Songs Sung by the Famous Canadian Jubilee Singers, the Royal Paragon Male Quartette and Imperial Orchestra. Five Years’ Tour of Great Britain. Three Years’ Tour of United States.

“Plantation Lullabies—What We Have We’ll Hold”

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Published circa the Spanish-American War of 1898, this music booklet contains “Plantation Lullabies” and spirituals sung by the Famous Canadian Jubilee Singers. Organized in 1879, the professional ensemble of black singers were active in Canada and the United States at the turn of the century.

On the upper wrapper an American eagle spreads its wings over the named countries of Porto Rico, Cuba and the Philippines; beneath is the imperialistic-sounding statement: “What We Have We’ll Hold.” The words “Plantation Lullabies” preceding it, however, give that pungent phrase a tinge of “Jim Crow” with its lingering odor of slavery.

The rear wrapper shows the rampant crowned lion of England with four paws firmly placed upon Britain, Australia, India, and Canada.

Songs with music here include the black spirituals “Roll Jordan, Roll;” “Zion, Weep Below”; “My Lord delivered Daniel;” and “Swing low, sweet Chariot.” Songs without music include “A Great Camp Meeting!;” “De Massa ob de Sheepfol’;” “Gideon’s Band;” and “Steal Away to Jesus.” There are separate indexes for each section.

According to Out of Sight, The Rise of African American Popular Music, 1889–1895: “The Canadian Jubilee Singers and Imperial Orchestra was a successful black company that combined choral and orchestral capabilities. Composed primarily of black Canadian nationals, the troupe was formed in Hamilton, Ontario, in 1879. Having spent five years touring Great Britain during the 1880s, they divided the rest of their time between tours of the United States and Canada.”¹

Uncommon to be found in such bright and vivid condition.

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