Dean Dixon: Negro at Home, Maestro Abroad

(Hardback)

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Description

In Dean Dixon: Negro at Home, Maestro Abroad, conductor and scholar Rufus Jones Jr. brings to light a literal treasure trove of unpublished primary sources to tell the compelling story of this great American conductor. A testament to Dixons resolve, this first-ever full-length biography of this American musical hero chronicles Dixons musical upbringing, beginnings as a conductor, painful decision to leave his own country, rise to fame in Europe and his triumphant stand twenty-one years later when he returned to the United States to serve as a model for aspiring Black classical musicians. Dean Dixon: Negro at Home, Maestro Abroad will interest anyone who wants to know more about Black American history, American musical culture, and Black American concert music and musicians. More information is available at: www.maestroabroad.com

Reviews

[Dean Dixon's] story is so interesting yet largely unknown that it makes for a fascinating read. . . .[Dixon's] life is an inspirational story of a man overcoming the linked adversities of poverty and racism to rise to heights in his profession that no black man before him had reached in the United States, and within that framework, Jones tells the story well, and certainly more thoroughly than anybody before him, which is why this book is both needed and recommended. * Culture Catch *
Jones book, Dean Dixon: Negro At Home, Maestro Abroad . . . is a narrative that appeals to a general audience, classical music enthusiasts, and those who follow civil rights issues in the U.S. . . .Filled with tribulations and triumph, the text engages readers in Dixons passion for music and education. Beyond the book, this narrative should become a documentary and incorporated into school curriculum for the legacy of Dean Dixon, the first Negro maestro, to continue to inspire generations. * Miami Herald *
It's relatively rare to have a musical biography come from a scholar and researcher who is also a conductor; but such is the case with Dean Dixon: Negro at Home, Maestro Abroad, which outlines the saga of a great (but largely unheralded) Afro-American conductor. . . .This first full-length biography of Dixon. . . .[is] a cut above most biographical treatments, holding great social and political insights: thus, it belongs in not just music book collections, but the holdings of civil rights libraries and libraries strong in Afro-American history and the rise of black musicians. . . .[The book] goes far beyond the anticipated survey of one man's life to consider exactly what stood in his way, how he handled career obstacles, and how his choices directly led to an improved atmosphere for those who followed in his footsteps. It's this focus and attention to specifics that make [the book] such a powerful read, highly recommended for not just classical music collections, but any interested in racial issues and history in America. * Midwest Book Review *
The author has shown a great degree of balance in covering the childhood, formative years, and the eventful career of a world famous American. * Readers' Favorite *
Dean Dixon gave us hope. Despite the realities of U.S. life in the 60s, his remarkable international career proved to every aspiring black conductor what could be accomplished. When the New York Philharmonic invited him back in the early 70s to conduct on their subscription series, no one in his audience could have been more proud than I was. -- Isaiah Jackson, Conductor Emeritus
Dean Dixon: Negro At Home, Maestro Abroad is a fantastic read! Dr. Jones has succeeded in re-creating the life story of an accomplished, virtually forgotten American musician who because of his race had no choice but to leave his homeland for unprecedented success abroad. I am particularly delighted to learn more about the life and challenges of a man, who for me prior to this book only existed as a symbolic role model. -- Thomas Wilkins, Music Director, The Omaha Symphony and Principal Conductor, The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra
For me Dean Dixon served as a powerful example both positively and negatively. Positively in that he was clearly a great conductor and had made a career in the field when it was almost not possible to do so. Negatively in that I always hoped that I would be able to work without moving to Europe, that is possible now because of pioneers like Dean Dixon, to have an American career. All of us carry his story and his inspiration with us wherever we go. -- Michael Morgan, Music Director and Conductor, Oakland East Bay Symphony

Author Bio

Rufus Jones Jr. is an orchestral conductor, published author, and educator. His research has focused on African American classical musicians. Dr. Jones has conducted orchestras of all levels for over two decades and is in demand as a guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator.