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.