William Grant Still

1950-1954

1950

Mahalia Jackson sings in the first gospel concert in Carnegie Hall, New York City.

Errol L. Garner makes his concert debut as a jazz pianist in Cleveland, Ohio.

1951

William Warfield and Muriel Rahn (1911-1961) become the first black concert artists to appear on television (The Ed Sullivan Show)

Julia Amanda Perry (1924-1979) composes Stabat Mater for contralto and string orchestra.

Howard Swanson, regarded as the leading black composer of he generation succeeding Still, premieres his Short Symphony.

1952

Hale Smith earns the BMI Student Composer's Award.

Marian Anderson makes her television debut (The Ed Sullivan Show).

1953

Vee Jay Records founded in Chicago, Illinois.

1954

Bates College awards William Grant Still an honorary doctorate.

Dorothy Dandridge and Harry Belafonte star in Carmen Jones

Newport Jazz Festival inaugurated, Newport, Rhode Island.

The Chords, a singing group, record "Sh-Boom," recognized as the first rock'n'roll song on records.