- Date:
- 1885
- Original Format:
- Photographic Print
- Item#:
- MES16479
Daniel Decatur Emmett (1815-1904)
A self-taught fiddler from Ohio, Emmett joined three other minstrels to form a group known as "The Original Virginia Minstrels," in 1842. Emmett then joined Bryant's Minstrels in New York. In 1859 he composed "Dixie's Land," his most famous and controversial song. Once it was played at Jefferson Davis's inauguration, it became identified with the Confederacy, but after the war it regained its universal popularity. Emmett is also credited with writing "Turkey in the Straw."