author
Frederick R. (Frederick Russell) Burton
1861–1909
A Harvard-trained composer and writer, he became an early American researcher of Native American music and is especially remembered for his work on Ojibway songs. His books and compositions reflect a strong interest in Indigenous themes, folklore, and musical traditions.
1 Audiobook
The Mission of Poubalov
by Frederick R. (Frederick Russell) Burton
About the author
Born in Jonesville, Michigan, on February 23, 1861, he studied at Harvard and graduated in 1882 with high honors in music. He later worked as a teacher, composer, and author, building a career that connected literary writing with serious musical study.
Burton is best known today for American Primitive Music: With Especial Attention to the Songs of the Ojibways, published in 1909. Sources also credit him with composing works such as Hiawatha, and describe him as one of the earlier American composer-scholars to take sustained interest in Native American music, especially Ojibwa traditions.
He also wrote fiction, including Strongheart and Redcloud of the Lakes. He died on September 30, 1909. A clear portrait image could not be confirmed from the sources reviewed, so no profile image is provided.