Bledsoe (Jules) Collection 1

Descriptive Summary:

Creator: Jules Bledsoe Title: Bledsoe (Jules) Collection

Inclusive Dates: 1918-1943 Bulk Dates: 1940-1943

Abstract: The Bledsoe (Jules) Collection consists of manuscripts collected by Jules (Julius) Bledsoe during the course of his musical career. These papers contain correspondence, diaries, financial papers, photographs, music, publicity materials, and other printed materials from his life and work.

Accession #: 2086 Extent: 11.6 linear feet (24 boxes and associated media recordings)

Language: Collection materials are in English, German, and French. Repository: The Texas Collection, Baylor University, Waco, Texas.

Biographical Note: Julus Bledsoe was born as Julius Lorenzo Cobb Bledsoe on December 29, 1898, in Waco, Texas. At five years old, he gave his first public vocal performance. Bledsoe originally wanted to pursue a medical career, but instead began studying music under Luigi Parisotti. After years of musical study, including degrees from Bishop College in Marshall, Texas, Virginia Union University in Richmond, Virginia, Columbia University in New York City, and time in Paris, France, Bledsoe made his concert debut in New York City at twenty-three years old. Bledsoe adopted the stage name “Jules Bledsoe” early in his career, and was commonly called by that name for the rest of his life. His long literary career included composing and performing music, acting in plays and operas, and writing poems. Bledsoe’s work took him around the world, with performances in France, United Kingdom, Norway, Italy, and back to New York City in vaudeville, radio, and television. Bledsoe played in many productions, including “Showboat,” “Aida,” “Emperor Jones,” “Deep River,” “Abraham’s Bosom,” and others. His signature song was considered to be “Old Man River,” which he sang in most concerts he gave. Bledsoe also wrote and performed his own songs and operas, which included folk songs, spirituals, patriotic songs, and operas. Jules Bledsoe’s contributions to his art went beyond his musical skill. He was the first African-American to perform with a United States opera company in America, in addition to performing in operas around the world. Bledsoe was also known as a multilingual singer, proficient in English, Italian, French, German, and Yiddish by 1936. Jules Bledsoe also owned a resort in New York’s Catskill Mountains open only to African-Americans. Called “Jessie’s Manna Farms,” it is unknown how much profit he made from this side business. During World War II, Jules Bledsoe assisted in the war effort by giving a war bonds tour around the United States. During one stop in Waco, Texas, his

Bledsoe (Jules) Collection 2

performance was so well received by the 2,500 people in attendance that he gave multiple encores for more than an hour after his show ended. Jules Bledsoe died on July 14, 1943, in Hollywood, California from a cerebral hemorrhage. Noted Baylor University scholar and head of the English Department, Dr. J.A. Armstrong, spoke at his funeral. Jules Bledsoe is buried in Greenwood Cemetery, Waco, Texas. Sources: Cobb, Naomi. [Jules Bledsoe Biography]. Smith-Cobb Family Collection, The Texas

Collection, box 23, folder 10. Geary, Lynnette. “Bledsoe, Julius Lorenzo Cobb.” Handbook of Texas Online.

http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/fbl22. Accessed 2 June 2011.

Geary, Lynnette. “Jules Bledsoe: The Original ‘Ol’ Man River.’” The Black Perspective

in Music 17 (1989): 27-54. Geary, Lynnette. “Jules Bledsoe’s Voice Still Rings.” Waco History Project.

http://wacohistoryproject.org/Moments/bledsoe.html. Accessed 2 June 2011.

“Jules Bledsoe Papers Register.” The Texas Collection. Scope and Content: The Bledsoe Papers were acquired by gift in three separate transactions from private donors beginning in 1973, 1988, and concluding in 1992. The papers begin in 1918 and conclude in 1943 with Bledsoe’s death. These records include business and personal correspondence, diaries, financial papers, photographs, and an extensive collection of music. Many original musical, oratorical, and poetic compositions by Bledsoe are also present. Also included are such materials as press releases, programs, repertoire sheets, travel documents, and other mementos which Bledsoe collected throughout his career both in the United States and in Europe. Organization and Arrangement: The Bledsoe Papers are arranged in 8 series: I. Correspondence, II. Financial Documents, III. Literary Productions, IV. Legal Documents, V. Photographic Material, VI. Music Manuscripts, VII. Oversize Materials, VIII. Media Recordings. A detailed listing of Bledsoe’s original music present in the collection is provided in Appendix A. Restrictions: The collection is open for research. Literary Rights Statement: Unpublished materials authored or otherwise produced by the creator (s) of this collection are in the public domain. There are no

Bledsoe (Jules) Collection 3

restrictions on use. Copyright status for other collection materials is unknown. Transmission or reproduction of materials protected by U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.) beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the copyright owners. Works not in the public domain cannot be commercially exploited without permission of the copyright owners. Responsibility for any use rests exclusively with the user.

All requests for copying of materials must be submitted to The Texas Collection in writing. Please use the Request Form for Copying Materials sheet. Index Terms: Bledsoe, Jules, 1898-1943. African American Entertainers--Europe. African Americans--Music. World War, 1939-1945--Civilian Relief. Singers--Texas--Waco. Opera Singers--1890-1949. Related Materials: Cobb (Irene) Papers, 1909-1989, #2918. Smith-Cobb Family Collection, #2755. Jules Bledsoe Papers, New York Public Library. Worldcat. Separated Materials: None. Custodial History:

Acquisition: Collection was acquired in three separate gifts in 1973, 1988, and 1992. Gift of Mrs. Mildred J. Rhambo, 1973. Gift of Frances Todd, New Hope Methodist Church, Waco, Texas, 1988. Gift of J.W. Merritt, Waco, Texas, 1992.

Citation: Bledsoe (Jules) Collection, Accession, #2086, Box #, Folder #, The Texas Collection, Baylor University.

Processing Information: Finding aid completed by Paul Fisher, May 2011. Container List: Series 1: Correspondence

Bledsoe (Jules) Collection 4

BOX NUMBER

FOLDER NUMBER

FOLDER TITLE DATES

1 1 Correspondence: 1918-1930 1918-1930 2 Correspondence: 1931-1933 1931-1933 3 Correspondence: 1934 1934 4 Correspondence: March 1935 1935 5 Correspondence: 1935-1936 1935-1936 6 Correspondence: 1937-1938 1937-1938 7 Correspondence: January-May 1939 1939 8 Correspondence: June-December 1939 1939 9 Correspondence: January 1940 1940 10 Correspondence: February-March 1940 1940 11 Correspondence: April-October 1940 1940 12 Correspondence: November-December 1940 1940 13 Correspondence: January 4-9, 1941 1941 14 Correspondence: January 10-17, 1941 1941 2 1 Correspondence: January 18-23, 1941 1941 2 Correspondence: January 24-31, 1941 1941 3 Correspondence: February 1-11, 1941 1941 4 Correspondence: February 12-28, 1941 1941 5 Correspondence: March 1941 1941 6 Correspondence: April 1-23, 1941 1941 7 Correspondence: April 24-30, 1941 1941 8 Correspondence: May-June 14, 1941 1941 9 Correspondence: June 16-30, 1941 1941 10 Correspondence: July-August 4, 1941 1941 11 Correspondence: August 6-30, 1941 1941 12 Correspondence: September-October 6, 1941 1941 13 Correspondence: October 9-31, 1941 1941 14 Correspondence: November-December 5,

1941 1941

3 1 Correspondence: December 6-30, 1941 1941 2 Correspondence: January 1942 1942 3 Correspondence: February 1942 1942 4 Correspondence: March 1942 1942 5 Correspondence: April 1942 1942 6 Correspondence: May 1942 1942 7 Correspondence: June 1-25, 1942 1942 8 Correspondence: June 26-30, 1942 1942 9 Correspondence: July 2-August 7, 1942 1942 10 Correspondence: August 26-September 29,

1942 1942

11 Correspondence: October 3-November 18, 1942

1942

Bledsoe (Jules) Collection 5

BOX NUMBER

FOLDER NUMBER

FOLDER TITLE DATES

12 Correspondence: November 20-December 1942

1942

13 Correspondence: January-February 1943 1943 14 Correspondence: March 1943-1944 1943-1944 15 Correspondence: Postcards, unwritten undated 16 Correspondence: Undated 1 undated 4 1 Correspondence: Undated 2 undated 2 Correspondence: Undated 3 Undated 3 Correspondence: Scrapbook 1943-1944 Series 2: Financial Documents

BOX NUMBER

FOLDER NUMBER

FOLDER TITLE DATES

4 4 Financial: Banks Statements, Checks 1930-1941 5 Financial: Bills, Receipts, Statements: Jessie’s

Manna Farms 1 1940-1942

4 6 Financial: Bills, Receipts, Statements: Jessie’s Manna Farms 2

1928-1932

7 Financial: Bills, Receipts, Statements: Jessie’s Manna Farms 3

1940

8 Financial: Tax documents 1932-1941, undated

9 Financial: Bills, Receipts, Notes 1 1918-1941, undated

10 Financial: Bills, Receipts, Notes 2 1941-1942, undated

Series 3: Literary Productions

BOX NUMBER

FOLDER NUMBER

FOLDER TITLE DATES

5 1 Literary: Journals 1940, undated 2 Literary: Programs: 1916-1939 1916-1939 3 Literary: Programs: 1940 1940 4 Literary: Programs: 1941 1941 5 Literary: Programs: 1943-1959 1943-1959 6 Literary: Programs: Undated undated 7 Literary: Clippings 1 1936 8 Literary: Clippings 2 undated

Bledsoe (Jules) Collection 6

BOX NUMBER

FOLDER NUMBER

FOLDER TITLE DATES

9 Literary: Clippings 3 1936-1976, undated

10 Literary: Clippings: non-personal 1936-1943 11 Literary: Speeches 1943 12 Literary: Essays undated 13 Literary: Orations, Poems, Plays 1 1941, undated 14 Literary: Orations, Poems, Plays 2 undated 15 Literary: Orations, Poems, Plays 3 1916, undated 16 Literary: Orations, Poems, Plays 4 undated 17 Literary: Orations, Poems, Plays 5 undated 6 1 Literary: Plays: “John Henry” undated 2 Literary: Plays: “Showboat” undated 3 Literary: Biographies: Cobb (Naomi) 1 undated 4 Literary: Biographies: Cobb (Naomi) 2 undated 5 Literary: Autobiographies undated 6 Literary: Musical Repertoire undated 7 Literary: Essays: Labor Bulletin of

Aberdeen undated

8 Literary: Manuscripts: Music Venues undated 9 Literary: Awards 1915 10 Literary: Books: Handbook of Freemasonry 1928 11 Literary: Reports: Queen Wilhelmina Fund 1943 12 Literary: Broadsides, Flyers 1943, undated 13 Literary: Notes: Handwritten undated 14 Literary: Notes: Handwritten undated 7 1 Literary: Notes: Handwritten undated 2 Literary: Notes: Handwritten undated 3 Literary: Brochures, Flyers: Jessie’s Manna

Farms 1939-1940

4 Literary: Identifications 1935-1942 5 Literary: Obituary Book 1943 6 Literary: Sketches undated Series 4: Legal Documents

BOX NUMBER

FOLDER NUMBER

FOLDER TITLE DATES

7 7 Legal: Inventories undated 8 Legal: Insurance Policies 1 1941-1942

Bledsoe (Jules) Collection 7

BOX NUMBER

FOLDER NUMBER

FOLDER TITLE DATES

7 9 Legal: Insurance Policies 2 1940-1941 10 Legal: Contracts 1 1934-1941 11 Legal: Contracts 2 1939 Series 5: Photographic Materials

BOX NUMBER

FOLDER NUMBER

FOLDER TITLE DATES

8 1 Photographs: General 1 undated 2 Photographs: General 2 undated 3 Photographs: General 3 undated 4 Photographs: General 4 undated 5 Photographs: General 5 undated 6 Photographs: General 6 undated 7 Photographs: General 7 1941, undated 8 Photographs: Publicity undated 9 Photographs: “Aida” undated 10 Photographs: “Emperor Jones” undated 11 Photographs: “Faust” undated 12 Photographs: “Old Man River” undated 13 Photographs: “Pagliacci” undated 9 1 Photographs: Jessie’s Manna Farms 1 1935, 1938,

undated 2 Photographs: Jessie’s Manna Farms 2 undated 3 Photographs: Jessie’s Manna Farms 3 undated 4 Photographs: Jessie’s Manna Farms 4 undated 5 Photographs: Jessie’s Manna Farms 5 undated 6 Photographs: Funeral 1943 Series 6: Music Manuscripts

BOX NUMBER

FOLDER NUMBER

FOLDER TITLE DATES

10 1 Music: Religious 1 undated 2 Music: Religious 2 undated 3 Music: Spirituals 1 1917-1935 4 Music: Spirituals 2 1915-1942 5 Music: Spirituals 3 1924-1941

Bledsoe (Jules) Collection 8

BOX NUMBER

FOLDER NUMBER

FOLDER TITLE DATES

10 6 Music: Spirituals 4 1928-1940 7 Music: Spirituals 5 1928-1934 8 Music: Spirituals Books 1 1905 9 Music: Spirituals Books 2 undated 11 1 Music: General 1 1919-1935 2 Music: General 2 1906-1938 3 Music: General 3 1924-1939 4 Music: General 4 1929, undated 5 Music: General 5 1897, undated 6 Music: General 6 1924 7 Music: General 7 undated 8 Music: General 8 1899 9 Music: General: “Little Black Boy” undated 10 Music: General: “I’m Troubled in Mind” undated 12 1 Music: General: “Pickin’ Cotton” undated 2 Music: General: “Song of the Mojave” undated 3 Music: General: “If You Please” undated 4 Music: General: “Figaros Hochzeit” undated 5 Music: General: “Chloe” undated 6 Music: General: “De Glory Road” 1 undated 7 Music: General: “De Glory Road” 2 undated 8 Music: General Books 1 1919, 1921 9 Music: General Books 2 1928, 1934 10 Music: General Books 3 undated 13 1 Music: Opera 1 undated 2 Music: Opera 2 1903-1922 3 Music: Opera 3 1901-1924 4 Music: Opera: “L’Africaine” 1 undated 5 Music: Opera: “L’Africaine” 2 undated 6 Music: Opera Books 1 undated 14 1 Music: Opera Books 2 1921 2 Music: Opera Books 3 undated 3 Music: Opera Books 4 undated 4 Music: Opera Books 5 1904 5 Music: Opera Books 6 1901 15 1 Music: Opera Books 7 undated 2 Music: Opera Books 8 undated 3 Music: Opera Books 9 1928 4 Music: Opera Books 10 undated 5 Music: Opera Books 11 1906 16 1 Music: Opera Books 12 undated 2 Music: Opera Books 13 1897

Bledsoe (Jules) Collection 9

BOX NUMBER

FOLDER NUMBER

FOLDER TITLE DATES

16 3 Music: Opera Books 14 undated 4 Music: Opera Books: “L’Africaine” undated 5 Music: Opera Books: “The Emperor Jones” 1932 17 1 Music: Classical 1 1907-1924,

undated 2 Music: Classical 2 1911-1914,

undated 3 Music: Classical 3 undated 4 Music: Classical 4 1919-1921,

undated 5 Music: Classical 5 1901, undated 6 Music: Classical 6 1923, undated 7 Music: Classical 7 undated 8 Music: Classical 8 1924 18 1 Music: Classical 9 1902-1939,

undated 2 Music: Classical 10 1898-1905,

undated 3 Music: Classical 11 1898-1933 4 Music: Classical Books 1 1892-1910,

undated 5 Music: Classical Books 2 undated 6 Music: Classical Books 3 undated 19 1 Music: Classical Books 4 undated 2 Music: Classical Books 5 1905 3 Music: Classical Books 6 undated 4 Music: Classical Books 7 1884, 1914 5 Music: Classical Books 8 1893 6 Music: Patriotic 1 1942 7 Music: Patriotic 2 1940-1942 20 1 Music: Bledsoe Works 1 undated 2 Music: Bledsoe Works 2 undated 3 Music: Bledsoe Works 3 undated 4 Music: Bledsoe Works 4 undated 5 Music: Bledsoe Works 5 undated 6 Music: Bledsoe Works 6 undated 7 Music: Bledsoe Works 7 undated 8 Music: Bledsoe Works 8 1939 9 Music: Bledsoe Works: “Bondage” 1 undated 10 Music: Bledsoe Works: “Bondage” 2 undated

Bledsoe (Jules) Collection 10

BOX NUMBER

FOLDER NUMBER

FOLDER TITLE DATES

20 11 Music: Bledsoe Works: “My Old Kentucky Home”

undated

12 Music: Bledsoe Works: “Ole Man River” undated 21 1 Music: Bledsoe Works: “The Good Old

British Blue” undated

2 Music: Bledsoe Works: “Money in Kamben”

undated

3 Music: Bledsoe Works: “Fear I Aught” undated 4 Music: Bledsoe Works: “Franky and

Johnny” undated

5 Music: Bledsoe Works: “Ode to America” undated 6 Music: Bledsoe Works: “Hush Thee Baby” undated 7 Music: Bledsoe Works: “Zulu Dance

Song” undated

8 Music: Bledsoe Works: “Legionnaire” 1942, undated 9 Music: Bledsoe Works: “Maybe He’s Your

Boy in Khaki” 1942, undated

Series 7: Oversize Materials

BOX NUMBER

FOLDER NUMBER

FOLDER TITLE DATES

22 1 Oversize: Award: Diploma 1917 2 Oversize: Guest Book undated 3 Oversize: Award 1978 4 Oversize: Framed Photograph undated 23 1 Oversize: Scrapbook: Scrapbook pages 1934-1943,

undated 2 Oversize: Miscellaneous undated 24 1 Oversize: Scrapbook undated Series 8: Media Recordings

BOX NUMBER

ITEM NUMBER

FOLDER TITLE DATES

1 Media: Audio Recording Tape: Spirituals 1 undated 2 Media: Audio Recording Tape: Spirituals 2 undated 3 Media: Audio Recording Tape: Spirituals 3 undated

Bledsoe (Jules) Collection 11

Notes Different parts of the collection were in various stages of organization at the time of processing. The music manuscripts were the most organized, but almost everything else had no discernable housing organization before this finding aid was written.

More extensive inventories of the music available in this collection is available.

Prior processing had used the phrase “(last name) first name” to describe folders sorted

by person, such as Bledsoe (Jules). This style of designation was retained.

The Media Recordings have no box number because they were already filed in the

general cassette collection. This storage area was retained for this finding aid.

Appendix A: Music arranged or composed by Jules Bledsoe, filed in Music: Bledsoe Works “A King Passes By” “Beside a New Made Grave” “C’est le Portrait de Ma Mere” “Climbin’ Jacobs’ Ladder” “Does Ah Luv’ You” “Down Mobile” “Enfants de la France Lointaine” “Fear I Aught” “Go Down, Moses” “God Gave Us Mothers” “He Rose” “Home, Home, Home” “I Opened my Window” “Legionnaire” “Mammy I Hear You Callin’” “Mass’s in de Cold, Cold Ground” “Maybe He’s Your Boy in Khaki, Maybe He’s Your Boy in Blue” “Money in Kamben” “O Hush Thee, Baby” “Ode to America” “Oh My Honey” “Old Kentucky Home” “Ole Man River” “One Lonely Star” “Pagan Prayer” “Poor Moanah’s Got a Home at Last” “The Farewell” “The Good Old British Blue” “We Will All Bow Together” “Wish Ah Had Mah Mammy Now” “Zulu Dance Song”

Bledsoe (Jules) Collection 12

Appendix B: Nationality and number of postcards in collection, all found in box 3, folder 15 16 Netherlands postcards, loose 1 book German(?) postcards 1 book Amsterdam, Netherlands postcards