This site shows a love for African-American sheet music. Some sources used are Brown University, Baylor, Johns Hopkins, and Library of Congress. Use freely.
Let’s see what we can learn from black subject songs. The black experience wasn’t all negative. There were aspects that had a positive impact. This project attempts to honor the artistic and cultural endeavors that have gone before.
Minstrel shows provided one of the few opportunities for talented Black performers to showcase their skills and earn a living during a time when other avenues were largely closed to them. The shows played a significant role in popularizing certain musical styles and instruments, such as the banjo and fiddle, which have become integral to American music. Despite the distorted and offensive depictions, minstrel shows did introduce some elements of African American culture to a broader audience.
Other countries around the world didn’t have ragtime. They look to the United States for that. We needed the cakewalk, rags and Dixieland in order to eventually get Bebop, Boogie Woogie and Jazz. These are developments to be proud of.
Do you know these early black sheet music creators? Cole and Johnson, Creamer and Layton, W. C. Handy, James A. Bland, Earnest Hogan, Scott Joplin, John Queen, George Walker, Bert Williams, Sissle and Blake, George W. Johnson.
Thanks for trying to balance the negative with the positives of early black music. There is no denying that lots of sheet music were and are insulting to blacks such as use of the terms coon, nigger, pickaninny, and others. Also, the cover illustrations exaggerated facial and other features, and certain traits were exploited (watermelon, chickens, possum). I have on my back-burner a book on black Americana sheet music, but I’m afraid no one would want to publish it.
Yes, you’re welcome. The pendulum swings. The current social environment takes black culture and throws it in the trash can. Much can be learned by both whites and blacks about the more accurate history. Whites need to see in which ways they were (and are) racist. It’s weird that there is not a word about black people in the KKK songs. They speak generally of patriotism and hard work, but hide anything about race. I would love to write a book but will use this website instead.