William McDaniel

Jim Calder

William “Ted” McDaniel is Professor of African-American Studies and Professor of Music at the Ohio State University. A specialist in African-American music and jazz performance, he is noted for his analysis of the music of John Coltrane and Charlie Parker. He has published several works on black music and more than 300 music arrangements.

Understanding Black History Through Black Music

Black music has often served as a barometer of the times and lives of black people. This program, utilizing recorded music, explores various aspects and periods of black history by examining the music of each era. It ranges from the worksongs and spirituals of slavery through the rap of modern urban times.

Contributions of African-American Music and Musicians to American and World Culture

Black music has been accepted, loved, and imitated throughout the world. This program includes recorded music and describes encounters with black music in Europe, Asia, and elsewhere around the globe. It explores how popular culture has been shaped to a great degree by black music and musicians.

American Jazz History

This presentation, using video and recorded music, provides a cursory look at the major innovators, musical stylists, and representative tunes that define the many periods and styles of jazz. The speaker will discuss the blues, ragtime and other precursors of jazz, big bands and swing, the rise of modern jazz, jazz-rock fusion, the bebop renaissance, and the future of jazz.


TO SCHEDULE A PRESENTATION , PLEASE CONTACT:

William McDaniel
(614) 562-1159

Speaker Applications

The Ohio Humanities Speakers Bureau is closed for the rest of 2024 and is not currently accepting applications. Check back later in the year for information about the 2025 Bureau!

Interested organizations can still book talks from our United We Stand Speakers Bureau.

United We Stand Speakers Bureau

Speaker Fee Structure

Non-profit organizations with an annual budget under $150,000 pay a fee of $50.00.

Non-profit organizations with an annual budget over $150,000 pay a fee of $250.00.

Schools (including colleges or universities) and corporate or private entities pay a fee of $400.00.

For any questions, please contact Program Officer Melvin Barnes at mbarnes@ohiohumanities.org.