Francis Johnson (1792-1844)
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
"America's first native-born master of music" lived here. A prolific African-American composer. Trumpeter of 1st Troop, City Cavalry. Bandmaster, 128th Regiment, Pa. Volunteer Infantry. He was a major force in early American music; traveled widely.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
In the early 1800s, Philadelphia was a center of American musical life, and Francis Johnson stood at its heart as a celebrated composer, bandleader, and virtuoso performer. Hailed in his day as a master of music, he led popular ensembles, played for the city's cavalry troop, and toured widely at a time when few Black musicians reached such prominence. His compositions and performances shaped the sound of early American concert and dance music.
Why it matters
Johnson was one of the first American-born musicians to win national and international acclaim, opening doors for Black artists in a profession that rarely welcomed them.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Hill-Physick House0.2 mi away · 321 South 4th Street
- Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial0.2 mi away
- Powel House0.3 mi away · 244 South 3rd Street
- Bridgette Mayer0.3 mi away · 709 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Philosophical Hall0.4 mi away · PA
- Congress Hall0.4 mi away · Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- Second Bank of the United States0.4 mi away · 420 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Carpenters' Hall0.4 mi away · 320 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Liberty Bell0.4 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- First Bank of the United States0.4 mi away · 120 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- City Tavern0.4 mi away · 138 South 2nd Street
- President's House0.5 mi away
Food & drink
- Talula's Garden0.2 mi away · 210 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Talula's Daily0.3 mi away · 208 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Cafe Walnut0.3 mi away · 703 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Fat Salmon0.3 mi away · 719 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Thank You Thank You Coffee Roasters0.3 mi away · 700 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Maya's Pizza & Grill0.3 mi away · 716 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- Morris House Hotel0.3 mi away · 225 South 8th Street, Philadelphia, PA
- AKA Washington Square0.4 mi away · 834 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Renaissance Philadelphia Downtown Hotel0.4 mi away · 401 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Philadelphia Marriott Old City0.5 mi away · 1 Dock Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Best Western Plus Independence Park Hotel0.5 mi away · 237 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Thomas Bond House0.5 mi away · 129 South 2nd Street, Philadelphia
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Related people
- · Francis Johnson
Themes & tags
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