music history

Milwaukee lays claim to the first known Black-American woman cantor or singer of Jewish prayer music. Gladys Mae Sellers grew up in Milwaukee in the late 1800s and moved to New York and became Goldye Steiner. Milwaukee advocates are bringing attention to her story.

In 1938, the heir of the Blatz Brewing Company wanted to bring his love of classical music to Milwaukee. Emil Blatz provided $100,000 for the construction of a bandshell that would soon become a temple of music.