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

Todd Duncan Residence

1600 T Street, NW

— African American Heritage Trail, Washington DC —

Todd Duncan Residence Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, September 14, 2016

1. Todd Duncan Residence Marker

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: African Americans • Civil Rights • Education • Entertainment. In addition, it is included in the African American Heritage Trail, and the Historically Black Colleges and Universities series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1600.

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

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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.

Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American Northeast,

in the Upper South,

in the Mid-Atlantic,

in the Tidewater,

and in the Chesapeake Bay Region.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

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); The Birth of Drag Culture (about 400 feet away); Universalist National Memorial Church Stormwater Features (about 500 feet away); Strong Families and Eminent Citizens (about 600 feet away); At 1740 New Hampshire Ave. (about 700 feet away); Strivers' Section (about 700 feet away); This is part of the Shaw neighborhood (about 700 feet away); A Prestige Address (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.

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

Photographed 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.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 14, 2016, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 861 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 14, 2016, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia.