Katherine Kennicott Davis
Katherine Kennicott Davis (June 25, 1892 – April 20, 1980) was a prominent American composer, pianist, arranger, and music teacher. Born in St. Joseph, Missouri, she demonstrated musical talent early, composing her first piece at age 15. Davis pursued her education at Wellesley College, where she won the Billings Prize for Musical Composition in 1914. She furthered her studies at the New England Conservatory of Music and with Nadia Boulanger in Paris.
Davis taught music at several institutions, including Wellesley College, Concord Academy, and the Shady Hill School for Girls. She was a key figure in the Concord Chorus and contributed significantly to educational music through The Concord Series. Her compositions, which number over 600, include operas, choruses, cantatas, and piano pieces. Among her most famous works is the Christmas song "Carol of the Drum," later popularized as "The Little Drummer Boy."
Davis was a member of ASCAP from 1941 and received an honorary doctorate from Stetson University. She spent her later years in Concord, Massachusetts, and passed away in Littleton, Massachusetts. Her legacy continues through the royalties from her music, which she bequeathed to Wellesley College to support music students.
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