Europe, James Reese (1880-1919), was an important African American bandleader and composer. He played a leading role in the transformation of orchestral ragtime into jazz in the early 1900’s.
Europe was born on Feb. 22, 1880, in Mobile, Alabama. Both his parents played musical instruments and gave him his first music lessons. His family moved to Washington, D.C., in 1889, where he studied the piano, violin, and composition. By 1904, Europe had moved to New York City , New York, where he became a successful composer of popular songs and the music director for several important musical comedies. He became a prominent figure in the city’s music circles, leading bands at high society balls and other notable events. In 1910, he helped form the Clef Club, a trade union and booking agency for black musicians, and directed its orchestra.
On May 2, 1912, Europe led a 125-member orchestra and chorus in a “Symphony of Negro Music” concert at Carnegie Hall , the first appearance in Carnegie Hall by a black orchestra. Europe gave repeat concerts there in 1913 and 1914. From 1913 to 1915, Europe was the music director for the popular white social dancers Vernon and Irene Castle, which helped spread his fame. Europe and his Society Orchestra were among the first black bands to make recordings, starting in 1913 for Victor Records.
During World War I (1914-1918), Europe enlisted in the United States Army and became bandmaster of the 369th U.S. Infantry Regiment Band. The regiment, known as the Harlem Hellfighters , was an African American unit from New York City. During the war, the band performed in France, winning widespread praise as it introduced live ragtime, blues, and jazz to European audiences. After the end of the war, Europe returned to the United States, where he made several recordings. Europe had almost completed a successful concert tour when he was stabbed by a mentally disturbed member of his band and died on May 9, 1919.
