Collection Guide
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African Americans, collection of sheet music by and about
M1433
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Table of contents
Contributing Institution:
Department of Special Collections and University Archives
Title: Collection of sheet music by and about African Americans
Identifier/Call Number: M1433
Identifier/Call Number: 8425
Physical Description:
10.5 Linear Feet
(648 pieces; 7 flat boxes)
Date (inclusive): 1851-1974
Date (bulk): 1880s-1930s
Abstract: The collection consists of sheet music by African American writers or African American publishers, as well as music with African-American
themes. Both series may involve the use of caricature both in lyrics and in cover imagery. All were published between 1851
and 1974, with the majority between 1880 and 1940.
Physical Location: Special Collections and University Archives materials are stored offsite and must be paged 36 hours in advance.
Language of Material:
English
.
Open for research. Note that material must be requested at least 36 hours in advance of intended use. 625 items from the collection
have been digitized and are accessible here: https://searchworks.stanford.edu/view/5682048
Immediate Source of Acquisition
This collection was purchased by Stanford University, Special Collections in 2004.
[identification of item], Collection of sheet music by and about African-Americans (M1433). Dept. of Special Collections and
University Archives, Stanford Libraries, Stanford, Calif.
Stanford Special Collections holds a related collection: Caricatures of Black Americans : sheet music, 1861-1947 https://searchworks.stanford.edu/view/4084079
The collection is arranged in two series: Series I. Sheet music written by African Americans and Series II. Sheet music with
African American themes. Within each series, the material is arranged alphabetically by song title.
While Special Collections is the owner of the physical and digital items, permission to examine collection materials is not
an authorization to publish. These materials are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study. Any transmission
or reproduction beyond that allowed by fair use requires permission from the owners of rights, heir(s) or assigns. Some materials
are believed to be in the public domain. There are no restrictions on use of public domain materials.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Piano music.
Gospel music -- United States.
Ragtime music.
Popular music.
Music -- African-American
Lithographs.
African Americans -- Music
Sheet music.
African Americans in popular culture -- Songs and music.