Europe, James Reese

James Reese Europe African-American bandleader and composer Mobile, Alabama, February 22, 1881; New York City, May 9, 1919. Europe was one of the first successful black bandleaders; his orchestra played syncopated dance music that forecast the coming jazz band style. He founded Harlem’s Clef Club, an organization of black musicians and composers, and helped promote black songwriters and their work. He was hired by Vernon and Irene Castle, the popular white dance pair, to provide music for their…