Many might not know that In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a music style called ragtime became hugely popular in America, sparking a dance craze across the country. By the late 1910s, ragtime was transforming into what we now recognize as jazz.

James Reese Europe was a renowned musician in both ragtime and jazz. Some even called him the “King of Jazz,” while others likened him to the music world’s Martin Luther King. He was not only a musician but also a benefactor and inspiration to many.

Europe, born in Mobile, Alabama in 1881, initially pursued a career as a pianist in New York City. He quickly established himself in the vibrant black theater music scene and began composing songs.

In 1910, Europe became the president of the Clef Club, a union and booking agency for black musicians. Under his leadership, the Clef Club Symphony Orchestra performed “A Concert of Negro Music” at Carnegie Hall on May 2, 1912, to great acclaim.

When America entered World War I, James Europe enlisted and became a lieutenant for the 15th Regiment under Colonel Hayward. He assembled a top-notch band, recruiting musicians from places like Puerto Rico. His friend Nobel Sissle served as the drum major. This unit, known as the 369th Regiment or the Hell Fighters, astounded Europe, particularly France, with their innovative music.

Europe’s fame abroad did not go unnoticed by the U.S. press, and he was hailed as a hero upon his return home in 1919. He embarked on a tour with his Hell Fighters band, earning praise after a show in New York.

However, tragedy struck just before their next performance in Boston when one of his band members, Herbert Wright, stabbed him in the neck over a false belief that Europe had wronged him. Although Europe initially appeared only slightly injured, the wound proved fatal, and he passed away within an hour. Nobel Sissle later penned an unpublished memoir about Europe. Despite his loss, we all always honored what he contributed to the music industry.