Armand Blackmar

Armand Edward Blackmar, was born in Vermont in 1826, to parents Reuben Harmon and Amanda (Cushman) Blackmar. Armand, with his brother, Henry, was the founder of Blackmar Brothers, a music publishing company. Begun in 1860, this publishing company was originally based out of New Orleans, Louisiana, and later Augusta, Georgia. This would become the most successful publisher of music of the Confederacy during American Civil War, issuing about half the songs released during that era. A.E. was best known for the patriotic songs he wrote.

Armand and Henry were music teachers before entering the publishing business. During the contentious Civil War years, Armand Edward also worked as a lawyer in New Orleans.

When Northern troops took over the city of New Orleans, Henry Blackmar moved the business to Augusta, while Armand — due to his Northern accent — managed to continue working out of New Orleans for a time, but a Union raid on his business forced him to cease working. He continued to live in Louisiana and published songs of his own, under a pseudonym, through his brother.

Armand died on 28 October 1888, several years after returning to New Orleans.

Armand Edward Blackmar was married to Margaret Bridget Meara of New Orleans, Louisiana.