Alton Adams

Full biography Alton Adams

Alton Adams was an African-American musician, composer, and writer who was born in the Virgin Islands in 1889. He joined the U.S. military in 1917 and eventually became the first black person to serve as a bandmaster in the U.S. Navy. He assembled a band that entered the Navy and was also a prolific writer and composer.

Adams had a passion for reading and writing, which he used to learn more about music. He often depended on magazines from the U.S. mainland as a source of new ideas and learning about music. Adams' love for music and the written word resulted in him composing various pieces of music, such as marches, and writing numerous articles about music history.

Aside from his musical career, Adams was a hotelier and a pioneering music educator. He played the piccolo and flute and wrote on band-related topics. Adams' work and accomplishments were well-known, which led to several biographies and historical accounts about him.

Adams passed away in 1987, leaving behind a lasting legacy of his contributions to music and his dedication to sharing his knowledge and passion. Currently, there are several published works and memorabilia, including his memoirs, that continue to highlight and commemorate his life and achievements.