Albert Murray

Albert L. Murray

(May 12, 1916 – August 18, 2013)

Albert L. Murray was a distinguished American literary and music critic, renowned novelist, insightful essayist, and accomplished biographer. His contributions to literature and cultural commentary have left an enduring mark on American intellectual discourse.

Murray’s early life was shaped by his family and upbringing. He hailed from Nokomis, Alabama, where he was born into a close-knit community. His formative years were influenced by the rich cultural heritage of the American South, laying the groundwork for his later explorations of the complexities of Southern identity and the African American experience.

Albert Murray was born in Nokomis, Alabama, and his early life unfolded in the Magazine Point area of Mobile. Born to Sudie Graham, he was adopted by Hugh and Mattie Murray. Albert pursued his education at Tuskegee Institute, obtaining a B.S. in education in 1939. During his time at Tuskegee, he developed a lasting friendship with fellow student Ralph Ellison, who later gained acclaim for his novel Invisible Man.

After a brief stint in a graduate program at the University of Michigan, Murray returned to Tuskegee in 1940 to teach literature and composition. In 1941, he married Mozelle Menefee, and they welcomed their daughter, Michele. While teaching, he pursued additional graduate studies at Northwestern University in 1941 and the University of Paris in 1951.

Albert Murray entered military service in 1943 with the United States Army Air Forces, expressing a desire to outlive Thomas Mann’s completion of the last volume of Joseph and His Brothers. He transferred to the United States Air Force Reserve in 1946, concurrently enrolling at New York University on the GI Bill, earning an M.A. in English in 1948. Throughout this period, he developed close relationships with luminaries like Duke Ellington and further deepened his friendship with Ralph Ellison.

Upon returning briefly to Tuskegee, Murray chose a more financially lucrative path by joining the Active Guard Reserve in 1951. Stationed in various locations, he taught geopolitics in the Tuskegee ROTC program. Following a doctor’s diagnosis of heart disease in 1962, he retired from the United States Air Force as a major. Albert and his wife settled in the Lenox Terrace Apartments in Harlem, making it their home for the rest of their lives.

Embarking on a prolific career, Murray became a notable figure in the literary world. His written works, characterized by a unique blend of literary analysis, cultural criticism, and profound insights, gained widespread recognition. Among his notable publications are “The Omni-Americans,” “South to a Very Old Place,” and “Stomping the Blues,” each contributing to a deeper understanding of American culture, race, and music.

Albert L. Murray’s career extended beyond the realm of literature. He ventured into music criticism, showcasing his profound understanding of the blues and its cultural significance. His multidisciplinary approach, seamlessly weaving together literature, music, and cultural commentary, set him apart as a versatile intellectual force.

Throughout his illustrious career, Murray garnered numerous awards and honors, acknowledging his significant contributions to literature and cultural discourse. His accolades stand as a testament to the impact of his work on shaping intellectual conversations surrounding American identity, race relations, and the arts.

Albert Murray passed away in Harlem on August 18, 2013. In the subsequent month, a poignant memorial service took place at Jazz at Lincoln Center, commemorating his significant contributions.

In 2016, The Library of America curated and released an anthology showcasing Murray’s impactful nonfiction writings. Editors Henry Louis Gates Jr. and Paul Devlin meticulously compiled this collection. Building on this tribute, a subsequent anthology featuring Murray’s fiction and poetry emerged in 2018.

Albert L. Murray’s legacy endures not only through his written works but also in the broader cultural conversations he helped shape. His exploration of the American South, the complexities of identity, and the significance of music has left an indelible imprint on the literary and intellectual landscape, ensuring that his influence continues to resonate with generations to come.

  • Early Career and Periodical Publications:
    • Albert L. Murray commenced his literary journey by contributing regularly to periodicals such as Life and The New Leader.
    • Notably, the July 3, 1964 edition of Life featured his article “The Problem Is Not Just Black and White,” delving into race relations literature.
  • The Omni-Americans (1970):
    • Published his first book, “The Omni-Americans,” in 1970, comprising essays and reviews on protest literature and the Moynihan Report on black poverty.
    • Murray’s groundbreaking perspective asserted that the United States is a nation of multi-colored people.
  • South to a Very Old Place (1971):
    • Authored “South to a Very Old Place” (1971), a non-fiction exploration of the American South.
    • Reviewed by Toni Morrison in The New York Times and became a finalist for the National Book Awards.
  • Scooter Novels and Literary Contributions:
    • Introduced the character Scooter in “Train Whistle Guitar” (1974), initiating a series of four novels tracking Scooter’s life from childhood to his career as a musician and writer.
  • Exploration of Music in Literature:
    • Murray delved into the significance of blues and jazz music in works like “The Hero and the Blues” (1973) and “Stomping the Blues” (1976).
    • Awarded the 1977 ASCAP Deems Taylor Award for “Stomping the Blues.”
    • Collaborated with Count Basie on the memoir “Good Morning Blues” (1985).
  • Academic Positions and Honorary Degrees:
    • Held various academic positions at institutions like Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, Colgate University, University of Massachusetts Boston, University of Missouri, Emory University, Drew University, and Washington and Lee University.
    • Received honorary doctorates from Colgate (Litt.D., 1975) and Spring Hill College (D.H.L., 1995).
  • Friendships and Collaborations:
    • Established profound friendships with Ralph Ellison and artist Romare Bearden.
    • Published “Trading Twelves: The Selected Letters of Ralph Ellison and Albert Murray” in 2000.
    • Contributed to the 1980 documentary “Bearden Plays Bearden.”
  • Influence on Later Decades:
    • Gained increased recognition in the 1980s and 1990s for influencing critic Stanley Crouch and jazz musician Wynton Marsalis.
    • Co-founder of Jazz at Lincoln Center with Wynton Marsalis.
  • Literary Legacy:
    • Remembered for his enduring impact on literature and culture, particularly his influence on critical figures like Stanley Crouch and Wynton Marsalis.
    • Co-founder of Jazz at Lincoln Center, contributing significantly to the cultural landscape.

Albert L. Murray’s diverse literary contributions and cultural influence have left an indelible mark on American literature and the understanding of race, music, and identity.

Albert Murray Awards and Honors

  • 1984: Named a MacArthur Fellow, recognizing his exceptional contributions to literature and cultural criticism.
  • 1998: Awarded the Anisfield-Wolf Book Award for Lifetime Achievement, honoring his enduring impact on the exploration of race and culture in literature.
  • 2002: Received the National Humanities Medal from the United States government for his significant contributions to the humanities, particularly in the areas of literature and cultural analysis.
  • 2006: Inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Letters, acknowledging his outstanding achievements in the field of literature.
  • 2013: Posthumously honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Jazz Journalists Association, recognizing his profound influence on jazz literature and criticism.

Albert L. Murray’s numerous awards and honors underscore his lasting impact on literature, cultural criticism, and the exploration of American identity.