Question

a musical forefather
greeting connections social studies, us history 1
whose tunes were americans humming in the early 1800s? whose music would have been at the top of the 1800s charts (if there were such a thing)? the answer is francis johnson. johnson was the king of composition during the first years of the 19th century, a black musical revolutionary. johnsons remarkable accomplishments are even more remarkable considering that he thrived during a time of enslavement.
johnson was born in philadelphia, pennsylvania, in 1792, right when america was just finding its footing as a nation. a musical genius, he started as a violinist but was also known for his talent with brass horn instruments like the bugle, keyed bugle, and cornet. johnson was a composer, too. he produced arrangements for more than 200 pieces of music, ranging in style from traditional ballroom ballads to patriotic marches. and if that wasnt enough, johnson was also a band leader. talk about talent!
creative people are inspired by the world around them, and in johnsons day, there was a lot going on. like in 1824, when the marquis de lafayette,
the article states:
johnson may have been the first black american composer to conduct bands and concerts in public places. in 1817, his collection of new cotillions was published. so he may have also been the first black american musician to have musical compositions printed. he also led the very first american musical ensemble abroad. they traveled to england to play for queen victoria after she took the throne in the late 1830s.
why did the author include this passage?
a. to suggest that johnson would not have been as successful if he had not played for queen victoria in england
b. to argue the need for more black composers in american music based on what johnson was able to achieve
c. to highlight how successful johnson was as a black musician despite living during times of enslavement and segregation
d. to compare johnsons musical contributions to those of later jazz pioneers duke ellington and louis armstrong

Explanation:

The passage details Johnson's many musical achievements like conducting, having compositions printed, and leading an ensemble abroad, all while living during a time of enslavement. It aims to emphasize his success as a Black musician despite the difficult circumstances.

Answer:

C. To highlight how successful Johnson was as a Black musician despite living during times of enslavement and segregation