Root & Cady was a Chicago-based music publishing firm, founded in 1858. It became the most successful music publisher of the American Civil War and published many of the most popular songs during that war.[1] The firm's founders were Ebenezer Towner Root (1822–1896) and Chauncey Marvin Cady (1824 - 1889).

Root & Cady
StatusDefunct
Founded1858
FounderEbenezer Towner Root and Chauncey Marvin Cady
Country of originUnited States
Headquarters locationChicago
Publication typesSheet music

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.[1]

Root & Cady dominated Chicago's music publishing industry until the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 destroyed $125,000 of the firm's inventory,[2] leading to its bankruptcy within a year.[1][3] 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),[4] who served as manager.[5]

See also

edit

References

edit
  • Cornelius, Steven (2004). Music of the Civil War Era. Greenwood Publishing Group. ISBN 0-313-32081-0.
  • Sanjek, Russell (1988). American Popular Music and Its Business: the first four hundred years. Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-504310-3.
  • Carder, Polly H. (2008). George F. Root, Civil War Songwriter: A Biography. McFarland & Company. ISBN 9780786483174. OCLC 182656620.
  • 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

edit
  1. ^ a b c Cornelius, pg. 18
  2. ^ Sanjek, pg. 356
  3. ^ Carder, pg. 86
  4. ^ Presto-Times, April 7, 1928
  5. ^ Daily Inter Ocean, June 26, 1875
edit