Edmond Dede

Full biography Edmond Dede

Edmond Dede, also known as Edmund Dd, was a prominent African-American composer and musician who was born in Louisiana in 1827. Dede was a fourth-generation resident of New Orleans and grew up in a musical family. He started studying music at a young age and quickly developed his skills as a composer and performer.

Dede's early career was largely based in New Orleans, where he wrote and published a number of compositions, including Mon Pauvre Coeur, a romantic ballad that became popular during the Civil War. However, despite his success as a composer, Dede faced discrimination and racism due to his race. Eventually, he decided to move to Paris in 1855 in search of greater opportunities.

In Paris, Dede continued to study music and work on his compositions. He trained with some of the best classical musicians in France and went on to write ballets, operas, and overtures. Dede's work was well-received in Europe, and he gained a reputation as a talented and innovative composer.

Despite his success in Europe, Dede remained connected to his roots in New Orleans. He continued to write music that was inspired by the music and culture of his home city, and he often included elements of Creole and African American music in his compositions. Some of his most famous works include The Oriole Polka and The Scourge of Yellow Fever March.

Today, Edmond Dede is recognized as an important figure in the history of African American music. His innovative compositions and willingness to incorporate elements of his cultural heritage into his works helped to pave the way for future generations of black composers and musicians.