Root & Cady was a Chicago-based
music publishing
A music publisher is a type of publisher that specializes in distributing music. Music publishers originally published sheet music. When copyright became legally protected, music publishers began to play a role in the management of the intellectua ...
firm, founded in 1858. It became the most successful music publisher of the
American Civil War
The American Civil War (April 12, 1861May 26, 1865; also known by Names of the American Civil War, other names) was a civil war in the United States between the Union (American Civil War), Union ("the North") and the Confederate States of A ...
and published many of the most popular songs during that war.
[Cornelius, pg. 18] The firm's founders were Ebenezer Towner Root (1822–1896) and
Chauncey Marvin Cady (1824 - 1889).
The company's publishings include ''The Silver Lute'', the first music book printed in Chicago. It was eventually used in the city's public school system.
Root & Cady dominated Chicago's music publishing industry until the
Great Chicago Fire
The Great Chicago Fire was a conflagration that burned in the American city of Chicago, Illinois during October 8–10, 1871. The fire killed approximately 300 people, destroyed roughly of the city including over 17,000 structures, and left mor ...
of 1871 destroyed $125,000 of the firm's inventory,
[Sanjek, pg. 356] leading to its bankruptcy within a year.
[Carder, pg. 86] In 1875, the former members of Root & Cady formed a new firm: The Root & Sons Music Company. The members were (i)
George F. Root (1820–1895), (ii) Frederick Woodman Root (1846–1918), George's son, (iii) Ebenezer Towner Root (1822–1896) — George's brother — (iv)
William Lewis (1837–), (v) William A. Root — George's brother — and (vi) Charles C. Curtiss (1847–1928),
[''Presto-Times,'' April 7, 1928] who served as manager.
[''Daily Inter Ocean,'' June 26, 1875]
See also
*
Fanny Crosby
Frances Jane van Alstyne (née Crosby; March 24, 1820 – February 12, 1915), more commonly known as Fanny J. Crosby, was an American mission worker, poet, lyricist, and composer. She was a prolific hymnist, writing more than 8,000 hymns and go ...
(1820–1915), songwriter
*
William Lewis & Son Co., offshoot of The Root & Sons Music Company
References
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* ''Root and Cady — Re-Association of the Members of That Famous House,'' ''Daily Inter Ocean (Chicago), Vol. IV, Issue 80, pg. 12, June 26, 1875
*
Charles C. Curtiss, Manager of the Fine Arts Building, Dies'' ''Presto-Times,'' April 7, 1928, pg. 11
Notes
External links
The Dena Epstein Root & Cady Research Papersa
Newberry Library
Music publishing companies of the United States
Publishing companies established in 1858
1858 establishments in Illinois
Defunct companies based in Chicago
History of Chicago
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