Kemper Harreld (January 31, 1885 – 1971), born William Kemper Harreld in Muncie, Indiana, was a renowned African-American concert violinist. He was also a pianist and organist.
A graduate of Chicago Musical College, Harreld performed until 1911 when he became head of the music department at Atlanta Baptist College (now Morehouse College). He intended to teach music at Morehouse for only one term, but served for 42 years as professor and chair of the music department. Harreld officially established the Morehouse College Glee Club in 1911, and served as the organization's first director. He also founded the Spelman College Glee Club in 1925 and served as its first director. For a time, he served simultaneously as the chair of the music department of Spelman College as well as Morehouse. His students included Edmund Jenkins and Wendell P. Whalum. Harreld retired in 1953, and Wendell Whalum succeeded him as director of the Morehouse College Glee Club.
Harreld died in the beginning of 1971 and his funeral was held on February 27. The glee club that he had established, and which achieved international acclaim, performed at his funeral.
Harreld's music was recorded and distributed by the Pace Phonograph Company's "Black Swan Records" label. (Wikipedia)
Portrait of violinist Kemper Harreld, on right, posing with a group of unidentified men and women on building steps. Embossed on front: "A.P. Bedou, New Orleans." Label on back: "Kemper Harreld. Two programs bearing the name of Kemper Harreld in two of his roles -- as a concert violinist and as a discover and presenter of Black artists. For forty-five years was head of the music department at Morehouse College in Atlanta and through its alumni, and the alumni of associated Spellman college, his musical influence spread through the nation. After his retirement Mr. Harreld was a vigorous participant in the musical life of Detroit where his daughter Josephine Harreld Love, a pianist and director of Your Heritage House, resides. Kemper Harreld was a protégé of Mme. Hackley and active in the founding of the National Association of Negro Musicians." Handwritten on back: "Harreld, Kemper. Lower right hand side, glasses."
Courtesy of the E. Azalia Hackley Collection of African Americans in the Performing Arts, Detroit Public Library
