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John William Boone's Contribution to American Music

John William Boone’s musical compositions provided a direct link between traditional African-American music, classical music and the music that came to be known as ragtime. Historians of jazz and ragtime are increasingly recognizing Boone’s seminal role in the evolution of American music. The home of John and Eugenia Boone is historically significant not only because of its association with Boone, who was one of America’s greatest musicians, but also as a focal point in Columbia, Missouri of African-American achievement in at the turn of the century. 
Music historians agree that Boone’s performance and compositional style of playing and composing nourished the roots from which ragtime and other forms of great American music sprang. Unlike his younger contemporaries Scott Joplin and James Scott, however, he did not make publishing his work a central part of his career. He was a concert artist first and foremost, and the only way to experience the full impact of his music was to hear him in performance. 
People from all walks of life turned out for his performances, paying the 25 and 50 cent admission prices. Putting the grandeur of the Boone home in perspective with the known concert ticket prices, it is clear that rather than thousands, likely millions sought to experience his captivating musical abilities.
Fortunately, Collectors have recovered sheet music for several of his compositions which pay tribute to his musical virtuosity.

Blind Boone Concert Company Poster
Blind Boone Concert Company Poster

Hear the Brilliance of the Legendary Composer and Musician Blind Boone

A Collection of Blind Boone's Sheet Music
A Collection of Blind Boone's Sheet Music

John W. Blind Boone
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