Unknown
Elizabeth Constanti, 2014.
Thomas Green Bethune/Wiggins [1848-1908], commonly known as Blind Tom, was an African American pianist who was blind. It is unclear which last name, Bethune or Wiggins, he used predominantly, since one he may have been given to him or he adopted for himself. He was born into slavery in Columbus, Georgia in 1848, and was later purchased by James Bethune. As a young child he was articulate, enjoyed music, and began playing the piano. At a young age Tom began performing as a pianist professionally, and continued to perform throughout the country into his adult life. “Blind Tom” died in 1908.
BlindTom.Org: Website dedicated to the nineteenth-century slave pianist and autistic savant Blind Tom Wiggins. Retrieved Feb. 26, 2014 from: http://www.blindtom.org
Wikipedia entry on Blind Tom Wiggins. Retrieved Feb. 26, 2014 from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blind_Tom_Wiggins
It is the responsibility of the user to obtain permission to publish from the owner of the copyright (the institution, the creator of the record, the author or his/her transferees, heirs, legates, or literary executors). The user agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Perkins School for the Blind, its officers, employees, and agents from and against all claims made by any person asserting that he or she is an owner of copyright.
Collection includes multiple newspaper articles, clippings, and published works about Thomas Green Bethune/Wiggins, commonly know as “Blind Tom”. Many items highlight his piano performances as he toured across the country. Some materials are oversized.
1 box, 1 oversized box
Box 1
Folder 1: Thomas Green Bethune, newspaper clippings, Blind pianist, 1861-
Folder 2: Thomas Green Bethune (Wiggins), blind, “Blind Tom”, clippings & articles, 1862-1908
Folder 3: Thomas Green Bethune, blind, famous pianist, 1900’s (bulk), 1867
Box 2 (oversized)
Thomas Green Bethune, “Blind Tom”, newspaper articles, oversized, 1881, 1898, 1908
Blind Tom, 1849-1908.
Blind musicians--United States.