The Twin City star., 1916-09-16
SUCCESS OF RARE
MUSICAL GENIUS
Notable Recognition Accorded
Albert {, GreonIaW.
STUDENT OF THE MASTERS.

Exemplified In the Career and Work
Of Former Pennsylvania Boy Who
Has Made Good In Canada and thu
West 40 SoIoist.
By N. BARNETT DODsoN.
While it is not rare thing to hear
Of scores of young men and women of
the cOlored race who have attained
greatness as finished musicians. both
vocal and instrumental, yet there are
scores still unheard of except in a 10.
cal way. 1t is therefore a matter of
pleasing information as we'll as q
splendid evidence of the progress
which members Of the race are max
Ing in classical music. Albert Edward
Greenlaw Of Detroit, Mich. belongs to
the class of songsters which has risen
on his merit and whose services have
been engaged by the most critical low
ers Of music for both religious and
social entertainment in a very large
way.
Mr.. Greenlaw is native of Scott
dale, Pa. His parents, Peyton and
Hannah Greenlaw, removed to Canada
when their son Albert was eight years
Of age. Young Greenlaw received his
elementary education at Woodstock.
Ont. Being musically inclined, his par
ents decided to give him a musical
education. Mr.. Greenlaw studied un-
der some of the best teachers with
special attention given to voice cul-
ture.
He made rapid progress in his studies
and early showed signs Of remarkable
capacity for music Of the most difficult
composition. He finished his course in
music with fine record, and his sue
cess as professional vocalist is due
to the thorough preparation which he
made before entering upon his chosen
profession.
On account Of his thorough prepare
ton and ability as soloist Mr.. Green
law has endeared himself to the local
public in Detroit. through which he
has become known in other parts of
the west. For ten years he has been
constantly engaged by some Of the
wealthiest and most influential cOngre
cations among the white people in
Canada doing solo work. For such
services he receives liberal pay. which
enables him to keep himself abreast of
the times in the best music and also
time to study and consult the highest
musical authorities.
During the winter of 1915 Mr.. Green.
law was engaged by one Of the most
successful evangelists Of the country
who was laboring in Iowa. His solo
work In this connection won great
praise for him from the pulpit and
press. Every place in which Mr.. Green
law sang and every time 1t was all.
nounced that he would sing throngs
upon throngs Of people gathered to
hear him, and it was said that much o"
the success Of the revivalists with
whom he labored was due to the mar.
velous sweetness and fullness Of Mr.
Greenlaw's wonderful voice.
Quite recently Mr.. Greenlaw sang. al
the great mass meeting held by the
Detroit branch of the National Associ-
alton For the Advancement Of Colored
People, and his fine singing was
quite a revelation in Detroit, his own
home town. 1t has so happened that
he has always been detained from
home In his profession and had been
given no opportunity since perfecting
his musical education to acquaint the
Detroit people with the splendid quail
ity Of his work.
He Is still a young man and in the
near future intends to tour the east.
where musical critics will have a rare
opportunity to add their praises to the
most successful male vocalist yet pro-
duced by the colored people. All lovers
Of music who have heard him are his
friends and admirers.
The Hon. Alfred j. Murphy, noted
circuit judge Of Detroit. said of him.
ut is pleasure to attest his remarka.
bly, fine voice. In volume. range and
shading his voice stamps him rare
artist Personally Of upright charac
ter. his great vocal excellence should
commend him to every lover of music"
The Hon. Woodbridge ". Ferris, gov
ernor Of Michigan. also sent Mr.. Green
law letter highly commencing his
splendid musical work on one occasion
after hearing Mr.. Greenlaw sing.
Be. Louis Church Holds Big Celebration. |
The Metropolitan institutional A. NJ.
g. Zion church mt st. Louis held IN In
.eresting exposition .Gr week ut the
Coliseum in 81. Louis IN recognition Of
the half century of the freedon Of the
race and the three hundredth anniver.
sary Of Shakespeare. The celebration
began on Labor day. A feature Of the