Jules Bledsoe

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Julus Bledsoe (Julius Lorenzo Cobb Bledsoe, Waco, Texas, December 29, 1898 - July 14, 1943, Hollywood, California) was an American opera singer. At five years old, he gave his first public vocal performance. Bledsoe originally wanted to pursue a medical career, but instead began studying music under Luigi Parisotti. After years of musical study, including degrees from Bishop College in Marshall, Texas, Virginia Union University in Richmond, Virginia, Columbia University in New York City, and time in Paris, France, Bledsoe made his concert debut in New York City at twenty-three years old. Bledsoe adopted the stage name “Jules Bledsoe” early in his career, and was commonly called by that name for the rest of his life. His long literary career included composing and performing music, acting in plays and operas, and writing poems. Bledsoe’s work took him around the world, with performances in France, United Kingdom, Norway, Italy, and back to New York City in vaudeville, radio, and television. Bledsoe played in many productions, including “Showboat,” “Aida,” “Emperor Jones,” “Deep River,” “Abraham’s Bosom,” and others. His signature song was considered to be “Old Man River,” which he sang in most concerts he gave. Bledsoe also wrote and performed his own songs and operas, which included folk songs, spirituals, patriotic songs, and operas. Jules Bledsoe’s contributions to his art went beyond his musical skill. He was the first African-American to perform with a United States

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