James Reese Europe 1881–1919

Name ______Class ______Date ______The First World War Biography James Reese Europe 1881–1919

WHY HE MADE HISTORY This African American bandleader and composer led an all-black infantry band during World War I. The band is credited with introducing jazz to European audiences.

As you read the biography below, think about the impact of James Reese Europe’s music during World War I. Why is his role in musical

history significant? [NWDNS-165-WW- Archives National 127(41)]

When the United States entered World War I, James Reese Europe enlisted in the Fifteenth Infantry Regiment of the New York National Guard, the first black regiment in the state. He would become one of the most influential and honored African Americans to serve in the war. The son of a Baptist minister, James Reese Europe was born in Mobile, Alabama, in 1880. Both of his parents passed on their love of music to their children. Europe and his family moved to Washington, D.C., after his father accepted a position with the post office. There Europe attended an all-black high school where he studied violin, piano, and composition. In 1903, Europe moved to New York City and began playing piano in local nightclubs. Five years later, he helped found the Clef Club, the first union and booking agency for African American musicians. Europe led the Clef Club Orchestra, a group of Harlem jazz musicians that played at society parties and dances and helped bring jazz out of the saloons and into “respectable” society. The Clef Club Orchestra made history in 1912 when it became the first African American group and the first jazz orchestra to perform at New York’s renowned Carnegie Hall, which had previously been an all-white venue that showcased primarily classical works. Europe spent the next several years serving as a musical director and orchestra leader for dancers Irene and Vernon Castle. While touring the country Europe and the Castles popularized previously “objectionable” ragtime dances, such as the turkey trot and the one step. They are credited with creating the fox trot. In 1916, Europe enlisted in the army, entering the Fifteenth Infantry. After attending officer’s training school and being commissioned as a lieutenant, Europe was ordered by his commander to bring together the best brass band in the United States Army. He recruited musicians from

Harlem and from as far away as Puerto Rico for the band, which was shipped to France along with the rest of the unit at the end of 1917. The 15th Infantry was the first U.S. unit to arrive in France. It was attached to the French Army and re-designated the 369th Infantry. At the command of a machine gun corps, Europe became the first American officer to lead U.S. troops into combat in World War I. The 369th, nicknamed the “Harlem Hellfighters” for their toughness and bravery, spent more time in combat than any other American unit. It became one of the most highly decorated American units in the war. In 1918, Europe and the Hellfighters Band were sent on a new mission—to entertain troops and French civilians. Performing throughout France, the Hellfighters brought jazz to western Europe and were the most celebrated musical unit in the American Expeditionary Force. The band received a warm welcome when it returned to the United States in 1919. Europe was called America’s jazz king, and his band was given a recording contract. But Europe’s life came to a tragic end a few months later when an emotionally disturbed band member stabbed him to death at intermission during a concert. Europe received the first public funeral for an African American in New York City and was buried with military honors at Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C.

WHAT DID YOU LEARN? 1. Recall What were some of the early musical influences in Europe’s life?

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______2. Analyze How do you think Europe’s achievements helped other African American musicians to achieve success?

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ACTIVITY James Reese Europe’s life came to a tragic end. Write a short newspaper obituary for Europe. Describe his accomplishments and the impact his life had on others.