Matthew Kennedy and Anne Gamble Kennedy were both distinguished pianists who found their way to Fisk University during the 1940s to study music. After earning her bachelor’s degree cum laude from Fisk, Mrs. Kennedy studied at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Music. As a solo pianist, she performed with members of the Nashville Symphony Orchestra in both chamber music appearances and concerts for piano and orchestra, and toured the Caribbean. Dr. Kennedy received a piano diploma from the Julliard Institute in 1940 before coming to Nashville. His studies at Fisk were interrupted by his service in the army during World War II, but he eventually earned his degree in 1947. From there, Dr. Kennedy returned to New York to earn a master’s degree in Piano from the Julliard School of Music. He made his solo piano debut at Carnegie Hall in 1958 and 50 years later Fisk University honored him with the awarding of an honorary doctorate of Letters degree at its commencement. Together Dr. and Mrs. Kennedy traveled the world with the Fisk Jubilee Singers with Dr. Kennedy serving as director for more than 20 years and Mrs. Kennedy serving as a piano accompanist and soloist for 15 years. This fund benefits the Anne Gamble and Matthew W. Kennedy Endowed Scholarship in support of Fisk music students’ education, which Dr. Kennedy established in 2001 to honor his late wife.
Established in 2014
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