(MUSIC) BETHUNE THOMAS BLIND TOM Songs Sketch of the Life of

Sale 2204 - Lot 315

Price Realized: $ 1,680

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Estimate: $ 800 - $ 1,200

A RARE PROGRAM (MUSIC.) BETHUNE, THOMAS "BLIND TOM." Songs, Sketch of the Life of Blind Tom the Marvelous Musical Prodigy, The Negro Boy Pianist. [1]- 4-30, [1] pages. The "Programme" for the concert printed on the rear cover. 8vo, original printed pictorial wrappers, worn with some shallow chips to the edges; spine perished. New York, circa 1870

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Thomas "Blind Tom" Bethune was born on May 25, 1849 with a condition that doctors today would diagnose as "autistic savant"--one of only about 100 cases recorded in medical history. Tom's father Domingo Wiggins, a field slave, and his mother Charity Greene were purchased at auction by James Bethune of Columbus, Georgia; Tom, a sickly looking infant, was "thrown in" at no extra cost. From infancy, Tom displayed an uncommon talent for music, and by the age of six was entertaining people on the plantation. By eight, he was publicly presented by Colonel James throughout the state. Soon after, Bethune hired him out to Perry Oliver, a tobacco planter who promoted Tom in concerts around the country. In 1864, Bethune convinced Tom's natural parents to appoint him Tom's legal guardian. Bethune and others made a fortune from the talents of Blind Tom, who though well fed and clothed never enjoyed the benefits of his earnings.