This unique collection celebrates the great contributions of African-American composers and lyricists during the earliest decades of Tin Pan Alley's existence, from 1878 to 1922. In addition to the work of superb Alleymen like Chris Smith, James Reese Europe, and Clarence and Spencer Williams - who created some of the most important pop songs of all time - this folio contains highlights from the history of black Broadway shows. Here are the great tunes of such composers and lyricists as Ernest Hogan, Alex Rogers, James Weldom Johnson, Noble Sissle and Eubie Blacke - and, especially, Bert Williams, the greatest comedian of the young century.