Edmund Jenkins facts for kids

Edmund Jenkins (born April 9, 1894 – died 1926) was an important American composer during the Harlem Renaissance. This was a time when African-American art, music, and literature flourished. Edmund Jenkins spent most of his short life living and studying in other countries.

Early Life and Musical Training

Edmund Jenkins grew up with a strong connection to music. He studied music at Morehouse College in Atlanta, a famous historically Black college. His teacher there was Kemper Herrald.

Edmund also played and led bands at his father's Jenkins Orphanage in Charleston, South Carolina. This orphanage was known for its talented youth bands that toured and performed. In 1914, Edmund traveled to England with one of these bands. He stayed in England to continue his music education at the prestigious Royal Academy of Music from 1914 to 1921.

Amazing Musical Achievements

Edmund Jenkins was a very talented composer. In 1925, he won first place in the Holstein Prizes for his piece called African War Dance. He also won second place for his Sonata in A minor for violoncello. These awards were given through Opportunity magazine, with prizes donated by Casper Holstein.

His music was performed in different countries. In 1925, his work Carlestonia was performed in Belgium. This was a rhapsody for orchestra, which means it was a single-movement piece of music that often sounds like it's telling a story. It was noted for using "Negro" themes, which meant it included musical ideas inspired by African-American culture. Earlier, in 1919, his piece Charlestonia: Negro Symphony was performed in London.

A Short but Impactful Career

Edmund Jenkins also made jazz and dance band recordings in London in 1921. He moved to Paris in 1924. Sadly, his promising career ended too soon when he passed away in Paris in 1926 at a young age.