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Name _____________________________ Class _________________ Date __________________
Biography
The First World War
James Reese Europe
National Archives [NWDNS-165-WW127(41)]
1881–1919
WHY HE MADE HISTORY This African
American bandleader and composer led an
all-black infantry band during World War I.
The band is credited with introducing jazz to
European audiences.
As you read the biography below, think about
the impact of James Reese Europe’s music
during World War I. Why is his role in musical
history significant?
When the United States entered World War I, James Reese Europe enlisted
in the Fifteenth Infantry Regiment of the New York National Guard, the
first black regiment in the state. He would become one of the most
influential and honored African Americans to serve in the war.
The son of a Baptist minister, James Reese Europe was born in Mobile,
Alabama, in 1880. Both of his parents passed on their love of music to
their children. Europe and his family moved to Washington, D.C., after his
father accepted a position with the post office. There Europe attended an
all-black high school where he studied violin, piano, and composition.
In 1903, Europe moved to New York City and began playing piano in
local nightclubs. Five years later, he helped found the Clef Club, the first
union and booking agency for African American musicians. Europe led the
Clef Club Orchestra, a group of Harlem jazz musicians that played at
society parties and dances and helped bring jazz out of the saloons and into
“respectable” society. The Clef Club Orchestra made history in 1912 when
it became the first African American group and the first jazz orchestra to
perform at New York’s renowned Carnegie Hall, which had previously
been an all-white venue that showcased primarily classical works.
Europe spent the next several years serving as a musical director and
orchestra leader for dancers Irene and Vernon Castle. While touring the
country Europe and the Castles popularized previously “objectionable”
ragtime dances, such as the turkey trot and the one step. They are credited
with creating the fox trot.
In 1916, Europe enlisted in the army, entering the Fifteenth Infantry.
After attending officer’s training school and being commissioned as a
lieutenant, Europe was ordered by his commander to bring together the
best brass band in the United States Army. He recruited musicians from
Copyright © by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. All rights reserved.
7
The First World War
Name _____________________________ Class _________________ Date __________________
Biography
The First World War
Harlem and from as far away as Puerto Rico for the band, which was
shipped to France along with the rest of the unit at the end of 1917.
The 15th Infantry was the first U.S. unit to arrive in France. It was
attached to the French Army and re-designated the 369th Infantry. At the
command of a machine gun corps, Europe became the first American
officer to lead U.S. troops into combat in World War I. The 369th,
nicknamed the “Harlem Hellfighters” for their toughness and bravery,
spent more time in combat than any other American unit. It became one of
the most highly decorated American units in the war.
In 1918, Europe and the Hellfighters Band were sent on a new
mission—to entertain troops and French civilians. Performing throughout
France, the Hellfighters brought jazz to western Europe and were the most
celebrated musical unit in the American Expeditionary Force.
The band received a warm welcome when it returned to the United
States in 1919. Europe was called America’s jazz king, and his band was
given a recording contract. But Europe’s life came to a tragic end a few
months later when an emotionally disturbed band member stabbed him to
death at intermission during a concert. Europe received the first public
funeral for an African American in New York City and was buried with
military honors at Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C.
WHAT DID YOU LEARN?
1. Recall What were some of the early musical influences in Europe’s life?
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2. Analyze How do you think Europe’s achievements helped other African American
musicians to achieve success?
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ACTIVITY
James Reese Europe’s life came to a tragic end. Write a short newspaper
obituary for Europe. Describe his accomplishments and the impact his life
had on others.
Copyright © by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. All rights reserved.
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The First World War