Margaret Rose Porter-Wright (December 7, 1939-April 14, 2020)
Margaret Rose Porter-Wright was born in Jeffersonville, Indiana where she was valedictorian of her high school class. Her many credits as pianist, accompanist, and composer include the Actor’s Theater of Louisville, the University of Illinois Dance Department and the National Academy of Dance. For eight years she served as musical director of the Station Theater. In addition, she appeared in the original production of Jar the Floor, a play by Cheryl West, for which she composed original music. For many years she served as musician and choir director at Bethel A.M.E. Church. Margaret received her bachelor’s degree in piano performance from Chicago Musical College and her master’s degree in music education from the UIUC and was a doctoral student there in ethnomusicology.
Program notes from performance at Bethel A.M.E. Church, May 22, 1994, “To God Be the Glory”