Julian Work facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Julian Work
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|---|---|
| Born |
Julian Cassander Work
September 25, 1910 |
| Died | June 15, 1995 |
| Nationality | United States |
| Education | Fisk University |
| Occupation | arranger, composer |
| Employer | CBS |
| Parent(s) | John Wesley Work Jr. (father) |
| Relatives | John Wesley Work (grandfather), John Wesley Work III (brother) |
Julian Cassander Work (born September 25, 1910 – died June 15, 1995) was a talented American musician. He was known for arranging and composing music. He came from a family of amazing musicians.
Contents
Julian Work: A Musical Pioneer
A Family Full of Music
Julian Work grew up in Nashville, Tennessee. Music was a big part of his family's life. His grandfather, John Wesley Work, was a composer. He also arranged music for the famous Fisk Jubilee Singers. Julian's father, John Wesley Work Jr., was a pioneer. He was the first African-American to collect folk songs and spirituals. He also directed choirs and wrote songs. Julian's brother, John Wesley Work III, was also a composer and teacher. Their mother, Agnes Hayes Work, was a singer. She helped train the Fisk Jubilee Singers too.
Early Life and Education
Julian started learning music at a young age. He studied with a local teacher named Mary E. Chamberlain. He was always involved in musical activities. He played in neighborhood groups. He also performed as a jazz pianist. Julian went to Fisk University. There, he studied composition with his brother, John Wesley Work III. He also majored in sociology.
Breaking Barriers in Radio and TV
By 1929, Julian Work moved to New York City. He started playing piano on the radio. He soon became a staff arranger for CBS Radio. This was a big deal. He was one of the first Black American composers. He wrote music for both radio and television. He was also the only music arranger for the "Voice of Firestone" show. This show was on both radio and television.
His Musical Creations
Julian Work composed many pieces of music. Here are some of his well-known compositions:
- Wanderlust (1938)
- Myriorama by Night (for orchestra, around 1946)
- Portraits from the Bible (1956)
- Autumn Walk (1957)
- Processional Hymn (1957)
- Driftwood Patterns (1961)
- Stand the Storm (1963)
- Reflections, Poems of Praise
- Forest Images
Later Life
Julian Work married Kathryn Holliday in 1953. After he retired, they moved to Tolland, Massachusetts. He passed away there in 1995.
