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is committed to conscious editing of Libraries’ generated descriptive terminology that may be offensive, harmful, or out of date.
-
The Spirit of the Banjo!
Robert Allen Cole and James Weldon Johnson
James Weldon Johnson was a Black writer. Robert Allen Cole was a Black lyricist.
-
Big Indian Chief
Robert Allen Cole and John Rosamond Johnson
John Rosamond Johnson was a Black composer. Robert Allen Cole was a Black lyricist.
-
As the sunflower turns to the sun
Will Marion Cook and Richard Grant
Will Marion Cook was a Black composer.
-
It's allus de same in Dixie
Will Marion Cook and Richard Grant
Will Marion Cook was a Black composer.
-
Ma Mississippi belle
John Rosamond Johnson and Bob Cole
Robert Allen Cole was a Black lyricist. John Rosamond Johnson was a Black composer.
-
Shine on My Evening Star
John Rosamond Johnson and Robert Allen Cole
Robert Allen Cole was a Black lyricist. John Rosamond Johnson was a Black composer.
-
Sounds of the Times
John Rosamond Johnson and Robert Allen Cole
Robert Allen Cole was a Black lyricist. John Rosamond Johnson was a Black composer.
-
Marie Cahill's Congo Love Song
John Rosamond Johnson, James Weldon Johnson, John Frew, and Bob Cole
James Weldon Johnson was a Black writer. John Rosamond Johnson was a Black composer.
-
Mandy, won't you let me be your beau?
John Rosamond Johnson and Robert Allen Cole
Robert Allen Cole was a Black lyricist. John Rosamond Johnson was a Black composer.
