Harry T. Burleigh Place (Manhattan)
Present name:None
Location:At the southeast corner of East 16th Street and 3rd Avenue
Honoree: Henry “Harry” Thacker Burleigh (1866-1949) was a baritone singer, composer and arranger. Born in Erie, Pennsylvania, he was the first African-American soloist at St. George’s Episcopal Church of New York, a position he held for over 50 years. He was also the first African-American chosen as a soloist at Temple Emanu-El, a synagogue. He also worked as an editor for G. Ricordi, a music publisher. Several of his compositions were published, including "Ethiopia Saluting the Colors," " Jubilee Songs of the USA " and. his most memorable composition, " Deep River." He was a charter member of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) when it was established in 1914 and became a member of its board of directors in 1941. He received numerous awards, including the Spingarn Medal in 1917 and also received honorary degrees from Atlanta University and Howard University for his contributions as a vocalist and composer. (Rivera)
LL:2021/14