Black American Sheet Music Collection
The Bank of America Black American Sheet Music Collection consists of approximately 4000 pieces of published sheet music reflecting the influences of African Americans on popular music in the United States. The music was created by, performed by, published by, or portrays Black and African American themes throughout the 19th and 20th centuries in the United States. The collection highlights popular vocal music, jazz, big band, and swing music published in the United States. The earliest piece in the collection dates to 1818, and the latest editions date into the 1980s, thereby giving a chronicle of the evolution of Black-inspired music in America for almost 200 years. Some imagery and lyrics in this collection reflect harmful racist depictions of Black people and are included in the collections for their use in academic research.
Content Warning:
USF Libraries’ Digital Collections include historical and primary sources from many cultures and time periods. Some content may be harmful, graphic, difficult to view, or reflect biases. Digital Collections provides access to these materials to preserve the historical record, but we do not endorse the attitudes, prejudices, or behaviors found within them. USF Libraries’ is committed to conscious editing of Libraries’ generated descriptive terminology that may be offensive, harmful, or out of date.
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If you don't want me send me to my ma
Chris Smith and Cecil Mack
Cecil Mack was a Black songwriter. Chris Smith was a Black songwriter.
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My lady's lips am like de honey
Will Marion Cook and James Weldon Johnson
James Weldon Johnson was a Black writer. Will Marion Cook was a Black composer.
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You Go Your Way and I'll Go Mine
James Weldon Johnson and John Rosamond Johnson
James Weldon Johnson was a Black writer. John Rosamond Johnson was a Black composer.
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Castle Lame Duck
James Reese Europe and Ford Thompson Dabney
Ford Thompson Dabney was a Black songwriter. James Reese Europe was a Black band leader.
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Ballin' the Jack: Fox-Trot
Chris Smith and James Reese Europe
James Reese Europe was a Black band leader. Chris Smith was a Black songwriter.
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The Memphis Blues
William Christopher Handy and George A. Norton
William Christopher Handy (sometimes written as W. Morris Handywas a Black th stmposer.
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The Memphis Blues or (Mister Crump)
William Christopher Handy
William Christopher Handy (sometimes written as W.C. Handy) was a Black composer.
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That Precious Little Thing Called Love
Chris Smith and Cecil Mack
Cecil Mack was a Black songwriter. Chris Smith was a Black songwriter.
