Samuel Russell Cosby, II

BIO

Mr. .Samuel Russell Cosby junior was born in Philadelphia Pennsylvania on October the twenty first, 1917 to Gertrude (Thornhill), and Samuel Russell Cosby senior. Growing up on Godfrey Avenue with brothers William senior and Thornhill, and sisters Clara and Gertrude, Mr. Cosby displayed a great affinity and talent for music. He attended Corinthian Baptist Church along with the rest of his family, and shortly after his graduation from Central High School, became the organist for Mount Olivet Baptist Church, (under the pastorship of the Reverend Dr. Marshall Sheppard) at the age of nineteen. Also during this period, he attended the State Teachers College and received a B.S. in Public School Teaching.

Mr. Cosby continued his education at the West Chester University, and in 1944 graduated with a B.S. in music education. While enrolled there his activities included the Phonograph Club, the Anderson Math Club, the school band, the school orchestra, and the college choir. After graduation from West Chester, he studied voice at the Juilliard Graduate School from 1945 to 1946. He then studied voice at the Juilliard School of Music from 1946 to 1950. Upon completion of his time at Juilliard, he had earned both a B.S. and an M.S. degree in voice. He later attended both the Columbia University and Yale University for studies in music.

Upon completion of his education at Juilliard, he took employment with the Philadelphia School District, taught music and presided over the school choir until 1982. He then performed the same duties at Pickett Middle school from 1982 to 1983, and at the High School of International Affairs from 1983 until his retirement in June, 1993.

Mr. Cosby spent his entire life in a relentless pursuit of excellence in everything he did. This motivated him to achieve at the highest levels of education and employment, whether that was as an instructor in the Philadelphia School System, or in the numerous countries which he visited. Form 1959 to 1960, he participated in a teacher exchange program between William Penn Senior High, and the Latymer Upper School in London, England. He was highly commended after the completion of this exchange. Later in 1966, he went on sabbatical leave in order to visit, teach and perform in France, Spain, Austria, Italy, Portugal, Sweden, Norway, Holland, Belgium, Switzerland, Denmark, Peru, Paraguay, Germany, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, New Zealand, Australia, and Canada. He was also a member of the National Association of Negro Musicians, Opera North, The Russell Johnson Music Guild Inc., and many other musical and cultural organizations.

Mr. Cosby leaves behind a legacy of musical excellence populated by innumerable students, grateful church parishioners, and national and international dignitaries; all of whom were blessed to have been either taught by, or musically inspired by him. His extensive education, musical insight, and organizational acumen enabled him to take small and large numbers of individual voices, and weave them expertly into a unified, melodic tapestry of exquisite beauty. All those who appreciate the sound of the human voice in song will miss his talent, vision, and leadership.

LINKS

• Obituary
• Residence: 1920 - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
• Race: Black
  • Reference: 1920 United States Federal Census - SmartCopy: Feb 27 2018, 21:10:23 UTC
• Residence: 1930 - Philadelphia (Districts 1001-1236), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
• Race: Black
  • Reference: 1930 United States Federal Census - SmartCopy: Feb 27 2018, 21:13:42 UTC