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John Putnam (1825-1895) settled in Greenfield Massachusetts where he became known as a talented musician, bandleader, and dance caller. A former slave, Putnam joined the town's small African-American community working as a barber as well as a musician. Like many other African-American musicians at that time, Putnam performed at white gatherings. By 1858, Putnam's Band was playing for area dances. Putnam assembled Putnam's Orchestra by 1875, which played at many of the major musical events in the area.

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