown, Marian Anderson, and Paul Robeson.

In 1930, Paul Robeson played the character Othello in a play in London. Amanda Aldridge went to see him perform. She gave Robeson the gold earrings that her father, Ira Aldridge, had worn when he played Othello. Amanda also helped the singer Ida Shepley become a stage actor.

Amanda was very caring. She looked after her sister, Luranah Aldridge, who was also an opera singer, when Luranah became ill. Because of this, Amanda had to turn down an invitation in 1921. She was asked to attend the second Pan-African Congress. Amanda explained that she could not leave her sister for long.

Later Years

When she was 88 years old, Amanda Aldridge appeared on television for the first time. It was on a British show called Music For You. On the show, a singer named Muriel Smith sang one of Amanda's songs, "Little Southern Love Song." Amanda Aldridge passed away in London on March 9, 1956, after a short illness.

What Kind of Music Did She Make?

Amanda Aldridge stopped her singing career because of a throat condition. After that, she focused on writing and teaching music. Amanda mainly composed Romantic parlour music. This was a popular type of music often played and sung in homes. People would perform it in their "parlours" (living rooms).

Amanda published her music using the special name Montague Ring. Under this name, she became known for her many songs for voice and piano. Her works included love songs, suites, and light orchestral pieces. Her music was popular and mixed different styles.

Songs by Amanda Aldridge

Here are some of the songs Amanda Aldridge wrote:

• "An Assyrian Love Song," words by F. G. Bowles. Published in 1921.
• "Azalea," words and music by M. Ring. Published in 1907.
• "Blue Days of June," words by F. E. Weatherly. Published in 1915.
• "The Bride," words by P. J. O'Reilly. Published in 1910.
• "The Fickle Songster," words by H. Simpson. Published in 1908.
• "Little Brown Messenger," words by F. G. Bowles. Published in 1912.
• "Little Missie Cakewalk," words by Talbot Owen. Published in 1908.
• "Little Rose in My Hair," words by E. Price-Evans. Published in 1917.
• "Two Little Southern Songs. 1. Kentucky Love song 2. June in Kentucky," words by F. G. Bowles. Published in 1912.
• "Love's Golden Day," words by E. Price-Evans. Published in 1917.
• "Miss Magnolia Brown," words and music by M. Ring. Published in 1907.
• "My Dreamy, Creamy, Coloured Girl," words and music by M. Ring. Published in 1907.
• "My Little Corncrake Coon," words by Talbot Owen. Published in 1908.
• "Simple Wisdom," words by H. Simpson. Published in 1908.
• "A Song of Spring," words by P. J. O'Reilly. Published in 1909.
• "Summah is de Lovin' Time. A Summer Night," words by P. L. Dunbar. Published in 1925.
• "A Summer Love Song," words by I. R. A. Published in 1907.
• "Supplication," words by P. J. O'Reilly. Published in 1914.
• "Through the Day. Three Songs. 1. Morning 2. Noon 3. Evening," words by P. J. O'Reilly. Published in 1910.
• "'Tis Morning," words by P. L. Dunbar. Published in 1925.
• "When the Coloured Lady Saunters Down the Street," words and music by M. Ring. Published in 1907.
• "Where the Paw-Paw Grows," words by Henry Francis Downing. Published in 1907.