
The Book of American Negro Spirituals is a comprehensive collection of spirituals, compiled and edited by James Weldon Johnson. The book features the lyrics and sheet music for over 120 spirituals, along with historical background information and commentary on the significance of the songs. Johnson, a prominent African American writer, educator, and civil rights activist, also includes personal reflections on the spirituals and their role in African American culture. The book is organized thematically, with sections on slavery, freedom, faith, and social justice, among others. The spirituals included in the book are a testament to the resilience and creativity of African American people, and offer a window into the rich cultural heritage of the United States.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
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1873–1954
John Rosamond Johnson (August 11, 1873 – November 11, 1954; usually referred to as J. Rosamond Johnson)[1] was an American composer and singer during the Harlem Renaissance. Born in Jacksonville, Florida, he had much of his career in New York City. Johnson is noted as the composer of the tune for 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.[2] The song was published by Joseph W. Stern & Co., Manhattan, New York (later the Edward B. Marks Music Company).[3] -Wikipedia
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