Horace Weston

From Wind Repertory Project
Horace Weston

Biography

Howard Weston (1825, Derby, Conn. – 22 May 1890, New York City) was an American composer.

Weston was free-born in Connecticut. He was one of the biggest stars of the minstrel stage during its heyday in the late 19th century, along with James Bland, Billy Kersands, and Sam Lucas. Weston started with Buckley's Serenaders in 1863, but spent most of his career with the Georgia Minstrels. In 1873 he became the first black performer featured in a special role when he toured overseas in a production of Uncle Tom's Cabin. Late in his career, he performed with the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey (Circus) Greatest Show on Earth.

One of Weston's principal champions was Samuel Swain Stewart, a proponent of the banjo, who published pieces by Weston and other banjo players. Among Weston's compositions are: Horace Weston's Home Sweet Home, Horace Weston's New Schottische, Horace Weston's Old-Time Jig, The Egyptian Fandango, and Weston's Great Minor Jig. Some of Weston's works are still played.


Works for Winds


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