John William Blind Boone
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John W. “Blind” Boone, born to a runaway slave during the Civil War, lost his sight at the young age of six months. Even so, in later years, he could play anything on the piano having heard it only once, and was one of the early pioneers in the field of ragtime music.
Rachel Boone had escaped from slavery and was working at the Federal Camp of the 7th Militia, Company I at
Boone’s career as a piano player began to come alive when a black man named John Lange found Boone when he was fifteen. He cared for Boone and tried to educate him as best he could in exchange for half of all his earnings.
Boone may have been one of the first black musicians to play before white people in a serious music hall. He had to face much racial discrimination over the years. He often would play two concerts in one evening- one for blacks, and one for a white audience. When audiences became restless after numerous concertos, Boone would stop and say: “We’re going to put the cookies on the lower shelf now,” and burst into a ragtime beat.
Eventually, a man named Cromwell hired Boone to travel and play in the streets again. Boone agreed because he was low on money and had no choice. Cromwell was cruel, but Boone was saved by his stepfather when Cromwell lost Boone by betting him in a poker game. Lange and Boone found each other once more.
In 1888, Boone married his manager’s sister. He had many happy times throughout his career. He was responsible for the
Boone’s 47 year career in music ended four months before he died. “Blind” boone died on
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June 26 2008 I was working in warrensburg mo. I was driving around, taking a break when I spotted a turtle crossing the street. Being the turtle rescuer that i am I picked the little guy up and began looking for a place to release him. As luck would have it I drove into Blind Boone park and let my turtle go. As I walked the grounds of this park I realized what a special place it was. I learned some about blind boone from the interactive displays, and now I’m surfing the net learning more. ain’t it a wonderful infromaton filled world we live in……………………..
June 26 2008 I was working in warrensburg mo. I was driving around, taking a break when I spotted a turtle crossing the street. Being the turtle rescuer that i am I picked the little guy up and began looking for a place to release him. As luck would have it I drove into Blind Boone park and let my turtle go. As I walked the grounds of this park I realized what a special place it was. I learned some about blind boone from the interactive displays, and now I’m surfing the net learning more. ain’t it a wonderful information filled world we live in……………………..
Blind Boone’s beautiful, ornate Chickering piano now resides at the Boone County Historical Museum in Columbia, Missouri. He had them specially made with tough action because he played so forcefully that he’d soon wear a regular piano out.
For the sake of accuracy, Boone’s mother, Rachel, did not run away from slavery, but was freed by Pres. Lincoln in 1863 when, as Commander-in-Chief, he ordered Federal troops to relieve all Confederates and their supporters of their property. this of course included the slaves. Rachel was likely freed by Co I, 7th Missouri State Militia Cavalry in Benton co., Mo., in 1863. She was never known to say she descended from the famous pioneer, Daniel Boone, but did say she had been owned by some of his descendents.
Cromwell stole Willie Boone away from Warrensburg long before he met John Lange. Rachel’s husband, Harrison Henrick(s), chased Cromwell and Willie around Missouri for several months before, with help from local authorities, catching up with them and rescuing his stepson.
Much of Boone’s music was notated and was printed in a 1915 book by former vocalist, Melissa Fuel, who grew up in Warrensburg and undoubtedly knew Rachel Boone Hendricks. The book is rare, but prtions at least are to be reprinted soon, along with inour from myself and others interested in educating the public about this amazing person, John W. “Blind” Boone.