| Description |
.7 lin. ft. |
| Note |
Photographs have been separated to Photographs and Prints Division. |
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Drawings and posters transferred to Art and Artifacts. |
| Summary |
Correspondence, contracts, musical compositions, legal documents, financial records, programs, broadsides, and news clippings documenting Bledsoe's professional career, particularly in Europe. Items of significance include legal correspondence and court documents generated by his lawsuit against Lew Leslie of "Blackbirds" fame, a manuscript score of Shirley Graham's opera "Tom Tom," and a large number of manuscript compositions by Bledsoe, as well as several letters from composer Clarence Cameron White. Also, personal correspondence with friends and family members, and papers relating to a business that he owned. Of special interest is a substantial number of musical manuscripts of art songs, spirituals and instrumental pieces composed and arranged by Bledsoe. |
| Biography |
Singer, actor. Bledsoe created the role of Jo and the interpretation of the song "Old Man River" in the original production of "Show Boat" (1927) and is also known for his title role in "The Emperor Jones." |
| Finding Aids |
Partial inventory. |
| Subject |
Bledsoe, Jules, 1898-1943.
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Leslie, Lew.
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Bledsoe family.
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African Americans in the performing arts.
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African American entertainers -- Europe.
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African American composers.
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Opera.
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African American businesspeople.
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African Americans -- Music.
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African American singers.
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African American actors.
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| Genre/Form |
Scores.
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Broadsides.
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| Added Author |
Bledsoe, Jules, 1898-1943.
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Du Bois, Shirley Graham, 1906-1977.
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White, Clarence Cameron, 1880-1960.
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| Call No. |
Sc MG 255
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| Research Call Number |
Sc MG 255
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