James Reese Europe

During World War I, James Europe served in the 369th Regiment (Harlem Hellfighters) and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

1880 - 1919

Black and white photograph of James Reese holding a conductor’s baton. Other members of the band are shown in the background.

Early Life

James Reese Europe was born in Mobile, Alabama. His father had been enslaved. Like many African Americans, the family moved out of the South and Jim headed to New York City in the early twentieth century. Europe became a significant bandleader in the New York City music, dance, and entertainment scene, and was known for his advocacy of uniquely Black music. He believed that Black musicians, rather than imitating White musicians, should produce their own music.

Photograph of James Reese with his band. He is shown conducting as the band members point at him. — James Reese Europe’s Clef Club Band, 1914. New York Public Library.

Joining the Military

When the United States became involved in the Great War, Europe enlisted and became a lieutenant in what would become the 369th Regiment, known as the Harlem Hellfighters.

Black and white photograph of soldiers in uniform posing in two rows. Their medals can be seen pinned to their uniforms. — Members of the Harlem Hellfighters who were awarded medals during their fight against the Germans. The Gilder Lehrman Institute.

Military Service

While serving, Europe continued to produce original music, impressing audiences wherever he and his band performed. He was gassed in Germany and while recovering in a military hospital, continued to compose more music, including the hit song, “One Patrol in No Man’s Land.” He did not return to combat.

Photograph of James Reese conducting a group of soldiers standing outside in a courtyard. — Lt. James Reese Europe’s band performing for wounded soldiers in Paris. Library of Congress.

Legacy

With the war’s end, Europe and his Harlem Hellfighters band toured the United States. One of the songs that his band played was “How Ya Gonna Keep ’Em Down on the Farm?” While not outwardly political, it did carry a subtle message about discrimination against Black soldiers as they returned home from Europe.

In 1919, Europe was stabbed and died of his injuries. His legacy, however, continued on. Noting his significance, jazz musician Eubie Blake said, “People don't realize yet today what we lost when we lost Jim Europe. He was the savior of Negro musicians … in a class with Booker T. Washington and Martin Luther King Jr.”

Color photograph of James Reese’s tombstone in Arlington National Cemetery. — Lt. James Reese Europe is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Arlington National Cemetery.