Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Presentation Type
Submission
Keywords
Rudolph Dunbar, composer, Aristotle, philia, William Grant Still, black, patriotism, World War II
Department
African-American Studies
Major
English - Writing and Rhetoric
Abstract
The 20th century was a monumental time for Black composers, especially for those in the UK. Rudolph Dunbar was the first black musician to perform at Royal Albert Hall in London, England. During this time, correspondence between him and William Grant Still, a famous black composer based in America, exists. Still’s rhetorical choices in these letters demonstrate the attitudes of these composers, specifically Still, and how these choices reflect the success of Dunbar’s career. Still, whose compositions started gaining traction in the 1930s, often praised Dunbar for his achievements. These letters all take place during World War II and during a time when racial tensions ran high. This paper seeks to analyze the rhetorical epistolary strategies used by black composers and how it might signal their success in a world full of opposition. This paper examines how Still’s letters exhibit a clear tonal philia, a brotherly love, towards Dunbar, and this direct representation illustrates a patriotic tone embodied in the musical compositions of both England and the United States during a tumultuous time of war.
Faculty Mentor
Dr. Joi Carr
Funding Source or Research Program
Academic Year Undergraduate Research Initiative
Location
Black Family Plaza Classroom 189
Start Date
10-4-2026 2:30 PM
End Date
10-4-2026 2:45 PM
Included in
African American Studies Commons, African History Commons, Applied Ethics Commons, Black History Commons, Composition Commons, Cultural History Commons, Ethics and Political Philosophy Commons, Rhetoric and Composition Commons
Patriotism, Philia, and Stereotyping During World War II: Correspondence Between Black Composers
Black Family Plaza Classroom 189
The 20th century was a monumental time for Black composers, especially for those in the UK. Rudolph Dunbar was the first black musician to perform at Royal Albert Hall in London, England. During this time, correspondence between him and William Grant Still, a famous black composer based in America, exists. Still’s rhetorical choices in these letters demonstrate the attitudes of these composers, specifically Still, and how these choices reflect the success of Dunbar’s career. Still, whose compositions started gaining traction in the 1930s, often praised Dunbar for his achievements. These letters all take place during World War II and during a time when racial tensions ran high. This paper seeks to analyze the rhetorical epistolary strategies used by black composers and how it might signal their success in a world full of opposition. This paper examines how Still’s letters exhibit a clear tonal philia, a brotherly love, towards Dunbar, and this direct representation illustrates a patriotic tone embodied in the musical compositions of both England and the United States during a tumultuous time of war.