WHATLEY, JOHN T.

WHATLEY, JOHN T.. (FESS). Music educator (c1896 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama; 1971 in Birmingham, Alabama). As a child he was inspired to learn cornet when he heard the band of the Ringling Brothers Circus when it came to his town. He obtained his education at the Tuggle Institute in Birmingham, Alabama, where he played in the school band. In 1917 he began to teach at the Industrial High School in Birmingham, serving also as the bandmaster, and remained there until his retirement...