17 Facts About Donald Heywood

Donald Heywood was a Trinidadian-born American songwriter, composer, writer and director.

Donald Heywood composed for "I'm Coming Virginia" in 1926, which became a hit for Ethel Waters.

Donald Heywood became a prominent figure in black musical theater, and produced scores for films such as Moon Over Harlem and Murder on Lenox Avenue.

Donald Heywood showed an aptitude for playing the piano and with other stringed instruments at an early age.

Donald Heywood studied at Fisk for two years before moving on to Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois for medical studies.

Donald Heywood moved to New York and began studying music at Mordkin Moser Conservatory.

Donald Heywood composed music for The North Ain't South, which was performed at Harlem's Lafayette Theatre.

Donald Heywood composed "I'm Coming Virginia", teaming with Will Marion Cook who added the lyrics.

Donald Heywood performed in the musical he had written when a replacement was needed for cast member Louis Douglas.

The role called for someone who spoke fluent French; Donald Heywood had studied the language when at Fisk and Northwestern.

Donald Heywood made regular radio appearances with Hilda Perleno on WCGU during 1928.

Donald Heywood became known for his work in black musical theater.

Donald Heywood's "The Black King", based on Marcus Garvey's life was a success on Broadway under Leonide Massine, prompting him to approach Bud Pollard to direct a screen version in 1932.

Donald Heywood was later a film score composer for films such as Moon Over Harlem and Murder on Lenox Avenue.

Donald Heywood appeared in films; Oscar Micheaux's 1931 film, The Exile, featured Heywood's musical score and his appearance as "Don Heywood and his Band".

Donald Heywood appeared in Micheaux's film Veiled Aristocrats and arranged the music for Ten Minutes to Live with a role as the master of ceremonies in the film.

Donald Heywood died in New York City in 1967 of unknown circumstances.