The future of music, made here.

Celebrate Boston’s Greatest Love Story: A Look Back at Coretta Scott King ’51, ’71 Hon. DM and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Historic First Meeting

February 14, 2024

Martin Luther King Jr and Corretta Scott King

Love is a powerful force, especially when shared by two individuals as driven in their joint mission of creating a better world as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King ’51, ’71 Hon. DM. The change-making couple were heroes of the Civil Rights Movement, but before they made history for their activism and social justice work, their journey together began in Boston.

In 1951, Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott came to Boston in pursuit of higher education. An accomplished soprano, the musical excellence Coretta displayed while among the first wave of African American students to attend Antioch College earned her a scholarship to New England Conservatory, bringing the talented young singer north to study voice and music education. Meanwhile, Martin worked towards a Doctoral degree in systematic theology at Boston University while also preaching at the Twelfth Baptist Church in Roxbury.

Coretta Scott King

In January of 1952, Mary Powell, an NEC classmate of Coretta’s and colleague of Martin at Twelfth Baptist Church, saw the potential for a connection between her two friends and initiated the couple’s first meeting. The pair met for a blind date on the steps of New England Conservatory’s Jordan Hall, with bustling Huntington Avenue as the backdrop to their fated first hello.

Although Dr. King was confident in his feelings for Coretta from the start, she was initially unsure. She noted his short stature and lack of facial hair—he had just shaved it off to pledge the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity at BU. Despite her tentative first impressions, the two began to date. They would attend concerts together at Symphony Hall, and Dr. King would come to NEC to watch Coretta perform at her recitals, among other Boston-area courtship outings.

Coretta Scott King and Martin Luther King Jr

As their love blossomed and grew more serious, Coretta made it clear that, along with a desire to continue her music career, she wanted to play a role in Martin and her shared mission for social justice. The two would become partners not just in life and love but in their work for civil rights and social change.

Coretta Scott King and Martin Luther King Jr. were married in June 1953. The following year, Coretta graduated from New England Conservatory, and in 1955, Martin Luther King Jr. completed his PhD at Boston University. The two went on to become worldwide leaders and iconic figures of the Civil Rights Movement, though their historic journey will always retain its roots here in the city of Boston.

recent news
New Steinway in Jordan hall

February 13, 2025

NEC Faculty Select New Steinway for Jordan Hall 

Read More
Ricardo Lugo

February 12, 2025

New England Conservatory Welcomes Renowned Bass Ricardo Lugo to Voice Faculty

Read More
Joachim-Ma Stradivarius violin.

February 10, 2025

Joachim-Ma Stradivarius Achieves $11.3M at Sotheby’s

Read More
  • New Steinway in Jordan hall

    February 13, 2025

    NEC Faculty Select New Steinway for Jordan Hall 

  • Ricardo Lugo

    February 12, 2025

    New England Conservatory Welcomes Renowned Bass Ricardo Lugo to Voice Faculty

  • Joachim-Ma Stradivarius violin.

    February 10, 2025

    Joachim-Ma Stradivarius Achieves $11.3M at Sotheby’s

  • Spring Performances at NEC Explore Ideas, Offer Inspiration

    February 4, 2025

    Spring Performances at NEC Explore Ideas, Offer Inspiration

  • New England Conservatory Alumni, Faculty Receive 2025 Grammy Awards

    February 3, 2025

    New England Conservatory Alumni, Faculty Receive 2025 Grammy Awards

  • Malcolm Peyton

    January 31, 2025

    Remembering Composer Malcolm Peyton