American composer and singer during the Harlem Renaissance (1873-1954). Sheet music for "De Chain Gang" by J. Rosemond Johnson, signed and inscribed by Johnston to the composer Kay Swift. New York. Folio. 32 pp. Some age toning, expected wear.
$ 1,595 / 1.500 €
(91240)
Sheet music for "De Chain Gang" by J. Rosemond Johnson, signed and inscribed by Johnston to the composer Kay Swift. „To Miss Kay Swift with sincere admiration and appreciation of J Rosamond Johnson“. J. Rosamond Johnson was born in Jacksonville, Florida, he had much of his career in New York City. Johnson is noted as the composer of the hymn "Lift Every Voice and Sing”. It was first performed live by 500 Black American students from the segregated Florida Baptist Academy, Jacksonville, Florida, in 1900.
The song was published by Joseph W. Stern & Co., Manhattan, New York (later the Edward B. Marks Music Company). Swift was the first woman to score a hit musical completely. Written in 1930, the Broadway musical Fine and Dandy includes some of her best known songs; the song “Fine and Dandy” has become a jazz standard. "Can't We Be Friends?" (1929) was her biggest hit song. Provenance:From the estate of Gerswin's longtime companion Kay Swift..