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Photo 1. William Levi Dawson papers, Stuart A. Rose Manuscript, Archives, and Rare Book Library, Emory University. Used with permission. Date
unknown.
They also routinely singled out Dawson’s direction. “virility rather than sweetness.” However, Dawson was
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Wrote one, “The outstanding impression left… was not bound by this problematic gendered dichotomy.
that of the extraordinary discipline of the large group. Listening to the LP, the choir’s support of the tenor
Mr. Dawson evidently has the gift of drilling a choir soloist on There Is a Balm in Gilead is generous, sensi-
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into a nearly perfect mechanical unit.” Most review- tive, and moving—anything but mechanical. The skill,
ers cast the ensemble’s unity in a positive light. The spirit, and versatility audible on every track of the al-
1955 LP, for example, led one to write, “Virility rather bum testify to the choir’s high morale and eagerness to
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than sweetness characterizes the composite quality of excel. The several choir members David Lee John-
the ensemble; but its high precision is reflected in close son interviewed for his 1987 dissertation confirm this
shading and pliancy as well as in crispness of attacks impression. According to one alumna from the 1930s,
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and releases.” “The entire choir was very close and felt close to Mr.
The distinctive quality of the choir’s performances Dawson all through my years at Tuskegee.” A graduate
sprang from Dawson’s approach in rehearsals, which from twenty years later concurred: “The choir had a
could also have been characterized as emphasizing deep respect and love for Mr. Dawson, and they want-
CHORAL JOURNAL September 2024 Volume 65 Number 2 31
