Charlotte Enty Catlin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charlotte Enty Catlin
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Charlotte Enty Catlin, from a 1923 publication.
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Charlotte Dyer Enty
1903 Pittsburgh
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| Died | November 13, 1968 |
| Occupation | Pianist, music educator |
Charlotte Dyer Enty Catlin (born 1903 – died November 13, 1968) was a talented American pianist and music teacher. She lived in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and worked with famous singers like Lena Horne. She also taught piano to many students, including the well-known jazz musician Billy Strayhorn.
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Early Life and Education
Charlotte Dyer Enty was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1903. Her father, Clever "Frank" Enty, worked as a contractor. Her mother, Mary Jane Little Enty, played the organ at church.
Charlotte loved music from a young age. She studied music education at the Carnegie Institute of Technology. She earned her degree in 1923. In 1927, she became one of the first eight members of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority's graduate chapter in Pittsburgh.
Music Career and Teaching
Charlotte Catlin had a busy music career. She taught piano at Volkwein's Music Store in Pittsburgh. She also worked as a music director at a dance school.
She often performed at parties and events. She encouraged singer Lena Horne to join her on stage. In 1924, Charlotte played piano for tenor Ruby Blakey at a music festival. She also performed with soprano Florence Cole Talbert.
In 1925, she played music for an American Music Day event. Charlotte was an active member of the Society for Music Study, a music club in Pittsburgh. She also played music at a Bahá'i event in 1934.
Famous Students and Collaborations
One of Charlotte Catlin's most famous students was Billy Strayhorn. He became a very important jazz pianist and composer. Charlotte also began working with Lena Horne in 1939, playing piano while Lena sang.
Later Career and Community Work
In 1942, Charlotte Catlin changed her career path. She started working for the City Recreation Bureau. This organization helped provide fun activities for people in the city.
From 1950 until her death, she was the director of the Ammon Recreation Center. She helped organize many activities for the community.
Personal Life
In 1931, Charlotte Enty married Charles William Catlin. He worked for the post office.
Charlotte was known for her unique hairstyle. She parted her hair in the middle and had two braided coils over her ears. She passed away suddenly in November 1968, at the age of 65, in Pittsburgh.
