Thomas Wiggins [Blind Tom] (1849-1908) was born into slavery, but due to his early musical aptitude was given piano lessons by his owner’s daughter. He was hired out to a travelling showman and performed concerts throughout the confederacy that included Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, as well as his own works. After the Civil War, his original owners obtained legal guardianship over him and continued to “exhibit” him in concert halls and as a vaudeville attraction. Wiggins wrote more than 100 piano works and songs.