Dupont Circle in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Todd Duncan Residence

African American Heritage Trail, Washington, DC

— 1600 T Street, NW —

Todd Duncan Residence Marker image. Click for full size.

By J. Makali Bruton, September 14, 2016

1. Todd Duncan Residence Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Internationally renowned baritone Todd Duncan (1903-1998) lived here from about 1935 until about 1960. Duncan originated the role of Porgy in George Gershwin's opera Porgy and Bess on Broadway. He later refused to perform the role at DC's segregated National Theatre until the venue changed its policy for the production's brief run in 1935. With a singing style described by critics as both sweet and aristocratic, Duncan also enjoyed a successful career as a concert singer, performing in more than 50 countries. He taught voice at Howard University and later in his basement studio here.

Erected by Cultural Tourism DC.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Civil Rights • Education • Entertainment. In addition, it is included in the African American Heritage Trail, and the Historically Black Colleges and Universities 🎓 series lists.

Location. 38° 54.931′ N, 77° 2.212′ W. Marker is in Dupont Circle in Washington, District of Columbia. Marker

By J. Makali Bruton, September 14, 2016

2. Todd Duncan Residence Marker

The marker can be hard to see in the shrubbery. This basement residence was the site of Duncan's studio, mentioned in the marker text.

is on T Street Northwest west of 16th Street Northwest, on the right when traveling east. The marker is hard to see hidden in some bushes before the entrance to the basement residence. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1600 T Street Northwest, Washington DC 20009, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Owen D Young Peace Tower (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Strong Families and Eminent Citizens (about 600 feet away); At 1740 New Hampshire Ave. (about 700 feet away); You are in the "Strivers' Section" (about 700 feet away); This is part of the Shaw neighborhood (about 700 feet away); A Prestige Address (about 700 feet away); Embassy of the Republic of Congo (about 700 feet away); Living Mural: Paul Laurence Dunbar (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Dupont Circle.

More about this marker.
Caption:
Todd Duncan
Scurlock Studio Records, Archives Center, National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution

Credits. This page was last revised on May 20, 2020. It was originally submitted on September 14, 2016, by J. Makali Bruton of Querétaro, Mexico. This page has been viewed 262 times since then and 3 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 14, 2016, by J. Makali Bruton of Querétaro, Mexico.