Roy W. Tibbs was the founder of the Howard University Glee Club. Tibbs was the husband of renowned opera singer, Madame Lillian Evanti (1897-1967).

Tibbs was born in Hamilton, Ohio in 1888. He was a graduate of Fisk University where he received both a bachelor and masters degree from Oberlin Conservatory.

Tibbs traveled to Paris, France in 1914 to further his studies under the supervision of Isadore Philipp, a French pianist, and composer.  While at Howard University, Tibbs trained a multitude of African American music teachers during his tenure and toured as a pianist, while serving as director of the men’s glee club. Roy W. Tibbs died on April 1, 1944, in Washington, DC.

source:

https://www.si.edu/object/siris_arc_361037