The Music Division’s newest research guide, James Reese Europe: A Guide to Resources at the Library of Congress, provides a gateway to accessing historic sheet music, unique literary manuscripts, newspaper archives, recordings, photographs and scholarly research by and related to leading cultural figure James Reese Europe (1881-1919). A renowned musician, composer, arranger, music director and union organizer, Europe’s legacy extends far beyond his musical triumphs on the Broadway stage, in Carnegie Hall, or in wartime France. He was dedicated to showcasing the outstanding contributions of Black Americans in myriad ways: in founding the Clef Club of the City of New York to support and promote the employment of Black artists, in working toward a national African American orchestra dedicated to the performance of Black composers, and in building one of the most notable bands in the history of the United States Army: the 369th Infantry Regimental Band (the “Harlem Hellfighters”).
One of the inspirations for this research guide was the longtime and increasing interest researchers have shown in two literary manuscripts by Noble Sissle. Sissle, jazz composer and vocalist perhaps best known for writing the 1921 musical revue “Shuffle Along” with Eubie Blake, was a close musical associate of James Reese Europe. When Europe enlisted in the 15th Regiment of the New York National Guard he successfully encouraged Sissle to join as well; ultimately, Sissle assisted Europe in organizing his famous “Harlem Hellfighters” Band.
The Library of Congress holds two notable typescript manuscripts by Sissle:
1) “Memoirs of ‘Jim’ Europe,” a 1942 biographical sketch of Europe based on information collected from Europe’s family and friends, as well as Sissle’s personal anecdotes. This typescript manuscript is held in the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Records in the Library’s Manuscript Division. A photocopy of this manuscript is digitized and available on loc.gov.
2) “Happy in Hell,” a 1944 account of Sissle’s experiences serving with Europe in the 369th Infantry Regiment. This typescript manuscript, cataloged under the call number ML410.E87 S5 1940, is newly digitized and now fully available for download on loc.gov. A photocopy of this manuscript is found in the Music Division’s Joint Army and Navy Committee on Welfare and Recreation, Sub-Committee on Music Papers.
Researchers have long confused these two resources, but this new research guide clarifies our holdings and directly connects you with the digitized Sissle manuscripts. Additionally, the guide highlights digitized sheet music, sound recordings, and even videos of the “Castle House Rag” and “The Castle Walk,” Vernon and Irene Castle’s famous dance steps inspired by Europe’s unique dance music. Beyond digital resources, our new research guide describes important secondary literature, newspaper archive research and the handful of appearances Europe makes in the Library’s special collections.
Pulling together Library of Congress resources and learning more about a figure as impressive and influential as James Reese Europe has been an endlessly fascinating exercise, and it’s my great hope that this new research guide will bring more attention to a tremendous musical talent whose life was cut far too short.
Comments (4)
Thanks so much for this article. Sooo, who will put together the play or movie of James Reese Europe’s European snd Harlem musical feats? Can’t wait!.
His name alone is fascinating, and where he performed—Paris, Harlem, and the phrase No Man’s Land, then Harlem, and performers associated with him— Irene Castle, Eubie Blake, the lef lub he formed.. wowie, whatva resource!
Responding to Rebecca’s post: I am the director of the Music of US project, supported by the Lewis-Houghton Initiative, and we are working on two interactive explorations of James Reese Europe’s music and impact, for secondary school teachers and students, (and all the rest of us!). They will be free to use. You can see our currrent episodes (JRE is next) at https://www.musicofus.org
Great information to see from the LOC. I have a screenplay written on the Harlem Hellfighters in which James Reese Europe is promenant to the story.
I love the information made available regarding the music of James Reese Europe. I wrote a screenplay on the Harlem Hellfighters in which Europe played an important role in its formation. Josephine Baker stated that if it wasn’t for James Reese Europe performing in Paris leading the Hellfighters Band in France, she would have not had a career there.