Charleston Spotlight: DuBose Heyward, writer/novelist behind the acclaimed “Porgy and Bess”

Dubose Heyward once described himself as a “synthetic Charlestonian.” Having been part French Huguenot and part English Cavalier, he was a direct descendant of South Carolina’s Thomas Heyward Jr., a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Born in Charleston in 1885, he was a major part of the Southern Literary Renaissance and wrote extensive poetry and fiction.

DuBose Heyward (1885-1940) was born in Charleston, South Carolina. He was the son of a lawyer and a homemaker and grew up in a middle-class family. Heyward attended the College of Charleston, where he developed an interest in literature and writing.

After graduating from college, Heyward worked as a journalist for several years. He wrote for newspapers in Charleston and New York City, where he moved in 1913. In New York, Heyward became involved in the literary and cultural scene of the city, which included writers such as Langston Hughes and James Weldon Johnson.

Heyward’s first novel, “Porgy,” was published in 1925. The novel was set in Charleston and told the story of a disabled beggar named Porgy and his relationship with a woman named Bess. The novel was a critical and commercial success and was later adapted into the opera “Porgy and Bess” by George Gershwin.

Heyward went on to write several other novels and poetry, including “Mamba’s Daughters” (1929) and “Angel” (1926). He also wrote several plays, including “Mamba’s Daughters,” which was based on his novel of the same name.

In addition to his writing, Heyward was also involved in the Civil Rights movement. He was a member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and worked to promote racial equality.

Heyward died in 1940 at the age of 54. His work continues to be celebrated and studied today, particularly his novel “Porgy,” which remains a classic of American literature.

Additional Resources

Spotlight on DuBose Heyward – University of Michigan

DuBose Heyward – My Hero Project

The Sensory Poetry of DuBose Heyward – Abbeville Institute