The life he lived reflected his immense genius and creativity.
His training, interests and accomplishments delivers a tapestry
of works that distinguish him till this day.
Historically known as Nathaniel Dett, he was a Canadian American composer of African Descent, born on October 11, 1882 in Drummondville, Ontario, Canada. His ancestors settled there as they found freedom in the North to escape slavery.
In his early life, Dett was influenced by both his Mother and his Grand Mother. As a child his Grandmother would sing Spirituals and his Mother taught his to recite lengthy Biblical passages and to memorize poems by Lord Alfred Tennyson and William Shakespeare.
