Hand SIGNED by African American Composer and Blues Musician W. C. HANDY in ink on the ffep.

UNSUNG AMERICANS SUNG Edited by W. C. HANDY. Published by Handy Brothers Music Co., Inc. New York City [rubber stamped], 1944. First edition, First printing. Hardbound in original dark blue textured cloth with gilt printing on the front cover, 11" x 7.5", 236 pages, illustrated with a photographic frontispiece portrait of Handy, two full page photographic illustrations, and eight full page illustrations of African Americans from sketches by Beauford De Laney, and musical scores. VERY GOOD CONDITION: a few droplet stains and light wear to the covers, internally, toning to the pastedown and a penned gift inscription from the former owner Kitty Dalton, a chorus girl for Billy Rose on the ffep, otherwise tight, bright, clean and unmarked.

Handy's important musical and cultural collection of song tributes to outstanding African Americans, explores the different dimensions of musical development that exist within Black culture, while also highlighting the struggle and triumph that exist for people of color. Includes poetry, illustrations, children's songs, choral works, scenes from major works, and art songs. Handy, the "Father of the Blues" composed the music for Phillis Wheatley poetry, and collaborated with Langston Hughes on a number of his poems as did Margaret Bonds, there are over 30 contributors including jazz luminaries Eubie Blake, James P. Johnson, Andy Razaf, Luckey Roberts and Ismay Andrews.

William Christopher Handy (1873-1958) born to former slaves, W. C. Handy was one of the first to compose, play and publish a steady stream of blues, spiritual arrangements, marches, hymns, and miscellaneous songs. His collections include Blues: An Anthology (1941), and A Book of Negro Spirituals (1938). His books include: Negro Authors and Composers of the United States (1936), Father of the Blues (1941), and Unsung American Sung (1944).

Beauford De Laney (1901-1979) Noted African American Artist.