Washingtoniana

Artists listed below are primarily singers born in Washington, DC at any point in history. Under "composers", I have listed artists who are known primarily as composers and not performers (for example, Wellington Adams is known as a composer, while Duke Ellington/Billy Taylor are known as both).

ARTISTS

Marshall, Henry Caso. pic, Wash Afro, 10/10/70, 18; Wash Afro 5/6/72, 17

COMPOSERS

Adams, Wellington
Cook, Will Marion (1/27/1869-7/19/44 NY))
Ellington, Duke
Castillo, R.A. (Guatemalan born in Guatemala)



Source: Wellington Adams

DRAMA (NON MUSIC)

Richardson, Willis

Willis Richardson (1889-1977): A Brief Biography

A Student Project by Lisa Moua

Willis Richardson, a dramatist, was not excelling financially and academically as desired. With only a diploma from M Street High School, Richardson quickly got a job as a clerk at the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing in 1910-1954 (LDB 237). While in high school, Richardson became academically inspired by his English teachers, Mary Burill and Angelina Grimke. Rachel, a play by Grimke provoked an impetuous career change from poet to dramatist for Richardson. It became an inner challenge to provide an exquisite play. He answered the challenge with The Chip Woman's Fortune and The Broken Banjo.

"Truly a pioneer, he was the first black to have a Broadway production of a nonmusical, one-act play-The Chip Woman's Fortune (produced in 1923)." (Literary Biography 236) The play ran for a period of two weeks at the Frazee Theatre in New York.

Richardson was born in Wilmington, North Carolina, on November 5, 1889. There seemed to be a discrepancy of paternity on behalf of his biological mother. There are some beliefs from his family that his mother was his grandmother and his older sister was his mother. Willis Wilder was his father but his biological father was supposedly a rich white man by the name of McKoy (Gray 2/8). Confused? Well, until further clarification, I will refer to Agnes Harper Richardson and Willis Wilder as Willis Richardson's mother and father.

He was the father of three daughters: Jean Paula born in 1916; Shirley Antonella born in 1918; Noel Justine born in 1920 (LDB 237). He died on November 7, 1977 from Padgett's Disease. He was buried beside his wife, Mary Ellen Jones and his daughter, Noel.

The plays of Richardson didn't focus on racism but the portrayal of unique characters within the black community. He wanted his audiences to share the experiences of his characters. Richardson wrote The Hope of a Negro Drama, published by Crisis in 1919, and The Kings Dilemma (1920). W. E. B. Du Bois edited both of these works for Crisis and he was also the founder of The Brownies' Book, for children. Du Bois's philosophies greatly influenced Richardson and he based his play, Mortgaged, on Du Bois's "talented tenth" philosophy (DLB 239).

Richardson reached his peak during the New Negro Renaissance in the 1920s. Various playwrights, Langston Hughes, Du Bois, May Miller, (naming only a few) met every Saturday and discussed past, present, and future plans for drama and the theatre. Richardson's plays were being staged and produced at Howard University in Washington. He felt for the first time that he was going to achieve the recognition he desired. All too soon the Theater Department disintegrated. The Drama Department at Howard University closed in 1929 (Gray 5/8). The outcome of the institution's decision to end the program was due to the job change of Montgomery Gregory, a major promoter of Richardson's. Montgomery Gregory headed the Howard University Players.

It seemed everything from that point on started on a downhill slide for Richardson. His plays were being produced without his consent. His dreams and hopes faded with The Great Depression. On March 7, 1947 his daughter, Noel, committed suicide leaving behind two children which were officially adopted by Richardson in 1952 (Gray 6/8). Trends and styles in theatre were quickly passing him by. He tried to make a come back with The Broken Banjo but no agent would represent him. His wife became blind and his health was failing him miserably. His wife donated his home library without his consent. After many disappointments, he isolated himself throughout the years. He felt alone and very lonely.

Shortly after his death, his dream of recognition was achieved. The Audience Development Committee (AUDELCO) recognized him as an "Outstanding Pioneer" in Black theatre. Other outstanding achievements consisted of Richardson winning the Edith Schwab Cup at Yale University in 1928 for the play Broken Banjo (Gray 2/8); and Howard University's production of a non-student Black play by Richardson, Mortgaged in 1924 (Gray 4/8). Richardson composed and edited two successful anthologies: the first one was Plays and Pageants from the Life of the Negro in 1930 and Negro History in Thirteen Plays in 1935.

Richardson was like a voice that wanted and needed to be heard. No one heard him at first and when they did, they suppressed him. But he spoke even louder and commanded attention. Finally, everyone heard him and embraced the talents he had to offer. Even though the only "existing records were. . . scrawled on . . . envelopes and legal pads" his contribution to African American Drama has labeled him as "the father of Black drama." (Gray 6/8)

Works Cited

Gray, Christine R: On Recovering a Pioneer American Playwright. WWW URL: http://www.bobwest.com/ncaat/crgray.html (March 3,1998).

Perry, Patsy B. "Afro-American Writers from the Harlem Renaissance to 1940." Dictionary of Literary Biography, ed. Harris, Trudier and Davis, Thadious M. 51 vols. Michigan: Layman, 1987.

MLA Style Citation of this Web Page

Reuben, Paul P. "Chapter 9: Willis Richardson." PAL: Perspectives in American Literature- A Research and Reference Guide. URL:http://web.csustan.edu/english/reuben/pal/chap9/richardson.html (provide page date or date of your login).

Cook, Will Marion (1869-1944)

GO GO

Brown, Chuck (guitarist, band leader)

JAZZ

Ellington, Duke (1899-1974, pianist, band leader)
Horn, Shirley
Taylor, Billy (pianist)

OPERA

Blackwell, Harolyn
Burroughs, Henry (Bass)
Evanti, Lillian
Graves, Denyce
Hollomon, Charlotte
Wise, Ethyl

PIANO

Brooks, Maurice (Classical pianist. Graduate of the New England Conservatory in 1903)
Lee, Sylvia Olden
Marshall, Harriet Gibbs (Classical)
Walker, George (Classical)
Walker-Slocum, Frances (Classical)

RELIGION

Michaux, Solomon
.....Cassell sues Elder Michaux for 962,075 charging that Michaux defraded him during the development of the 7 mi mayfair Mansions housing project., Jet, 11/25/54, p4

RHYTHM & BLUES

Flack, Roberta

STRING PLAYERS

Barr, Pamela (cello). Earned the bachelor of music in cello from catholic. as a fellowship student at the new england conservatory, she eaarned the master's. she has performed extensively on the east coast.

Kelsh, Kathy Grayce (violin): Antoinette Handy Collection, Box 1

*****

Cobb, William Montague*

ORGANIZATIONS/INSTITUTIONS

ENSEMBLES (Vocal)

Amphion Glee Club (early 20th century)

(UNCLASSIFIED)

ANACOSTIA (WASHINGTON, DC)
.....March Triumphal of Freedom,(1922) by Fulton B. Karr (author of the "Shandon Bells" Anacostia DC. Sheet music cover, M28.K. "Respectfully dedicated to the boys of his home town of Anacostia, DC, who served their country and as a tribute to the memory of those who gave their lives in the great world war. by the author.

WASHINGTON MUSICIANS -NANM

Mary Europe
Lottie Wallace
Gabriella Pelham
Jennie Williamson
Wellington Adams

People, Places and Things

References to people, places, and things, including organizations, etc.

ADAMS, W. THOMAS

.....Editor of "The Boston Advocate"

COLUMBIAN ORCHESTRA

CRAIG, WALTER F.

.....Referred to as the "Prince of Negro Violinists"

JOHNSON, LOLA

.....DC Public School teacher. [THE NEGRO MUSIC JOURNAL. November, 1902, p48]

PRATTIS, PERCIVAL

.....On the Board of Directors for the National Negro Opera Company. See his quote in QRS's.

NEAL, ALBERT

.....Specialist of harmony, counterpoint and instrumentation. Had a studio at 416 D Street, SE (Washington, DC). [THE NEGRO MUSIC JOURNAL, October, 1902, p32]

SLADE, MME. ANNA LEE

.....Soprano soloist and dramatic reciter. Washington, DC. [THE NEGRO MUSIC JOURNAL, October, 1902, p32]

TAYLOR, J. HILARY

.....Elementary piano teacher. 111 D Street, SE (Washington, DC). [THE NEGRO MUSIC JOURNAL, October, 1902, p32]

THOMAS, CLARA BRAWNER

.....Of St. Cyprian's choir. Leading soprano (Washington, DC). [THE NEGRO MUSIC JOURNAL, October, 1902, p32]

THOMAS, SYLVESTER

.....Leader of the Columbian Orchestra. Also organist at St. Cyprian's Catholic Church. (Washington, DC). [THE NEGRO MUSIC JOURNAL, October, 1902, p32]

Black Enterprise

These are listings of African American owned and/or operated enterprises.

ACTOR (AFRICAN)
.....Mashood Olabisi Ajala of Nigeria, who was an American actor-student was deported from the US because of forgery, pauses with his new American born wife, Herminie, following their London marriage.

BANKS
.....Douglass National, largest negro bank! (Chicago). Pitts C, 7/27/29 (2/2)
.....Henry Allen Boyd, secretary of the National Baptist Publishing Board and president of the Citizens Savings Band and Trust Company, the oldest Negro bank in the country. Pitts C, 8/17/29 (2/1)
.....Binga State Bank, Chicago. Pitts C, 8/10/29 (11/1)
.....St. Luke's Savings Bank/Trust, Maggie L. Walker, Pres, Pitts C, 8/10/29 (11/1)
.....Metropolitan Bank and Trust Comp., Norfolk, Pitts C, 8/10/29 (11/1)
.....Banker who believes in investing in one's community R.L. McDougald (Mechanics and Farmers Bank, NC). Pitts C, 11/9/29 (2/2)

BINGA STATE BANK (CHICAGO)
.....Mr. Jesse Binga, Pres, Pitts C, 8/10/29 (11/1)

BOYD, HENRY ALLEN
.....President, Citizens Savings Bank and Trust Company (Nashville), Pitts C, 8/10/29 (11/1)

CHURCH
.....The Largest Protestant Church in America, Olivet Baptist (Chicago), Pitts C, 7/27/29 (6/2)

CLEANING COMPANY
.....Broadmore Laundry, Dyeing and Cleaning Comp. (New Orleans). Pitts C, 7/27/29 (5/1)

COLORED MERCHANT'S ASSOCIATION (Montgomery, AL)
.....Formed 7/31/28 by the National Negro Business League: ten store owners charter members., Pitts C, 8/10/29 (ed page)
.....Co-operative economic enterprise is our only salvation, says the Pitts C. Pitts C, 8/10/29 (edit page)

COLERIDGE-TAYLOR SCHOOL OF MUSIC
.....Estelle Bonds, secretary. Chi Def 1/21/28, 5

COSMETICS MANUFACTURER
.....Golden Brown Laboratories, Durham, NC. Pitts C, 11/23/29 (4/2). Picture of Ellis D. Jones

DRUGGIST
.....Washington Druggist Sued for Divorce. The wife of Dr. Howard R. Sewell, Washington DC drug store owner, filed suit for divorce from her husband of 11 years, charging cruelty. Jet, 12/17/53, p15

GILLETE RAZOR MILLIONAIRE
.....Former chauffeur, negro William Harris, Pitts C, 11/16/29 (2/1)

HARRIS, WILLIAM
.....Chauffeur to famous Gillete razor millionaire, Pitts C, 11/16/29 (2/1)

HOSPITAL
.....A private hospital in harlem establish by Dr. Vincent, Pitts C, 11/5/29 (3/2)
.....New hospital at Prairie View donated by Rockerfeller Foundation to open soon, Pitts C, 11/16/29 (2/1)

HOTELS
.....Vincennes Hotel ranks as the largest/finest owned by Elizabeth Barnette-Lewis since 1919 (Chicago), Pitts C, 7/27/29 (11/1)

INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION
.....Brick Jr. College (NC), Pitts C, 11/2/29 (2/20)
.....Merger of N'Orleans U and Flint-Goodridge hospital and Nurse training school, two methodist institutions, with straight college, a congregational school., Pitts C, 11/16/29 (2/1)

MANUFACTURERS
.....Cosmetic Manufacturer, Ellis D. Jones. Golden Brown Laboratories. (North Carolina). Pitts C, 11/23/29 (4/2), Picture
.....That negroes are showing ability to operate manufacturing enterprises is clearly shown in the case of E.K. Welters, who operates and maintains a plant in Jacksonville, FL., Pitts C, 5/29/26 Editorial Page

METROPOLITAN BANK/TRUST (Norfolk)
.....William M. Rich, Pres, Pitts C, 8/10/29 (11/1)

MUSIC
.....Ferrell Symphony Orchestra, Chi Def 1/21/28, p5
.....Estelle C. Bonds, secretary of the Coleridge-Taylor School of Music., Chi Def, 1/21/28, p5
.....Fisk Jubilee Singers first received recognition as a trained group. Chi Def, 12/17/38,17

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF NEGRO MUSICIANS
.....Musicians organize National Association, Chi Def, 8/9/1919, 15
.....Second convention in New York, Chic Def, 8/9/1919, 15

NATIONAL NEGRO BANKERS'S ASSOCIATION
.....Pitts C, 8/10/29 (11/1)

NEWSPAPERS

.....West Coast's Oldest negro newspaper May Fold. Jet 11/12/53, p32
California Eagle. 73 years olds. the oldest in the west.

ORCHESTRAS
.....Ferrell Symphony Orchestra, Chi Def, 1/21/28, p5
.....The only Negro symphy in the world is about to launch a season of classical music in Chicago, Amst News 1/18/28, p20
.....Orchestra has over fifty musicians trained under teachers who are members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Amst News, 1/18/28, p20

PEKIN THEATER
.....Established by Miller/Lyles. Arguably the first theater develoted exclusively to the black race. Pitts C, 5/22/26, p10

PHOTOGRAPHY
.....W.L.Weems who owns and operates the Weems Photo Studio at 327 Broad Street, Jacksonville, FL. Grad of Tuskegee School of Phography under the late C.M. Battey, has worked in the best white studios in the south. Worked in Atlanta where he was staff photographer for the Atlanta Constitution. Studio in Jacksonville, which has been open for two years, is valued at $2500. Pitts C, 12/7/29 (2/1). Photo

SCHOOLS
.....Piney Woods School in Simpson County (Jackson, MS), established for delinquent negro boys and girls. Pitts C, 11/16/29 (9/1)
.....Washington Conservatory of Music. The main event of the day was a discussion of music in two negro schools here, by Josephine Muse and Amy grant, revealing the progress made in the interesting steps from early days to the present. Miss Muse told of the start of the Washington Conservatory of Music and School of Expression by Harriet Gibbs Marshall, at 9th and T Streeets, NW. The original idea was the founding of a National Music Center, but it never materialized. There were no funds to carry on and it settled down to being a Conservatory here in 1903, and is operated from the student tuition only. It's objective at present is a preparatory schoo. The national negro Opera Comp, also came under discussion.

Miss grant next took the floor to give an account of work at Howard University with its faculty of 22 music teachers and Dean Warner Lawson's desire for 200 students. This year, 150 are enrolled. Their hope is for a new building. At present, Miss Grant and Miss Burge are the 2 voice teachers with only one assistant. She outlined the work of the 2 classes, A4 and B4 and then expanded on the problem with students: that the mediocre were more ambitious and desired a career working much more earnestly than the naturally gifted singers. (This is an excerpt taken form p24 of the Bulletin of the National Association of Teachers of Singers, Nov 1955.

ST. LUKE'S BANK/TRUST COMP. (RICHMOND)
.....Maggie L. Walker, pres. Pitts C, 8/10/29 (11/1)

TEACHERS ASSOCIATION
....38th Annual meeting of the West Virginia Teacher's Association met in Bluefield, WVa., Pitts C, 11/16/29 (10/1)
NEGRO
.....Board of Education, West Virginia State BOE, Pitts Courier, 7/7/34 (9/2)

THEATRES
.....Negro (Geore Sorlie) who wons chain of 40 theaters in Australia feted in Los Angeles, Pitts C, 12/22/34 (8/2)
.....Battle for patronage between Harlem Opera House and Apollo doors near, Pitts C, 12/22/34 (8/2)
.....Cleveland's "Karamu Theater" gave us the famed "gilpin Players" and helped author Langston Hughes and atresses Isabelle Cooley and Mildred Smith on the road to success. Dorothy Dandridge was born in Cleveland. Jet, 11/25/54, p13
.....Florida gets another colored movie house. (Sarasota, Fla)
.....Miller/Lyles hope for theatre devoted to negro. Pitts C, 5/22/26, 10
.....Miller/Lyles established the Pekin theater in Chicago soon after their graduation from Fisk in 1904. They say that this theater was the first theater devoted exclusively to their race in the country. Pitts C, 5/22/26, 10
.....New Harlem Theater War centers on 125th Street. (between the Apollo and the Harlem Opera House). Pitts C, 12/22/34 (8/2)
.....Weatlhy Negro who owns chain of 40 theaters in Australia. Pitts C, 12/15/34 (8/2)
.....The Alpha Theater is the only movie house for Negroes in Waco Texas. Jet, 12/27/51, p16

TOWNS
.....Little Mound Bayou's 42nd B'day emphasizes the efficiency of black rule, Pitts C, 8/3/29, Feature section.(www.orgsites.com/ms/moundbayou)
.....Town found by Isaiah T. Montgomery. He states: "In the fall of 1886, my attention was attracted to the Great Yazoo (Miss. Delta). After investigating that section closely, I opened a colony which now numbers about six hundred persons, and laid out the growing little town of Mound Bayou on the L. N. O. and T. R. R., in Bolivar County where I now conduct a business of $30, 000.00 per annum inclusive of cotton shipments which amount to 250 bales, crop 1890. My real estate interests are worth about $20,000.00. The colored people in the vicinity own 5, 000 acres and are increasing their holdings rapidly."

Source of above quote: http://www.angelfire.com/folk/gljmr/MontgomeryI.html



Photo: Isaiah T. Montgomery
Source: http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/USAhermannIT.htm

.....Boley (Oklahoma). Pitts C, 7/14/34 (9/2)
.....Boley, OK, unique all negro Town to celebrate thirtieth anniversary. Founding of America's first all colored community, founded 9/22/04. PItts C, 7/14/34, (9/2)
.....Little Mound Bayou. Only town in US where the jail was abolished. Pitts C, 8/3/29 (8/2)
....Mayor says whites not wanted in negro town. Mound Bayou. Jet, 12/17/53, p5
Mayor B.A. Green of MB, Miss tourned down a suggestion that white persons be invited to live in the all Negro town and pointed out, "we're satisfied just as we are: and we can't see where the town and its citizens would benefit in any way from integration. Dr. E. J. Stringer, president of the Mississippi NAACP, had suggested that Mound Bayou welcome whites.

Historical Cultural/Performing Arts Ensembles/Ed Institutions, Individuals

Institutions owned, operated or frequented by African Americans. Some listings may have been advertised in an African American newspaper or other organ, such as "Crisis" magazine.


A. EUGENE NIXON
Music Instructor
218 W 137th Street
New York

ACADEMY OF MUSICAL ART
Massachusetts

ALBION ACADEMY STATE NORMAL SCHOOL
Rev. J. A. Savage, principal

ALVIN AILEY CITY CENTER DANCE THEATER
ARMSTRONG AUDITORIUM
(Armstrong Technical High School)

ANDERSON'S STUDIO
2323 Seventh Avenue (136th Street)
New York

APOLLO THEATRE
Morris Sussman, Mgr

ARCARO PHONOGRAPH COMPANY
918 Wylie Avenue
Pittsburgh

AVERY NORMAL INSTITUTE
Charleston, SC
T. Newton Owen, principal

BALTIMORE NORMAL SCHOOL
George Harrison, president

BERNICE HAMMOND LEWIS SCHOOL OF DANCE
3022 14th St, NE
Bernice H. Lewis, Directress

BOOKER T.

BRANCH NORMAL COLLEGE
Pine Bluff, Arkansas
F.T. Venegar, principal

BREWER NORMAL SCHOOL
Greenwood, SC
Homer W. Stevens, principal

CAPITOL SCHOOL OF PHOTOGRAPHY
1813 18th Street, NW
Robert S. Scurlock, Director

CARMEN SHEPPERD SCHOOL OF MUSIC
New York

CARVER THEATRE
2405 Nichols Ave., SE
[Nichols Avenue was renamed Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, SE in the 70s]

CHICAGO MUSIC ASSOCIATION
Josephine C. Inniss, head of Junior Musicians

COLORED AGRICULTURAL AND NORMAL UNIVERSITY
Langston, OK
Inman E. Page, president

COLORED DRUGGIST ASSOCIATION OF DC
Dr. Edward F. Harris, Founder

COSMOPOLITAN MUSIC STUDY CLUB

COSMOPOLITAN SCHOOL OF MUSIC AND FINE ARTS
Lillian M. LeMon, Head of Piano Department

DALE RADIO CO
5113 Georgia Avenue, NW

DRA-MU OPERA COMPANY
Mr. Raymon L. Smith
130 N Sickel street
Philadelphia

DUNBAR THEATRE
Seventh/T Streets, NW

E. ALDAMA JACKSON
355 145th Street,
New York

EUGENE L. HENRY (Sheet music for pianists)
1587 Broadway
New York

FRANCIS JR. HIGH SCHOOL
24th and N Streets, NW

FISK CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC
Lee C. Holden, Director (1926)

FISK MOZART SOCIETY
Nashville

FLORENCE J. MILLS
Organist at St. Augustine's Church

FRANCES KRAFT RECLING MUSIC
210 West 125th St
New York

GARNETT PATTERSON MIDDLE SCHOOL
2001 10th St, NW
Washington, DC

GEORGE MINOT JONES
1525 8th St, NW
Washington, DC

GRACE JONES ORCHESTRA

GRACE SWEENY
Organist at St. Augustine's Church

GRIFFITH STADIUM
7th and Georgia Ave, NW

GWENDOLINE MOORE BAYLEY'S MUSIC STUDIO
.....51 East 129th Street, Amsterdam News, 2/11/39 (20)

FLORIDA NORMAL AND INDUSTRIAL COLLEGE

HANDY, WILLIAM C.
19 Chester Drive
Yonker, NY

HARRIET TUBMAN TERRACE HOUSE
Frankstown Avenue
Pittsburgh
Note: Convalescent home for negro women and girls. Dream of Mrs. Abraham Lincoln.

HARLEM CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC
257 Lennox Avenue (at 123rd Street)
New York

HARLEM OPERA HOUSE
125th St, W of 7th Avenue
New York
Frank Schiffman, manager

HARLEM OPERA SOCIETY
New York
Fred Storfer, Musical Director

HARLEM SCHOOL OF THE ARTS
645 St. Nicholas Avenue
New York

HARVEY BAKER STUDIO OF VOICE

HELEN HAGEN
580 St. Nicholas Ave
New York

HEVEN NORMAL ACADEMY
Waynesboro, GA
W.H. Bryan, A.B., prinipal

HOWARD PLEASURE CLUB
1620 14th St, NW
E.C. Morris, Manager

HOWARD UNIVERSITY TEACHERS COLLEGE
Washington
Lewis Baxter Moore, Ph.D., Dean

(MME) HURD FAIRFAX STUDIOS
Teacher of voice and piano
Assistant, Luther E. Jones -concert pianist and organist
2335 7th Ave, Ap1 1
New York

INSTITUTE FOR COLORED YOUTH
Indiana, PA
Hugh M. Browne, A.M., Prinicipal

J. ROSAMOND JOHNSON COMPANY

LAFAYETTE THEATER
Washington, DC
Frank Schiffman, Mgr

LAFAYETTE THEATER ORCHESTRA
Washington, DC
Victor Johnson, Director

LANCASTER NORMAL AND INDUSTRIAL INSTITUTE
Lancaster, SC
M.D. Lee, A.M., president

LEMOYNE NORMAL INSITUTE
Memphis
Ludwig T. Larson, A.M., president

LENOX PLAYERS

LINCOLN COLONADE
1215 You Street, NW

LINCOLN NORMAL SCHOOL (colored)
Marion, AL
M.L. Phillips, principal

LINCOLN THEATRE

MARTIN-SMITH SCHOOL
139 West 136th Street
New York

METROPOLITAN AME CHURCH
1518 M Street, NW

METROPOLITAN CHOIRS OF WASHINGTON, DC
Maude C. Smothers, Director

MODERN SCHOOL OF MUSIC
3109 Georgia Ave., NW
Arthur E. Smith, Director

MODERN SCHOOL OF MUSIC
749 Park Road, NW

MORRISTOWN NORMAL AND INDUSTRIAL COLLEGE
Morristown, TN
Rev. Judson S. Hill, D.D., president

MWALIMU SCHOOL OF MUSIC
Manet Harrison Fowler, Head

MT. MORRIS MUSIC SCHOOL
Director: Novella E. McCrorey

NATIONAL ACADEMY OF MUSIC AND ART
1517 R Street, NW

NATIONAL TRAINING SCHOOL FOR BOYS
Bladensburg, MD

NEGRO STORY PRESS
4019 Vincennes Avenue
Chicago, IL

NEW YORK ACADEMY OF MUSIC AND PREPARATORY SCHOOL
447 Lenox Avenue
Robert W. Justice, Director

NORTHEAST STUDIO OF MUSIC
1211 G Street, NE
Theodora West Threlkeld, Directress

NORTHEASTERN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
Headquarters: Newark:
Board Pres: Harry H. Pace
[Pace, for a number of years was Secretary-Treasurer of the Standard Life Insurance Company of Atlanta]

ODD FELLOWS HALL
9th/T Streets, NW
(white owned: negro music journal 12/1902 (64))

PARKER PIANO STUDIOS
1455 S Michigan Avenue
Chicago

PETERSON HALL YMCA
1719 13th Street, NW
Washington, DC

PHYLLIS WHEATLY YWCA
901 Rhode Island Avenue, NW

PIGSKIN CLUB OF WASHINGTON
Washington, DC

PITTSBURGH COURIER PUBLISHING COMPANY

PLYMOUTH THEATRE
1365 H St, NE

PRAMPIN SCHOOL
131 W 136th Street
Harlem
Harry/Laura Prampin

QUALITY MUSIC COMPANY
1836 7th Street, NW
Washington, DC

RACE STAR RECORDS
918 Wylie Avenue
Pittsburgh

RADIO MUSIC HALL
9th & V Streets, NW
Washington, DC

REGENT MUSIC SCHOOL
Cambridge, Mass
Director: W. THomas Adams

ROBERT NOLAN SCHOOL OF MUSIC
5520 East Warren Avenue
Detroit, MI

ROBERT NOLAN SCHOOL OF MUSIC
11016 Dexter Boulevard
Detroit, MI

ROSS STUDIO OF MUSIC AND DRAMA
7906 Quincy Avenue
Chicago, IL
Ludie Ross Ballard, Founder

SAMMY DYER SCHOOL OF DANCING
3445-45 S. Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL
Virginia Reilly Ballet Instructor

SAMUEL COLERIDGE TAYLOR SOCIETY OF WASHINGTON
John T. Layton, Director
Founded in 1902

SAMUEL FELDMAN MUSIC STUDIO
1538 Ogden Street
Washington, DC

SHELBY NORMAL INSTITUTE
Shelby, MS
J.M. Williamson, Principal

SHERWOOD MUSIC SCHOOL
Illinois

SMALL'S MUSIC SCHOOL
1956 2nd Street, NW, Apt. 1

ST. AUGUSTINE'S SCHOOL
Raleigh, NC
Rev. A.B. Hunter, principal

STANDARD LIFE INSURANCE
Atlanta
[Harry Pace served at Secretary/Treasurer before going on to Northeaster Life.
Standard helped underwrite an Insurance Chair at Howard, Wiley (Marshall, TX) and Morehouse in the 20s]

STATE COLORED NORMAL SCHOOL
Fayetteville
E.E. Smith, president

STATE COLORED NORMAL SCHOOL
Winston-Salem
F.M. Kennedy, principal

STATE NORMAL INSTITUTE
Elizabeth City, NC
P.W. Moore, A.M., president

STATE NORMAL SCHOOL FOR COLORED STUDENTS
Montgomery, AL
W.B. Patterson, principal

STUDIO OF NEGRO OPERA COMPANY
214 West 127th Street
New York

SWIFT MEMORIAL COLLEGE
Rogersville, TN
Rev. W.H. Franklin, D.D., president

TAYLOR UNIVERSITY
1517 Vermont Avenue, NW
A. Langston Taylor, President

THELMA BRUNSON STUDIO (organist)
287 Edgecombe Avenue
New York

THOMAS A. DORSEY -PUBLISHER
755 Oakwood Boulevard
Chicago, IL

THOMAS NEGRO COMPOSERS STUDY GROUP
Blanche Thomas, Director
Joseph Thomas, Business Mgr

TREBLE CLEF CHOIR
14th & W Streets, NW
Washington, DC

TREBLE CLEF CHOIR OF PITTSBURGH
Celebrated its 20th Ann, 11/26/56
Maudelena Johnson, Directress

TRIORA GIRLS
Elaine Durant, accompanist

TURNER'S ARENA
14th & W Streets, NW

TUSKEGEE NORMAL AND INDUSTRIAL INSTITUTE
Tuskegee, AL
Booker T. Washington, LL.D, principal

ULINE ARENA
3rd & M Streets, NE
Bears the name of Mike Uline

WWDC RADIO STATION

WALLINGFORD ACADEMY
Charleston, SC
Rev. David Brown, D.D., president

WASHINGTON AFRO AMERICAN
1800 11th Street, NW

WASHINGTON COLLEGE OF MUSIC
656 12th Street, NE
Washington, DC

WASHINGTON CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC AND SCHOOL OF EXPRESSION
902 T Street, N.W.

WASHINGTON JUNIOR COLLEGE OF MUSIC
1252 Maryland Avenue, NE
J.L. Eubanks, Director

WASHINGTON NORMAL SCHOOL No. 2 (Colored)
Lucy E. Moten, M.D., principal

WATERS NORMAL SCHOOL
Winton, NC
Rev. C.S. Brown, Principal

WENDELL PHILLIPS HIGH SCHOOL
Chicago, IL

WILBUR P. JOHNSON
Organist, St. Phillips (Brooklyn)

WILSON LAMB'S STUDIO
Metropolitan Building
310 Main Street
Orange, NJ

WILSON WILLIAMS NEGRO DANCE COMPANY
New York

YOUNG MEN'S EDUCATIONAL AID ASSOCIATION
Shawmut Avenue
Boston
Director: W. Thomas Adams

Visual Artists and Artistry

COLERIDGE-TAYLOR, SAMUEL



Source: National Portrait Gallery (http://www.npg.org.uk/live/index.asp)

Marjorie Evans, Coleridge-Taylor's half sister, had seen an oil painting of the composer as a child (1881) that is identical to the one that was on view at the National Portrait Gallery in London. (Quoted from Jeffrey Green and Paul McGilchrist, "Samuel Coleridge-Taylor: A Post Script." in THE BLACK PERSPECTIVE IN MUSIC (1986)).

HOLMES, HENRY



Henry Holmes was a South Jamaican artists. The photo is taken from a newspaper article (Long Island Daily Press, Saturday, July 13, 1940). The caption reads: "Joe Louis, world's heavyweight champion, look over an oil portrait of himself done by Henry Holmes, South Jamaican artist, who is smilingly point out the detail in the canvas."


JOHNSON, MALVIN GRAY



Black artist, Malvin Gray Johnson, a North Carolina native, rose to prominence during the Harlem Renaissance. His exhibition of oils, watercolors and drawings in 2002 at North Carolina Central University, was the first since his death in 1934.

Negro Spirituals Index

Source: "Down by the Riverside" (from the painting by Malvin Gray Johnson).

Information about Malvin Johnson is posed under "Visual Artists and Artistry" on this blog.

PREFACE

The following is list of alphabetically arranged titles. The codes, which are next to the titles, are designed to link the song title with its appropriate collection (listed at the end of the song titles) for ease in finding the appropriate songbook that contains a title of interest. For lyrics, consult www.negrospirituals.com or email me.

Some pieces would not be considered spirituals. They are listed because they were part of a collection of songs in a songbook.

TITLES


Adam in de garden pinnin' leaves [BDW]
A little talk wid Jesus makes it right [BANS,i]
A listening all the night long [SB]
Aint dat good news [BDW]
Aint gon' er tarry here [BDW]
Ain't gonna grieve my Lord no more [WAN]
Ain’t goin’t study war no more [WG]
Ain't got long to stay heah [JMS]
Ain't got weary yet [EB16]
Ain't gwine study war no mo' [FHu]
Ain't I glad I've got out the wilderness [NJM]
Ain't it a shame [FH], [HS,i: Same as "FS"]
Ain't that good news [AACS], [EB16], [NJM], [WFS], [WNS]
Ain't you glad? [EB]
All-er ma sins are taken away [BDW]
All God's chillun got wings [BANS,ii], [JJ]
All I do the church keep a-grumblin' [BANS,ii]
All I do the people keep a-grumbling
All night, all day [ANAD]
All ober dis worl' [BDW]
All o' my sins [EB]
All of our sins are taken away [SB]
Almost over [SS51]
Angel dun change-er ma name [BDW]
Angel Gabriel [WG]
Angels watchin' over me [JJ]
Archangel, open the door [SS51]
Are you ready? [BDW]
Arkangel [BDW]
Aurore Bradaire [SS51]
Balm in Gilead [ND1]
Balm in Gilead [EB]
Balm in Gilead [FH]
Balm in Gilead [WG]
Baptizin' [BDW]
Be calm Jordan [BNS]
Been wash in de blood ob de Lamb [BDW]
Be ready when He comes [SB]
Before this time [WG]
Behold that star [ANAD]
Behold the star [AACS]
Bell da ring [SS51]
Been a-list'nin' [FNS]
Black history rondo (speech activity) [SS]
Blessed are the poor in spirit [EB], arr. Dr. A.M. Townsend
Blind man stood on the way and cried [WG]
Blow your trumpet, Gabriel [SS51]
Boun' fer Canaan Lan' [BDW]
Bound for the promised land [WG]
Bound to go [SS51]
Brother, guide me home [SS51]
Brother Moses gone [SS51]
Build a house in Paradise [SS51]
Build right on that shore [EB], arr. Mrs. J. Pearl Reese
By an' by [FNS]
Bye an' bye [BANS,i], [FH]
By and by [EB16], [WG]
Calinda [SS51]
Calvary [AACS], [BANS,i]
Can I ride? [EB]
Can’t you live humble? [BANS,ii], [WG]
Caroline [SS51]
Cert'ny Lord [FH]
Certainly, Lord [EB]
Charleston gals [SS51]
Chatter with the angels [ANAD]
Children do linger [SS51]
Children, don't get weary [EB]
Chilly water [BANS,ii], [FNS], [WG]
Church is moving on [EB], arr. W.H. Sherwood
City called Heaven [AACS], [EB16]
Climbing Jacob's ladder [SB]
Climbin' up de mountain [FH]
Come an' go wit' me [BDW]
Come here, Lord! [BANS,ii]
Come along, Moses [SS51]
Come go with me [SS51]
Come unto Me [MAG]
Comin' down de line [BDW]
Couldn't hear nobody pray [EB], [NFS,ii]
Cross-er me over [BDW]
Crucifixion [BANS,i], [EB], [EB16]
Cruel Jews [BDW]
Daniel saw the stone [BANS,ii], [ND1]
Daniel's in de lion's den [BDW]
Dat same train [BDW]
Dawn of the kingdom of God [SB]
Day of judgement, The [SS51]
De angels roll de stone away [BANS,ii]
De angels in Heav'n gwineter write [BANS,ii]
Death goin' t' lay his col' icy han' on me [BDW]
De band o' Gideon [BANS,i]
De bell dun ring [BDW]
De blin' man stood on de road an' cried [BANS,i], [FHu]
De Egyp' lan' [FNS]
De gif' ob Gowd is eternal life [BDW]
De gospel train [GNS]
De Lawd's laid His Han's on me [FNS]
De ol' ark's a-moverin' an' I'm goin' home [BANS,ii], [JJ]
De ol' sheep done know de road [BANS,ii]
De ten virgins [FNS]
De wings ob a dove [FNS]
Death come to my house he didn't stay long [BANS,ii]
Death's gwineter lay his cold icy hands on me (Rare Version) [BANS,ii]
Deep down in my heart [EB], arr. E.C. Deas
Deep river [BANS,i], [CNS],[FNS], [GS], [ND1], [SS]
Deep river [EB], arr. Mrs. Willa A. Townsend
Den I'm goin' home [FNS]
Den my little soul's gwine to shine [FNS]
Dere's a han' writin' on de wall [BANS,ii]
Dere's a meetin' heah tonight [FNS]
Dere's a mighty war in de Hebben [BDW]
Dere's no hidin' place down dere [BANS,i], [FHu]
Dese all-er ma Father's chillun [BDW]
Didn't my Lord deliver Daniel? [BANS,i], [GS]
Didn't old Pharoah get los'? [BANS,i]
Die in de fiel' [BANS,i]
Do don't touch-a my garmen, good Lord, I'm gwine home [BANS,ii]
Do, Lord, remember me [EB], arr. Dr. A.M. Townsend
Do Lord remember me [BDW], [MAG]
Done found de way at las' [BDW]
Don't you grive after me [BDW]
Do you call dat religion [JJ]
Do you think I'll make a sojer [FNS]
Done foun' my los' sheep [BANS,i], [FNS]
Done made my vow [AACS], [EB16]
Done with sin and sorrow [EB], arr. Mrs. Willa A. Townsend. Jubilee Singers, 1874 (inscribed on selection. May text may be from Jubilee Singers)
Don't be weary, traveller [SS51]
Don't call the roll, John [ND1]
Don't let it be said, too late [EB], arr. E.C. Deas
Don't let nobody turn yer roun' [OM]
Don’t you let nobody turn you roun’ [WG]
Don't you want to be a lover of the Lord [JJ]
Don't you wish you were in Hebben? [BDW]
Down by de ribbeh side [FNS]
Down by de riverside [JJ]
Down by the riverside [EB]
Down in the valley to pray [SB]
Dry bones [FH]
Dry bones goin' t' rise ag'in [BDW]
Early in the morning [SS51]
Ev'ry time I feel de Spirit [BANS,i],[FHu]
Ev'ry time I feel the Spirit [CNS], [GS], [SS]
Every hour in the day [SS51]
Every time I feel the Spirit [SB], [WG]
Everytime I feel the spirit [EB]
Ezekiel [JJ]
Ezekiel's wheel [MAG]
Fare ye well [SS51]
Father Abraham [BANS,i], [BDW]
Final liberty bell [SB]
Follow the drinkin' gourd [SS]
Four and twenty elders [EB]
Free at las' [BDW]
Free at last [SB], [SS]
Free grace and chariots are coming [SB]
Get on board [ANAD], [SS]
Get on board little children [SB]
Get right with God [EB], arr. Mrs. Willa A. Townsend
Gimme dat ol' time religion [BANS,i], [FHu]
Gimme yo' han' [BANS,ii]
Git on board, little chillen [BANS,i], [S&S]
Git on board, little children [GS]
Git on de boat little chillun [BDW]
Git yo' ticket [MAG]
Give-er me Jesus [BDW]
Give me Jesus [BANS,i]
Give me that old time religion [GS]
Give me your hand [EB], [ND1]
Give up the world [SS51]
Glory an' honor [BDW]
Go down, Moses [BANS,i], [CNS], [EB], [FNS], GS], [ND1], [NFS,ii], [SS]
Goin' away to see-er ma Lord [BDW]
Go in the wilderness [SS51]
o, Mary, an' toll de bell [FNS]
Go ring dem bells [FNS]
Go tell it on the mountain [AACS], [EB16], [ND1]
God got plenty o' room [SS51]
God's a-gwine ter move all de troubles away [NFS]
God's going to set this world on fire [EB]
God's a-gwineter trouble de water [BANS,ii]
Goin' to should all over Heav'n [CNS]
Going to ride up in the chariot [WG]
Gold band, The [SS51]
Golden altar, The [SS51]
Good-bye [SS51]
Good-bye, brother [SS51]
Good Lord dun been here [BDW]
Good news [EB]
Good news! [SS]
Good news! Chariot comin' [JJ]
Good news, chariot's comin'! [NFS,ii]
Good news, member [SS51]
Good old way, The [SS51]
Gospel train [WG]
Got the whole world in His hands [SB]
Graveyard, The [SS51]
Great big stars [ANAD]
Great camp meetin' [OM]
Great camp meeting [EB], arr. E.C. Deas
Great day [BANS,ii]
Great day [EB], arr. Work brothers
Gwine follow [SS51]
Gwine to hold out to the end [FNS]
Gwine up (Madrigal I&II) [SM]
Gwineter ride up in de chariot doon-a in de mornin' [BANS,ii]
Hail joh's army ben' down an die [BDW]
Hail, Mary [SS51]
Hallelu, hallelu [SS51]
Hallelujah! [BANS,i]
Hand me down [JJ]
Hand me down my silver trumpet Lord [SB]
Happy morning [SS51]
Hard trials [CNS]
Healing water [WG]
He arose [EB], arr. Willa A. Townsend
He arose [AACS]
He arose from the dead [SB]
Heab'n [FNS]
Heave away [SS51]
Heaven bell a-ring [SS51]
Heaven bells, The [SS51]
Heav'n boun' soldier [BANS,i]
Heav’n, Heav’n (I’ve got a robe) [GS], [WG]
Heaven is a beautiful place [MAG]
He never said a mumblin' word [FNS]
He's got his eyes on me [EB], arr. Mrs. J. Pearl Reese
He's got the whole world in His hand [EB], [SS]
He's got the wold world in His hands [ANAD]
He's jus' de same today [BANS,i]
He's the Lily of the valley [MAG]
Hide-a , me [MAG]
Hol' de win' don't let it blow [BANS,ii]
Hold on [AACS]
Hold out to the end [SS51]
Hold out yo' light [FNS]
Hold your light [SS51]
How did you feel [EB]
Humble yo'self [JJ]
Humble yo'self de bell done ring [BANS,ii]
Hunting for a city [SS51]
Hunting for the Lord [SS51]
Hush, hush [JJ]
Hush! Hush! [AACS], [EB]
Hypocrite and the concubine, The [SS51]
I ain't a gwine a grieve my Lord [FHu]
I am bound for the promised land [EB], arr. Dr. A.M. Townsend
I an' satan had a race [SS51]
I believe I'll go back home [MAG]
I can't stand the fire [SS51]
I can't stay away [EB] arr, Mrs. Willa A. Townsend
I can't stay behind [SS51]
I could hear nobody pray [SB]
I couldn't hear nobody pray [BANS,i], [FNS], [JJ]
I done done what ya'tol' me to do [BANS,i]
I don't feel now ways tired [AACS], [CNS], [EB]
I don't feel weary [SS51]
I feel like my time ain't long [BANS,ii]
If I have mah tickit Lawd [MAG]
I found Jesus over in Zion [MAG]
I got a hidin' place [MAG]
I got a home in-a dat rock [BANS,i]
I got a key to the kingdom [MAG]
I got a mother in de heavenly lan' [OM]
I got mah swoad in mah han' [MAG]
I got shoes! [SS]
I hear from Heaven today [SS51]
I heard de preachin' of de word of God [BANS, ii]
I hope my mother will be there [ND1]
I know de Lord has laid His han's on me [JJ]
I know the Lord [AACS], [EB], [EB16]
I know the Lord's laid His hands on me [BANS,ii], [ND1]
If I be lifted up from the earth [SB]
I I had the wings of the morning [BNS]
I know my heart's in heaven [SB]
I know the Lord has laid His hands on me [SB]
I'll be sleepin' in mah grave [MAG]
I'll never turn back -oh no [SB]
I'm a rollin' [BANS,i]
I’m a rolling [CNS], [WG]
I'm a soldier [EB]
I'm a solger in de army ob de Lord [BDW]
I'm a trouble in de mind [SS51]
I'm a-going to eat at the welcome table [ANAD]
I'm a-rollin' [FNS]
I'm an everyday witness [MAG]
I mean to lift up a standard for my King [MAG]
I'm goin' to meet my mother [JJ]
I'm going home [SS51]
I'm gonna sing [ANAD]
I'm gwine to Alabamy [SS51]
I'm gwine up to Heab'n anyhow [BANS,ii]
I'm in trouble [SS51]
I'm in your care [EB], Music Mrs. Valera Brass. Arr. Dr. A.M. Townsend
I'm runnin' on [MAG]
I'm so glad [EB]
I'm troubled in mind [BANS,i]
I'm troubled in mind (Madrigal VI) [S&S]
I'm troubled, Lord [JJ]
In-a my heart [FNS]
In bright mansions above [EB], arr. Dr. A.M. Townsend, [SB]
In my father's house [EB]
In dat great gittin' up mornin' [BANS,ii]
In de Lord, my soul's been anchored in de Lord (Madrigal III)[SM]
In that bright, shining world [WG]
In the army of the Lord [MAG]
In the mansions above [SS51]
In the river of Jordan [EB, arr. Dr. A.M. Townsend
In this field [MAG]
I saw the beam in my sister's eye
I shall not be moved [EB]
I stood on the river of Jordan [ANAD]
I stood outside the gate [MAG]
It looks like the promised land [SB]
It may be de las' time [MAG]
I thank God I'm free at last [BANS,ii]
It’s a- me, O Lord (Standing in need of prayer) [WG]
It's me [EB], arr. Dr. A.M. Townsend
It's me [FNS]
It's me, O Lord [BANS,i],[CNS], [JJ]
It's me, O Lord (Madrigal VII) [S&S]
I've been buked [AACS], [SS]
I've got a robe [EB]
I've done what you told me to do [ND1]
I’ve got a robe (Heav’n, Heav’n) [WG]
I want God's Heab'n to be mine [BANS,ii]
I wanta live so God can use me [MAG]
I want to be ready [CNS],[ND1], [SB]
I want to be ready (Walk in Jerusalem) [WG]
I want to die easy when I die [BANS,ii]
I want to die like-a Lazarus die [SS51]
I want to go a-home [FHu]
I want to go home [SS51]
I want to join the band [SS51]
I want to live so God can use me [SB]
I wish I had been dere [SS51]
Jacob's ladder [SS51]
Jehovah, hallelujah [SS51]
Jesus is a Rock in a weary land [EB], arr. Wm. Henry Smith
Jesus on the waterside [SS51]
Jesus, the Water of life [SB]
Jesus walked [OM]
Jesus, won't you come by-and-bye? [SS51]
Jine 'em [SS51]
John Brown's body (Glory hallelujah) [S&S]
John done saw dat numbuh [MAG]
John, John of the Holy Order [SS51]
John saw de angels [OM]
John saw the Holy number [BANS,i]
Join the angel band [SS51]
Jordan's mills [SS51]
Joshua [AACS]
Joshua fit de Battle [FH]
Joshua fit de battle ob Jerico [BANS,i]
Joshua fit de Battle of Jerico [FHu], [S&S]
Joshua fought the battle of Jericho [SB]
Jubalee [BANS,ii], [JJ]
Jubilee (Swing low, sweet chariot) [EB], arr. E.C. Deas
Just now [SS51]
Keep a-inchin' along [BANS,i]
Keep me from sinking down [BANS,i], [FNS], [ND1]
King Emmanuel [SS51]
King of Kings [AACS]
Kum bah yah! [S&S]
Lawd I want two wings [MAG]
Lay this body down [SS51]
Lean on the Lord's side [SS51]
Leanin' on de Lord [JJ]
Let God's saints come in [SS51]
Let Jesus lead you [SB]
Let me ride [EB]
Let my people go [SB]
Let us break bread [AACS]
Let's celebrate black history [SS]
Let the church roll on [MAG]
Let the words [EB]
Let us cheer the weary traveler [WG]
Life of Frederick Douglass (Choral speech) [SS]
Lift ev'ry voice and sing [SS]
Li'l David [FNS]
Lily ob de valley [FNS]
Lis'en to de lam's [BANS,i]
Listen to de lambs [FNS], [NFS,i]
Little black train is a comin' [MAG]
Little children, then won't you be glad? [SS51]
Little David [BDW], [EG], [JJ]
Lit'le David, play on yo' harp [BANS,i]
Little David, play on yo' harp [FHu]
Little David play on your harp [SB]
Little talk with Jesus [EB]
Little wheel a-turnin- in my heart [FNS]
Listen to the lambs [EB], [GS]
Look-a how dey done my Lord [BANS,ii]
Look away into heaven [EB], arr. Lucie E. Campbell
Lord have mercy [BNS]
Lord, I done what You tol' me to do [JJ]
Lord, I want to be a Christian [EB], [ND1]
Lord, I want to be a Christian in-a my heart [BANS,ii]
Lord, I want to be like Jesus [SB]
Lolotte [SS51]
Lonesome valley, THe [SS51]
Lord, make me more patient [SS51]
Lord, remember me [SS51]
Lost sheep [AACS]
Love never fails [SB]
Mom's lil Boy [FH]
Many thousand gone [ND1], [SS51]
March on [FNS]
Mary and Martha [EG], [ND1]
Mary and Martha jes' gone 'long [BANS,ii]
Mary an' Martha jes' gone 'long (Madrigal IV) [S&S]
Mary had a baby, yes, Lord [BANS,ii]
Mary wept and Martha moaned [MAG]
Meet, O Lord [SS51]
Meeting here to-night, There's a [SS51]
Members, don't git weary [BANS,ii]
Michael row the boat ashore [SS51]
Mos' done toilin' here [BANS,ii]
Move up the King's highway [EB], arr. E.C. Deas
Musion Bainjo [SS51]
My army cross over [SS51]
My Bonnie is over the ocean [S&S]
My body rock 'long fever [SS51]
My brother, I do wonder [ND1]
My Father, how long? [SS51]
My God delivered Daniel [SB]
My God He is a Man of war [MAG]
My God is so high [AACS]
My good Lord have been here [OM]
My good Lord's been here [EB]
My Lord delivered Daniel [WG]
My Lawd's a-ridin' all de time [FNS]
My Lord's a-writin' all de time [BANS,i]
My Lord's goin' to move dis wicked race [JJ]
My Lord says He's gwineter rain down fire [BANS,ii]
My Lord, what a mornin' [BANS,i], [FHu]
My Lord, what a mourning! [EB], [SS]
My Lord's writing all the time [EB], arr. Mrs. Willa A. Townsend
My ship is on de ocean [BANS,ii]
My soul's been anchored in de Lord [BANS,ii]
My time is come [AACS]
My way's cloudy [BANS,i], [CNS], [ND1]
New Born [AACS]
New hiding-place [EB], arr. Mrs. Willa A. Townsend
Never said a mumblin' word [OM]
No condemnation in my soul [MAG]
No hiding place [EB], arr. Mrs. Willa A. Townsend
No man can hinder me [SS51]
No more rain fall for wet you [SS51]
Noah’s ark (One wide river to cross) [WG]
Noah built the ark [SB]
Nobody knows [EB], arr. Mrs. Willa A. Townsend
Nobody knows the trouble [BNS]
Nobody knows de trouble I see [BANS,ii],[FHu], [JJ]
Nobody knows de trouble I see (rare version) [BANS,i]
Nobody knows de trouble I've seen [FNS]
Nobody knows the trouble I see [CNS], [SB]
Nobody knows the trouble I've had [SS51]
Nobody knows the trouble I've seen [GS], [ND1], [SS]
None but the righteous [EB], arr. Dr. A.M. Townsend
Not weary yet [SS51]
Now is the needy time [EB]
Now let me fly [ANAD], [JJ], [SS]
Now we are the sons of God [SB]
O brothers, don't get weary [SS51]
O Daniel [SS51]
O ev'ry time I feel de Spirit [NFS,i]
O, gambler, git up off o' yo' knees [BANS,i]
O'er the crossing [SS51]
Oh death-oh death [SB]
Oh, freedom! [EB], arr. Mrs. Willa A. Townsend
Oh, hear me prayin' [BANS,ii]
Oh let the people sing [SB]
Oh Mary, don't you weep [SB]
Oh Mary--Oh Martha [MAG]
Oh, my good Lord, show me de way [BANS,ii]
Oh, Peter, go ring dem bells [CNS], [GS]
Oh sinner [MAG]
Oh, what a beautiful city [AACS]
Oh when the Saints go marchin' in [S&S]
Oh, won't you sit down? [SS]
Oh wretched man [BNS]
Oh, yes! Oh, yes! wait 'til I git on my robe [BANS,ii]
Oh, yes! Oh, yes! [ENS,i]
O, I got a light [ND3]
Old Black Joe [FH]
Old ship of zion, The [SS51]
Old-time religion [EB]
Old-time religion [WG]
O Lord, abide with me [EB]. w/m Mrs. Georgia Hall. Arr. Mrs. W.A. Townsend
O Mary [FH]
O, Mary don't you weep [FHu]
O, Mary, don't you weep [JJ]
O Mary, don’t you weep [WG]
O, my good Lord [JJ]
O my Lord, what shall I do? [EB], arr. E.C. Deas
On calvary [EB], arr. Mrs. Willa A. Townsend
On my journey [AACS]
On to glory [SS51]
One wide river to cross (Noah’s ark) [WG]
Open the window, Noah [ANAD]
O redeem'd [FNS]
O ride on, Jesus [NFS,ii]
O, rocks don't fall on me [BANS,i]
O shout away [SS51]
O, wasn't that a mighty day [JJ]
O, wasn't dat a wide river? [BANS,i]
O when the saints go marching in [ANAD]
O won't you sit down [ANAD]
People in slavery, A (choral speech) [SS]
Peter, go ring the bells [ANAD]
Peter on the sea [FNS]
Peter on the seas [JJ]
Plenty good room [EB16]
Po' lil Jesus [FNS], [S&S]
Po li'l Lam' [FH]
Poor mourner's got a home [ND1]
Po mourner's got a home at las' (Madrigal IV) [S&S]
Poor Rosy [SS51]
Praise King jesus [SB]
Praise, member [SS51]
Pray all de member [SS51]
Pray on [SS51]
Prepare me a body [AACS]
Rain fall and wet Becca Lawton [SS51]
Religion so sweet [SS51]
Remon [SS51]
Resurrection morn, The [SS51]
Ride on King Jesus [EB16]
Ride up in de chariot [FNS]
Rise an' shine [FNS]
Rise, mourner [WG]
Rise, mourner, rise [OM]
Rise and shine [AACS], [EB16], [ND1]
Rise, shine [JJ]
Rise, shine for thy light is a-coming [EB], arr. Mrs. Willa A. Townsend
Rise up, shepherd [AACS], [ENS,i]
Rock-a my soul [SS]
Rock o' Jubilee [SS51]
Rock o' my soul in the bosom of Abraham [SB]
Rocks and the mountains, The [ANAD]
Roll on [WG]
Roll, Jordan,roll [CNS], [SS51]
Room enough [EB], ND1]
Round the corn, Sally [SS51]
Run, nigger, run [SS51]
Run to Jesus [WG]
Run to my Lord [JJ]
Sabbath hath no end [SS51]
Sail, o believer [SS51]
Sally round the corn [SS51]
Satan's camp a-fire [SS51]
See the four and twenty elders [AACS]
Shall I die [SS51]
Shine along [ND1]
Shine for Jesus [EB]
Ship is at de landin' [OM]
Shock along, John [SS51]
Shout on, children [SS51]
Show me de way [FNS]
Sinner man don't let this harvest pass [SB]
Sinner won't die no more [SS51]
Sin-sick soul, The [SS51]
Sit down, servant [EB]
Skip to my Lou [S&S]
Slave song (Time ain’t long) [EB]
Social band, The [SS51]
Some o' these days [MAG]
Some valiant soldier [SS51]
Somebody's knockin' at yo do' [FNS]
Somebody's knocking at your door ]ANAD], [ENS,i], [ND1]
Something within [EB], arr. Lucie E. Campbell
Sometimes I feel like a motherless child [GS], [SS], [WG]
Soon one mawnin' death come creepin' in yo' room [MAG]
Standing in need of prayer (It’s a-me, O Lord) [FNS], [GS], [WG]
Stars begin to fall [SS51]
Stay in the field [SB]
Steal away [EB], [EB16], [FNS], [ND1], [SS], [WG]
Steal away Jordan [FHu]
Steal away to Jesus [GS], [JJ], [SB]
Steal away to mah Fathuh's kingdom [MAG]
Study war no more [SB]
Surely He died on calvary [EB] arr. J.D. Bushell, D.D.
Sweetest sound I ever heard [ND1]
Swing low [AACS], [EB16]
Swing low, sweet chariot [CNS], [FNS], [GS], [JJ], [ND], [SB], [SS], [S&S], [WG]
Swing low, sweet chariot (Jubilee) [EB], arr. E.C. Deas
Tell 'em I'm gone [MAG]
Tell it [FNS]
Tell me brudder [FNS]
Take this Hammere [S&S]
Tell my Jesus "morning" [SS51]
That gettin' up morning'[AACS]
That lonesome valley [MAG]
There is a balm in Gilead [SS]
There is a light shining [EB], arr. Mrs. W.A. Townsend
There is joy in that land [EB]
There's a meeting here to-night [ND1], [SS51]
There's no hiding place [ANAD]
These are all my Father's ch'ldren [SS51]
They laid my Lord away [EB16]
They lead my Lord away [AACS]
This little light of mine [ANAD], [SB], [SS]
This train [SS]
Time ain't long (Slave song) [EB]
Time is drawin' nigh [MAG]
Tis me, O Lord [NFS,i]
Travel on [SS51]
Trouble of the world, The [SS51]
Trouble of the world, This is the [SS51]
Turn back Pharoah’s army [WG]
Turn sinner, turn O [SS51]
Voice of the prodigal [SB]
Wade in the water [ANAD]
Wade in the water [EB], arr. Willa A. Townsend
Wade in the water children [SB], [SS]
Wait, Mr. Mackright [SS51]
Wait til I put on my crown [CNS]
Wake up, Jacob [SS51]
Walk about elders [MAG]
Walk in Jerusalem [FNS]
Walk in Jerusalem (I want to be ready) [WG]
Walk in Jerusalem jus' like John [JJ]
Walk together, children [SS]
Walk with me [EB], arr. E. C. Deas
Want to go to Heaven when I die [FNS]
Way in the kingdom [MAG]
What kind of shoes? [WG]
We are climbing Jacob's ladder [SS]
We’ll anchor by and by [WG]
W'en I'm gone [BDW]
We shall walk through the valley [EB], arr. Dr. A.M. Townsend
Were you there? [BNS], [GS]
Were you there? [EB], arr. Willa A. Townsend
We will march through the valley [SS51]
Welcome to our city [BNS]
What a trying time [SS51]
What kind o' shoes you gwine to wea'? [FNS]
When death comes creeping in my room [SB]
When I die [MAG]
When I fall on my knees [FHu]
When I get home [EB16]
When I'm gone [MAG]
When Jesus comes [MAG]
When the Lord shall appear [EB], arr. Willa A. Townsend
When the saints go marching in [EB]
When they crucified my Lord [SB]
When we do meet again [SS51]
Where shall I go [JJ]
White marble stone [SS51]
Who built de ark? [FHu], [FNS]
Who is on the Lord's side [SS51]
Who's that a-comin' over yonder [ANAD]
Will the lighthouse shine on me? [EB], arr. Mrs. Willa A. Townsend
Winter, The [SS51]
Wish I was in heabum settin' down [MAG]
Witness for my Lord [JJ]
Witness for my Lord [EB], arr. Willa A. Townsend
Wrestle on, Jacob [SS51]
Wring my hands and cry [MAG]
Year of jubilee [SB]
Yo' sins are gonna find you out [MAG]
You bettah mind [JJ]
You better mind [SB]
You got to die [FNS]
You got to reap [AACS]
You hear the lambs [EB16]
You must be pure and holy [SS51]
You must have that true religion [EB]
Young witness for God [SB]
Zion's children [ENS,i]




SONGBOOKS THAT CONTAIN THE SELECTIONS LISTED ABOVE


AACS

Boatner, Edward. 30 African American Choral Spirituals. Arr. Edward Boatner. New York: Hammond Music Co, 1964.

ANAD

All Night, All Day (Musical Arrangements by David Manning Thomas). New York: Oxford, 1991

BANS

Johnson, J.W. "The Books of American Negro Spirituals" New York: Viking Press, 1951.
(Books i/ii)

BDW

McIlhenny, Edward. Befo' de War Spirituals. Boston: The Christopher Publishing House, 1933.

BNS

Barnes, E.M. "Barnes' Negro Songs". Kalamazoo, Michigan: The Barnes Publishing Company.

BSH

Ballanta-Taylor, Nicholas. "Saint Helena Island Spiruals". New York: Schirmer, 1925

CNS

"Collection of most popular Negro Spirituals. New York: Irving Berlin.

EB

Boatner, Edward. "Spirituals Triumphant Old and New" (Revised and Enlarged). Assisted by Mrs. Willa A. Townsend. Nashville: Sunday School Publishing Board, 1927.

EB16

Boatner, Edward. "16 Solo Spirituals". New York: Hammond Music Co., 1964.

ENS

Brown, Sebastian H. "Eight Negro Spirituals" (Arranged with piano accompaniment for two part singing: female, male, or mixed voices). London: Oxford University Press, 1963. Books i & ii.

FH

Hall, Frederick Douglas. "Negro Spirituals" arr. for mixed voices (Book One). Chicago: The Rodeheaver Co., 1940.

FHu

Huntley, F. "National Collection of Spirituals"

FNS

Grey, Gerald. "Fifty Negro Spirituals". Imperial Edition. York, Nebraska: J.A. Parks Company, 1930. (arr. J.A. Parks, Marion Moor or Gerald Grey)


GS

Boone, Pat. "The Great Spirituals" Beverly Hills, Ca: Spoone Music Corp., 1962.
Volume 1. Special piano accompaniment by William Stickles.

JJ

Johnson, J. Rosamond. "Utica Jubilee Singers Spirituals" Boston: Oliver Ditson Company, 1930.

JMS

Jessye, Eva A. My Spirituals. New York: Robbins-Engel, 1927

JSB

MAG

Grissom, Mary Allen. "The Negro sings a new Heaven" Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 1930.

ND1

Dett, R. Nathaniel. "The Dett Collection of Negro Spirituals.” (First Group), Chicago: Hall & McCreary Company, 1936.

NFS

Burlin, Natalie Curtis. "Negro Folk-Songs" (Hampton Series): New York: Schirmer, 1918. (Bks 1-IV)

NJM

National Jubilee Melodies [16th Edition]. Nashville: National Baptist Publishing Board.

OM

Jacobs-Bond, Carrie. "Old melodies of the South" Trans. by Mary Gillen and Oliver Chalifoux. Chicago: Carrie Jacobs-Bond & Son, 1908.

SB

Brister, Silas. "The Negro Spirituals Hymnal" N.P.: 1963

SFS

Buhe, Klaus. "Spirituals and Folk Songs. New York: Schott Music Corp. nd

SM

Busch, Adolph. "Seven madrigals on negro spirituals". (Arrangements of Adolph Busch)

SS

Boyer-Alexander, Rene. "Celebrating African-American history Through The Spiritual Song" Milwaukee: Hal Leonard, 2002. (Rene Boyer-Alexander arrangements)

SS51

Allen, William Frances (et al). "Slave Songs of the United States" New York: Peter Smith, 1951.

S&S

Cammin, Heinz. "Spirituals & Songs". New York: Schott Music Corp., 1969. (English and German translations:)

WAN

White, Newman Ivey. "American negro folk-songs" Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1928

WFS

Work, Frederick J. "Folk songs of the American negro" Nashville: Work Brothers, 1907

WG

Goodall, Walter. “Famous Spirituals.” Chicago: Hall & McCreary, 1934.

WNS

Work, John Wesley. "American Negro songs" New York: Howell, Soskin & co., 1940

Musical Theater, Opera, Operettas, Etc.

BROADWAY MUSICALS

Blake, Eubie/Sissle, Noble
.....Shuffle Along

MUSICALS
.....Rocking the Rafters, Mrs. Clarence R. Todd of Fredericksburgh, Va

Gaye Adegbalola
Biography

Singer | Songwriter | Performer | Public Speaker | Educator

Gaye Adegbalola has been singing and playing guitar and harmonica with Saffire - The Uppity Blues Women since the popular acoustic blues group's inception in 1984. Together they have recorded seven CD's for Alligator Records, and have toured widely throughout the U.S. and abroad, receiving international acclaim. In 1990 Ms. Adegbalola was the recipient of the prestigious W.C. Handy Award for her song Middle Aged Blues Boogie.

Now through her latest album, Neo-Classic Blues with Roddy Barnes, Adegbalola embraces and redefines the classic style of the great blues divas of the 1920s and 30s - those often fiercely independent "wild women" who were unashamed to lay their souls bare and unafraid to give advice. Adegbalola and accompanist Roddy Barnes conjure up another era and deliver a dynamic cabaret-style performance that is both educational and entertaining.

Originally an educator with Fredericksburg, Virginia, public schools, Adegbalola was honored as Virginia State Teacher of the Year in 1982. She is a dynamic, engaging and motivational public speaker, and conducts a variety of workshops and seminars.

More about Gaye...

Born in Fredericksburg Virginia on March 21, 1944. Fredericksburg was, at that time, a segregated town. Her Dad, Clarence R. Todd, was a Planner & Estimator and was quite an artist--drawing and painting, part time jazz musician, and founder of Harambee 360s Experimental Theatre. Her Mom, Gladys P. Todd, was a community organizer who spearheaded the local civil rights struggle. She worked part time at the Youth Canteen and brought home all its old records--influencing Gaye's musical taste early on. 1st job was sorting dirty laundry, 45 cents/hour, The Sunshine Laundry.

Sat-in & picketed in Civil Rights Movement, 1960's. Graduated valedictorian, 1961. Received B.A. in Biology, minor in Chemistry, Boston University 1965. Jobs before teaching career--Technical Writer, TRW Systems; Biochemical Researcher, Rockefeller University; Bacteriologist, Harlem Hospital (also Union Representative Local 1199), 1965-70.

Activist in the Black Power Movement in New York City and formed Harlem Committee of Self-Defense, 1966-70. Married (since divorced) in NYC to Olumide (then manager of the original Last Poets -- the 1st rappers), from this union, son Juno Lumumba Kahlil born, 1969. Began work on novel, 500 Year Diary of An Oppressed Woman - 1969, completed 4th re-write in 1979; never published. Returned to Fredericksburg, 1970.
(Afro American, 4/8/50, p18)

OPERA
.....Kykunkor, the african opera with native dances and songs. The cast for one performance included Asadata Dafora as the bridgegroom and Abudul Assen as the witch doctor.
.....Troubled Island, written by William Grant Still with libretto by Langston Hughes. Leopold Stokowski, musical director of the City Center of Music and Drama is interested himself in the production of the oepra "Troubled Islands", written by WGS, the story is being based on a poem by Langston Hughes. (ML96.S915 Case)
Arias, Communists, and Conspiracies: The History of Still's "Troubled Island"
Tammy L. Kernodle
The Musical Quarterly, Vol. 83, No. 4 (Winter, 1999), pp. 487-508
This article consists of 22 page(s).


OPERETTAS

Blue Moon
....Negro Jazz Operetta Pitts C, 9/4/26 (4)

Graham, Shirley
.....Composer of "Tom Tom"

Grainger, Porter
....."Old Shoes", a three-act comedy. The play was written by Murray Brown. Afro, 1/6/44, 14

Pope, Anthony
.....Composer of "El Gitano"

LIBRETTI

Freeman, Harry Lawrence (1869-1954)
.....Voodoo, a grand opera in three acts (ML50.F85.V5 1926)

Coleridge-Taylor, Samuel
.....Scenes from The Song of Hiawatha. E449.D16 vol 26, no 4

OTHER SONGWRITERS:

BROWN, ALLEN
.....Lt. Allen Brown of Fort Huachucha, Arizone, who is the writer of a number of the tuneful songs which made such a hit iin "G.I. Rhapsody" musical comedy, presented by the Post Special Service Division personnel. Afro, 1/8/44, 2