May 24th: Today's Feature

May

AMANDA IRA ALDRIDGE

Born on 10 March 1866 in Upper Norwood, London, Amanda Aldridge was the third child of the famous African-American actor Ira Frederick Aldridge and his second wife, Amanda Brandt, who hailed from Sweden. Growing up, she had two sisters, Rachael and Luranah, and two brothers, Ira Daniel and Ira Frederick, in her family.

Amanda Ira Aldridge led a relatively quiet life, but her impact on the world of music was nothing short of groundbreaking. Despite facing numerous challenges in a male-dominated profession, she fearlessly pursued a career as a concert singer and later ventured into composing. To navigate the biases of the time, she cleverly adopted a male pseudonym, Montague Ring. This allowed her to showcase her talent and creativity without being hindered by societal expectations.

Aldridge pursued her passion for music by studying voice under renowned mentors such as Jenny Lind and George Henschel at the Royal College of Music in London. She also delved into harmony and counterpoint with Frederick Bridge and Francis Edward Gladstone during her time at the institution.

From Singer to Teacher

After completing her formal education, Aldridge embarked on a career as a concert singer, piano accompanist, and voice teacher. Unfortunately, a throat condition forced her to retire from concert performances, leading her to focus on teaching and composing music instead.

Throughout her career, Aldridge composed around thirty songs in a romantic parlour style, as well as instrumental pieces in various genres. She became known for her teaching abilities, with a roster of students that included the children of London's politically-active Black middle-class families.

Her expertise and passion for music resonated deeply with aspiring black actors and singers, who sought her guidance and mentorship. Her dedication to nurturing talent and helping others succeed was truly commendable. In fact, her impact was so significant that she became a source of inspiration and pride for her singing pupils.

Notable pupils of Aldridge included prominent African-American performers like Roland Hayes, Lawrence Benjamin Brown, Marian Anderson, and Paul Robeson, as well as Bermudian-British actor Earl Cameron. She also mentored singer Ida Shepley, guiding her transition from a vocalist to a stage actor.

Even in her later years, Aldridge continued to impart her knowledge and skills, giving piano and voice lessons well into her old age. Her dedication to music education was highlighted in a 1951 issue of the African-American weekly magazine Jet, which reported that she was still actively teaching at the age of 86.

In 1933 she was described by Archibald Haddon in The Era as: ‘a charming lady in her sixties; dark-eyed, olive-complexioned and with sparkling, silvery hair. She speaks the most beautiful English in deep contralto tones. So perfect is her enunciation’...

Despite her immense contributions to the music industry, Amanda Ira Aldridge did not receive any personal honours during her lifetime. However, her legacy lived on through the recognition bestowed upon her in memory of her father, Ira Aldridge. Ira Aldridge was a legendary Shakespearian actor, and the honours received in his name served as a testament to the profound impact that both father and daughter had on the world of performing arts. Amanda Ira Aldridge's dedication, talent, and unwavering commitment to her craft continue to inspire generations of musicians and performers.

Family, Love & Late Success

Amanda Aldridge demonstrated unwavering dedication to her sister, the renowned opera singer Luranah Aldridge, during a period of illness. In 1921, she selflessly declined an invitation from W. E. B. Du Bois to attend the second Pan-African Congress, prioritising her sister's care above all else. Amanda's commitment to her sister's well-being was evident in her note to Du Bois, where she explained the challenging circumstances, stating, "As you know, my sister is very helpless... I cannot leave for more than a few minutes at a time."

Despite the challenges she faced, Amanda Aldridge's remarkable life continued to unfold. At the remarkable age of 88, she made her television debut on the esteemed British show Music For You. This memorable appearance took place as Muriel Smith performed Montague Ring's enchanting "Little Southern Love Song." Amanda's television debut marked a significant milestone in her life, showcasing her enduring passion for music and her ability to captivate audiences even in her later years.

Tragically, Amanda Aldridge's life came to an end in London on 9 March 1956, just one day before her 90th birthday. Following a brief illness, she passed away, leaving behind a legacy of love, dedication, and artistic brilliance. Her contributions to the world of music and her unwavering support for her sister Luranah will forever be remembered.

The profound impact of Amanda Aldridge's life and career was recognised in the Autumn 2020 edition of The Historian. In a captivating feature titled "At home with Amanda Ira Aldridge," Stephen Bourne delved into the composer's extraordinary journey, shedding light on her personal and professional accomplishments. Bourne's insightful article followed his previous contribution to the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, where he chronicled the life of Amanda Aldridge.

In a heartwarming tribute to Amanda Aldridge's enduring legacy, Google honoured her memory in 2022 with a Doodle. This thoughtful gesture served as a testament to her significant contributions to the world of music and her unwavering dedication to her sister. Amanda's impact on the arts and her remarkable journey continue to inspire and resonate with audiences worldwide.