Billy Muth
Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas
Marker Inscription
William McKinley (Billy) Muth (1902-1949) made significant contributions to Texas' cultural history. Born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, Muth was a church organist at the age of nine. Nationally known as "the master of the keyboard," Muth was organist at Casa Manana during the 1936 Texas Centennial, the Worth Theatre, multi-instrument Fort Worth symphony musician and church organist. A Paramount/Publix Theatres' pipe organist, Muth opened theatres across the United States. Settling in Texas in 1926, Muth performed concerts, benefits, and taught statewide organ and music seminars. Recorded - 2001
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Billy Muth, born in Pennsylvania in 1902, was playing church organ by age nine and grew into one of Texas's most celebrated performers, billed nationally as 'the master of the keyboard.' Settling in Fort Worth in 1926, he was organist at Casa Mañana during the 1936 Texas Centennial, played the grand theaters and the Fort Worth symphony, and taught organ and music seminars across the state.
Why it matters
Muth embodies the golden age of the theater and cinema organist, when live music filled America's movie palaces and civic celebrations.
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Related people
- · William McKinley Muth
Themes & tags
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