J. Rosamond Johnson (1873–1954) was a man of many talents: he was a composer, singer, pianist, writer, and teacher. His best known work is “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” the famous civil rights anthem. In addition to his compositions and writings, Johnson’s papers include a number of surprising items, such as his hat, pajamas, false fingernails, and rug beater. We have selected one of the two beautifully carved canes in the collection.
Johnson frequently collaborated with his brother, James Weldon Johnson, whose papers are across the street at the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library.