Camille Nickerson

Nickerson was born into a talented musical family in the French Quarter of New Orleans. At the age of nine she was the pianist for the Nickerson Ladies' Orchestra directed by her father. She attended Oberlin Conservatory earning a bachelor of music in 1916 and a masters in music degree in 1932. She also was a member of Pi Kappa Lambda and the national honor society in music. While at Oberlin, she began to compose and publish Creole music.

"When Love is Done" was her first publication. She returned to New Orleans to teach with her father in the Nickerson School of Music and began her debut as a concert artist, playing cities including Atlanta, Birmingham, and Nashville. Her stage name, "The Louisiana Lady," was enhanced with her genuine Creole dress; audiences in the U.S. and Europe were enthusiastic about her performances.

She also collected and arranged songs to preserve her native culture. Nickerson gave up performing to become part of Howard University's music faculty. She instructed there from 1926-1962, retiring with the title professor emeritus. Her master’s thesis, "Afro-Creole Music of Louisiana," highlighted much Creole folk music and the impressive accomplishments made by Black American musicians in the field.

She was elected president of the National Association of Negro Musicians in 1935. Some of her arrangements include "Lizette," "My Dearest One," "Mister Banjo," and "Dance Baby Dance."