Background
Backas, James Jacob was born on May 3, 1926 in Chicago, Illinois, United States. Son of John and Ernestine (Harms) Backas.
Backas, James Jacob was born on May 3, 1926 in Chicago, Illinois, United States. Son of John and Ernestine (Harms) Backas.
Bachelor, Michigan State University, 1950. Postgraduate, University Michigan, 1954. Master of Arts, University Iowa, 1960.
Doctor of Arts (honorary), Oklahoma City University, 1999.
Teaching fellow, U. Iowa, Iowa City, 1958-1959;
research fellow, U. Iowa, 1959-1960;
manager College division, Doubleday & Company. New York City, 1962-1966;
marketing director publications, Brookings Institution, Washington, 1966-1969;
managing editor, American Museum Digest, New York City, 1969;
executive director, Maryland. State Arts Council, 1972-1976;
special consultant to chairman, National Endowment for Arts, 1976-1978;
executive director, American Arts Alliance, 1978-1980;
management consultant, Washington, 1980-1982;
executive director, Southern Arts Federation, Atlanta, 1982-1984;
executive director, District of Columbia Commision on Arts and Humanities, Washington, 1984-1986;
executive director, Maryland.
State Arts Council, since 1986. Music critic Washington Star, 1966-1976. Lecturer music history Peabody Conservatory, Baltimore, 1970-1973.
Member, co-chairman music advisory panel National Endowment Arts, 1982-1987.
Member advisory board Elementary and Secondary Education Act Title III, Maryland, 1972-1976. Member policy committee for cultural affairs Johns Hopkins University, 1974-1976. Member executive board National Assembly State Arts Agency.
Board directors National Public Radio, Kennedy Center, Community Federation Greater Baltimore, Mid-Atlantic Arts Federation, 1987-2001. Member of American Association of University Professors, Music Critics Association, Association University Presses, Phi Mu Alpha.
Son of John and Ernestine (Harms) B. M. Margot Wells Schutt, December 1973. 1 daughter, Amy Elizabeth.
