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'Blind Billy' (c.1805-1855) was a beloved fife player and street musician. He led parades and played for private parties in the homes of affluent citizens. "He could render his notes as sharp as would make a soldier do or die…or so soft and sweet as to induce the coyest maiden to surrender at discretion." A former slave, his freedom was bought by a grateful citizenry and he died a free man. A symbolically broken fife adorns his tombstone.