Edmond Dédé's 194th Birthday

Today’s Doodle, illustrated by Brooklyn, NY-based guest artist Lyne Lucien, celebrates Creole classical musician and composer Edmond Dédé. The melody to his 1851 composition “Mon Pauvre Cœur” (My Poor Heart) remains one of the oldest surviving pieces of sheet music by a Black Creole composer in New Orleans.  

Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. on this day in 1827, Dédé picked up the clarinet from his father, a bandmaster in a local military band. He switched to the violin, which soon became Dédé’s instrument of choice as he developed into a musical prodigy. Apprenticing under prominent New Orleans musicians, Dédé left home for Mexico to escape the increasing racial prejudice in the American South.   

He returned home in 1851 and published “Mon Pauvre Cœur.” He worked briefly to save money before leaving again to continue his classical studies in France. In the late 1850s, he landed a position at the Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux, where his creativity thrived. He also worked at the Théâtre de l'Alcazar and the Folies Bordelaises. His ballets, operettas, overtures, and over 250 songs achieved massive success in France yet gained little traction in the U.S. In 1893, en route to his only musical appearance back in New Orleans, Dédé lost his favorite Cremona violin in a shipwreck but managed to find a replacement just in time for his performance! 

Despite living in a time of severe racial discrimination, Dédé’s talent led him to become a world-class composer. Most of Dédé’s sheet music is preserved in the National Library of France and several American universities. His story continues to inspire contemporary classical musicians to take pride in their heritage and honor the contributions of musicians from historically overlooked communities.

Guest Artist Q&A with Lyne Lucien

Today’s Doodle was illustrated by Brooklyn, NY-based guest artist Lyne Lucien. Below, she shares her thoughts behind the making of this Doodle:

Q. Why was this topic meaningful to you personally?

A. As a Haitian-American artist, I took pride in depicting Edmond Dédé, an incredible artist of Haitian descendent. Through his music compositions, he captured the joyful and vibrant spirit present in Haitian culture. Dédé’s revolutionary music compositions reminded me of my childhood growing up in Port-au-Prince, which was colored in passion and spirit.

Q. What were your first thoughts when you were approached about working on this Doodle?

A. I felt very honored to have the opportunity to pay tribute to one of the greatest composers in history. I think we need more visibility on our black heroes. Edmond Dédé paved the way for so many black musicians in New Orleans, France, and the U.S. I was humbled to have a part in sharing in his legacy.

Q. Did you draw inspiration from anything in particular for this Doodle? 

A. I drew from Haitian Paysan art, a style which captures people in all of their vibrancy as they are. I wanted to capture Dede in all of his glory. Like most artists, his genius was well before his time and he didn’t receive the necessary praise that he deserved. I wanted to honor his legacy by depicting him through the lens of his heritage. I draw from Haitian art because Haitians are resilient. Dédé overcame a lot of hatred and controversy to create his art. His resiliency coupled with joy is definitive of the Haitian spirit.

Q. What message do you hope people take away from your Doodle?

A. I hope that Dédé’s journey inspires others to chase their dreams no matter what hurdles they may experience. He is perhaps one of the greatest composers of our time. I admire that he relentlessly explored his curiosity. He was true to his craft and fearless in exploring his talents in a time where black men had limited opportunities. I want to honor Edmond Dédé and contribute to his legacy as one of the greatest composers in history.

Early drafts of the Doodle