James A. Bland
Lower Merion Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Buried in this cemetery is the famous minstrel, composer of "Carry Me Back to Old Virginny" and many other songs. Born on Long Island in 1854, he traveled widely but died in obscurity at Philadelphia in 1911.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
James A. Bland, born on Long Island in 1854 to a free Black family, became one of the most successful songwriters of the American minstrel stage, penning "Carry Me Back to Old Virginny" and hundreds of other tunes. He toured widely, even performing in Europe, but the fashions of popular music passed him by and he died in poverty in Philadelphia in 1911. This cemetery marks the resting place of an artist whose music long outlived his fame.
Why it matters
Bland's career captures both the reach and the cruelty of the minstrel era, when a gifted African American composer could shape the nation's popular songbook yet die forgotten.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- African American Museum in Philadelphia6.5 mi away · 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- National Constitution Center6.6 mi away · 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Visitor Center6.7 mi away · 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Bridgette Mayer6.7 mi away · 709 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Liberty Bell Center6.7 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia
- Congress Hall6.8 mi away · Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- Discovery Center at East Park Reservoir3.5 mi away
- Pennsylvania Railroad, Connecting Railway Bridge3.8 mi away
- Philadelphia Zoo4.0 mi away
- American Bandstand4.3 mi away
- Rocky Steps4.9 mi away
- The Universal Sphere5.8 mi away
Food & drink
- Burger King6.6 mi away
- Philly Pretzel Factory6.6 mi away
- Munchie’s Cafe6.6 mi away · 728 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Dunkin'6.6 mi away · 634 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- El Azteca6.7 mi away
- Time & Peace6.7 mi away · 36 South 7th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- Days Inn Philadelphia Convention Center - Philadelphia6.1 mi away · 1227 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Four Points by Sheraton Philadelphia City Center6.1 mi away · 1201 Race Street, Philadelphia
- The Notary Hotel6.2 mi away · 21 North Juniper Street, Philadelphia
- Residence Inn Philadelphia Center City6.2 mi away · 1 East Penn Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Home2 Suites by Hilton Philadelphia - Convention Center, PA6.2 mi away · 1200 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Philadelphia Marriott Downtown6.2 mi away · 1201 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
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Related people
- · James A. Bland
Themes & tags
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