John Rosamond Johnson
DATES

Born in Jacksonville, Florida, August 11, 1873
Died in New York City, New York, November 11, 1954

NATIONALITY

American

STYLE/PERIOD

Modern/1920s-present

FAMOUS WORKS

Lift Every Voice and Sing

John Rosamond Johnson

BIOGRAPHY


John Rosamond Johnson, (1873-1954) was a composer and singer who set the lyrics of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” to music. He left the South with his brother, James Weldon Johnson, and moved to New York City in the early 1900’s. Along with composer Bob Cole, the brothers had success on Broadway. J.R. composed and sang in operettas and musicals which featured Black artist and also toured with Vaudeville groups and with his own ensembles.