Nickerson, Camille (1884–1982)

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Nickerson, Camille (1884–1982)

African-American composer, musician, and educator. Name variations: Camille Lucie Nickerson; The Louisiana Lady. Born Mar 30, 1884, in New Orleans, Louisiana; died April 27, 1982, in Washington, DC; dau. of William Joseph Nickerson (bandleader and violinist) and Julia Ellen Nickerson (music teacher); Oberlin Conservatory, BMU; never married.

At 9, was pianist for Nickerson Ladies' Orchestra, conducted by father; composed her own Creole arrangements; taught at Nickerson School of Music, and was a concert musician with stage name "The Louisiana Lady", dressing in Creole costume to lend an air of authenticity to performances; was on the music faculty at Howard University (1926–62), where she documented a wealth of Creole music; wrote "Go to Sleep, Dear", "Mister Banjo", "Mam'selle Zi Zi," "Suzanne", "When Love Is Done" and "Lizette".

See also Women in World History.

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