I regard my blindness as a blessing, for had I not been blind I would not have given the inspiration to the world that I have. ~ John William Boone

John William "Blind" Boone is possibly the most neglected figure in African-American musical history. Eclipsed both in popularity and exposure by ragtime composers Scott Joplin, James Scott and Joseph Lamb, his legendary keyboard and compositional exploits faded into the background for most of the 20th century. However, justice may yet be served, and Blind Boone may one day take his place as the founder of a style of popular music which served as a precursor to American jazz: ragtime.

Boone's story is nothing short of inspirational - at times almost too astonishing to believe. For these reasons, if for no others, I find it incomprehensible that his memory was neglected for the better part of the 20th century. My personal interest stems from several sources: my friend, author and Boone champion Madge Harrah, was a friend of Boone's last manager and is a living link to this legendary composer. I maintain a sincere desire to promote the cause of lesser known composers whom I feel should appear more prominently in music history. Lastly, there is a potential personal connexion: if Boone's mother was accurate in claiming to have been descended from the family of Daniel Boone, then Boone and I would be distant cousins.

I am certainly no expert on Boone, but I hope to join in furthering his cause by making information about him more accessible as it becomes available. Please follow the links below to begin exploring the story of John William Boone.

The Story of Blind Boone
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Page 1: short biography
Page 2: catalogue of compositions
Page 3: Blind Boone Piano Prodigy
     a review of Madge Harrah's book
Page 4: Wayne B. Allen & Blind Boone
     Madge Harrah "meets" Blind Boone in an article exclusive to the JEOW

Links for further information:
Blind Boone Park renovation in Warrensburg
Bluesrolls.com sells piano rolls of Boone's works
Boone's home in Columbia, MO
Columbia University archive with many of Boone's papers
John William Boone Heritage Foundation