FANG in Nashville in Davidson County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

The John Wesley Work Home

Photographed By R. E. Smith, September 2, 2007

1. The John Wesley Work Home Marker (Obverse)

Inscription. (Obverse): In 1937 this Victorian-style house became the home of John W. Work III. A teacher and composer for 39 years, he served his alma mater by enriching the Fisk musical traditions. Director of the Jubilee Singers, Work III, a serious composer, completed more than 100 compositions. He was not only an acclaimed composer and choral conductor, but also a recognized author, educator, and ethnomusicologist.

(Reverse): His father, John W. Work II, composer of the Fisk alma mater, "The Gold and Blue," was known as the rescuer and preservationist of Negro religious music. Work II's book, Folk Songs of the American Negro, was one of the first extensive studies on the origin and development of religious African-American music by a descendant of an ex-slave who lived during the time many of the songs had their beginnings.

Erected by Tennessee Historical Commission. (Marker Number 3A 159.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Education. In addition, it is included in the Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and the Tennessee Historical Commission series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1937.

Location. 36° 10.117′

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N, 86° 48.217′ W. Marker is in Nashville, Tennessee, in Davidson County. It is in FANG. Marker is on 17th Avenue North, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Nashville TN 37208, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Fisk Jubilee Singers (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Richardson House (about 400 feet away); Jubilee Hall (about 400 feet away); Fisk Memorial Chapel (about 400 feet away); The Harris Music Building (about 500 feet away); Woodcuts Gallery (about 500 feet away); Fisk University Athletics (about 600 feet away); Academic Building At Fisk University (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Nashville.

Also see . . .
1. Biography of John Wesley Work II (1871-1925). (Submitted on December 18, 2007, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.)
2. Biography of John Wesley Work III (1901-1967). (Submitted on December 18, 2007, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.)

Additional keywords. Music

The John Wesley Work Home Marker (Reverse) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By R. E. Smith, September 2, 2007

2. The John Wesley Work Home Marker (Reverse)

The John Wesley Work Home image. Click for full size.

Photographed By R. E. Smith, September 2, 2007

3. The John Wesley Work Home

Fisk University, with assistance of the National Park Service, is restoring the home.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 17, 2007, by R. E. Smith of Nashville, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 2,445 times since then and 56 times this year. Last updated on February 18, 2008, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 17, 2007, by R. E. Smith of Nashville, Tennessee. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.