[African Americana]

World-Famous Williams' Colored Singers: American Folk Songs as Sung by the Williams Jubilee Singers

Chicago: Chas. P. Williams. 1920s.

4to.  24pp.  Glossy light pink paper cover with individual portrait photographs of the singers to the front cover and two group photographs to the rear.  No publication date is listed; included biographical information for the singers indicates ca. 1924–1927.  The book contains 25 songs, including "Dar's a Jubilee," "My Old Kentucky Home Good Night," "Who Stole the Lock?," "Peter Go Ring Dem Bells," "Swinging on the Golden Gate," "Hard Trials," "Steal Away," "Keep in de Middle of De Road," "Prepare Me, Lord," "Old Black Joe," "Jericho," and othersThe final three pages include biographical information on each member of the group.  A very bright, clean copy.  Name penned to the upper margin of the front cover, light fading along spine, else in fine condition.  7.5 x 10.75 inches (19 x 27.3 cm.).



"Charles P. Williams of Holly Springs, Mississippi, organized [the African-American singing group the Williams Jubilee Singers] in 1904.  Williams had previously been associated with the Dixie Jubilee Singers.  Members of Williams’ Colored or Jubilee Singers were drawn from the ranks of the educated and musically trained.  These celebrated singers made a world tour in 1910–11, giving 130 performances in England."  The present publication includes "a staged image on the rear cover showing the entourage with all of their 'stickered-up' luggage beneath a sign reading 'Williams Jubilee Singers Touring Europe' preparing to embark on their tour." ("The World Famous Williams' Colored Singers," www.rareamericana.com) (19272)


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