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Category: Blind Musicians

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Song Stories: Stevie Wonder’s “Happy Birthday”

Posted by: Brian McCurdy

For this week's NLS Music Notes blog post, we learn the story behind Stevie Wonder's song, "Happy Birthday."

Close-up of the fingers of two hands as the touch a paged filled with raised dots

19th-Century Tactile Music Notation in Spain

Posted by: Lindsay Conway

Did you know that systems of tactile music notation were created in the 19th century to enable people who were blind to read and write music? Today, we will learn about two systems that were developed and used in Spain before braille music code gained widespread adoption in the 20th century.

Close-up of the fingers of two hands as the touch a paged filled with raised dots

Alternatives to Braille: 19th-Century Experiments in Tactile Music Notation in the United States

Posted by: Lindsay Conway

Did you know that systems of tactile music notation were created in the United States in the 19th century, long before braille music became the standard? Today, we will learn about two of these systems, both of which were developed at the New York Institute for the Blind.

Close-up of the fingers of two hands as the touch a paged filled with raised dots

Junior Fellows Enhance Discoverability of Music Resources Related to Blind Musicians–Part 2

Posted by: Lindsay Conway

This is a guest blog post by Library of Congress Junior Fellow Analisa Caso. Analisa describes her contributions to the NLS Music Section during the 10-week-long program.

Memorial bust portrait drawing of Etta Jossely Giffin. She has a determined look; her hair is short and wavy with some curls falling on her forehead. She is wearing a dark choker necklace.

Etta Josselyn Giffin: A Role Model of Women’s Enduring Leadership

Posted by: Juliette Appold

During Women's History Month, we celebrate Etta Josselyn Giffin (1863-1932). Giffin was the first director of what has become the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled. Learn more about some of her achievements in this blog.

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Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month: Exploring and Celebrating Our Diversity

Posted by: Lindsay Conway

With talking books from the NLS Music Section, you can celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at any time of year! Check out the new music appreciation books and music lessons we have to offer!

Close-up of the fingers of two hands as the touch a paged filled with raised dots

Back to School with Braille Music, Band Books, and Bastien!

Posted by: Lindsay Conway

Head back to school with new braille music and new educational materials from the NLS Music Section! We have many new books for learning to read braille music, a variety of band instruments, and the piano.

Close-up of the fingers of two hands as the touch a paged filled with raised dots

In Celebration of the Harlem Cultural Festival

Posted by: Katie Rodda

This blog posts celebrates the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival and provides a list of materials available from the NLS Music Section and greater NLS Collection relating to the music and artists featured in the festival.