“Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing”
Working Together
Bob Cole, John Rosamond Johnson, and James Weldon Johnson
John Rosamond and James Weldon Johnson wrote many songs together. They often worked with Bob Cole, who was a composer, playwright, actor, and stage producer. James and Bob Cole often wrote the lyrics while Rosamond put the lyrics to music. Under the name Cole and Johnson Brothers, they published many songs that were performed in vaudeville, on Broadway in New York City, and in London.
"Auto-Mo-Bills," three working drafts
"Everybody" early draft
"Everybody" later draft
James Weldon Johnson often wrote many drafts of songs before getting it just right.
"The Maiden With the Dreamy Eyes"
"The Maid of Timbuctoo"
"The Countess of Alagazam"
"Como Le Gusta"
"Don't Wake Him Up Let Him Dream"
"The spirit of the banjo!"
Their music was performed by many artists in the early 20th century.
"Under the Bamboo Tree"
"Why Don't The Band Play"
"My Lulu San"
"When the Band Played Ragtime"
These sheet music covers for music composed by Cole and Johnson Brothers show the popularity of their work.
"You Go Your Way and I'll Go Mine"
Every Woman's Eyes"
"Oh you sweet sweet boy"
"Lift Every Voice and Sing"
James Weldon and John Rosamond Johnson also published music on their own.
"Maple Leaf Rag"
"Porto Rico"
"The Jogo blues"
"Cake walk neath the Dixie moon"