Hazel Harrison

History

Hazel Harrison was born May 12, 1883 in La Porte, Indiana. She spent most of her childhood home schooled. In her 20's Harrison went to Europe for employment and education. She spent most of her time in Berlin performing recitals and performing with the Berlin Philharmonic. She later returned to the states and while performing in Chicago receive sponsorship to travel back to Europe. During the next several years Harrison continued her studies with Ferrucio Busoni in Berlin. She then began performing as a concert pianist both in Europe and the U.S. until 1931. Harrison accepted a job as the head of the piano department in Alabama at the Tuskegee Institure. In 1936 she moved to Washington D.C. and accepted a teaching job at Howard University. This is where she remained until retirement in 1955. Even while teaching, Harrison still performed in the U.S. Even after retirement she accepted positions at Alabama State A&M College and Jackson College. She was known as thbe premiere black pianist for decades. Harrison dies on April 29, 1969.

Biography

"Born to Play The Life and Career of Hazel Harrison" was written by Jean E. Cazort and Constance Tibbs Hobson.