In this special Black History Month episode of Busy Kids Love Music, we explore the life and legacy of the extraordinary musician and composer, Blind Tom Wiggins. Born into slavery in 1849, Blind Tom overcame immense challenges, including blindness and exploitation, to become one of the most celebrated musical prodigies of the 19th century.

Join me as we delve into his remarkable story, his unique musical talent, and his enduring contributions to American music. Learn about his compositions, including his dramatic retelling of a Civil War battle in "The Battle of Manassas," and discover how his life continues to spark conversations about genius, resilience, and the history of Black music.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

The early life and extraordinary talent of Blind Tom Wiggins.
How his musical abilities were both celebrated and exploited during his lifetime.
The role of African American spirituals and folk music in shaping his compositions.
Speculation on whether Blind Tom may have been neurodivergent.
How his legacy is remembered and honored today.

Links and Resources:

🎶 Curated Playlist of Blind Tom Wiggins' Compositions – Listen to his stunning works and experience his genius firsthand.
Learn more about Blind Tom Wiggins’ life through this resource from the National Museum of African American History and Culture and this documentary from American Masters PBS episode

Thank You for Listening! Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Busy Kids Love Music. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss our next episode in two weeks! You can find us wherever you listen to podcasts.

Thomas "Blind Tom" Wiggins 07:08 Share

Busy Kids Love Music

Shownotes Transcript

Thomas "Blind Tom" Wiggins