In an opinion piece published in the Philadelphia Inquirer for African American Music Month 2023, I noted that keyed bugle player, bandleader and composer Francis “Frank” Johnson toured the United States, and was the first Black musician to tour Europe.

I stand corrected. As electric guitarist, music educator and musicologist Tyler Diaz made clear during a recent concert and roundtable discussion at the Museum of the American Revolution, Frank Johnson was the first American to travel to Europe as a working musician.

In a blog post, Diaz wrote:

Sometime during the 1810s, Johnson was introduced to the Keyed Bugle, an immediate predecessor to the trumpet. With the mastery of this new instrument paired with his noted virtuosity on the violin, Johnson began his rise to national acclaim.

[…]

They [Johnson and band members] became the first Americans to travel to Europe as working musicians. The goal was to come back to Philadelphia with new music and increased musicality. After successful concerts in London and a possible trip to Paris, he returned stateside on May 16th, 1838, surpassing the goal he set out in his ad with great reception.

Johnson is sometimes referred to as the forefather of jazz and ragtime. I am struck by the similarities between Frank Johnson and Lee Morgan.

Both musicians were born in Philadelphia and masters of their chosen instrument. The keyed bugle is an early version of the modern trumpet. Johnson and Morgan were “universally respected” and “celebrated personages of Philadelphia.” Frank and Lee oozed confidence and cool.

They will soon have a historical marker in common. Frank Johnson’s historical marker was installed in 1992.

Lee Morgan’s historical marker will be unveiled on April 30, 2024, International Jazz Day. The dedication ceremony is free and open to the public. To register for the unveiling, please go here.