Blount Mansion is famous as the home of territorial governor William Blount—but in the post-Civil War era, its most famous former resident may have been Sue Boyd Barton, who was known in her day as “Knoxville’s Jenny Lind.” The star soprano was the most prominent woman in an almost sudden musical movement dominated by German-speaking, opera-loving immigrants who established Knoxville’s concert tradition, nurturing local talent while also bringing in major international stars of opera and classical music. As a concert phenomenon, opera predated any other kind of music here but, in surprising ways, helped launch American forms, including country music.
Jack Neely has been researching the city’s musical roots for the Knoxville History Project’s upcoming Walking Musical-History Guide, and will share what he’s learned of the era when classical music fascinated a generation finding a new life in the war-scarred city. A $5 donation at the door is requested.