James Weldon Johnson

In Berlin I especially enjoyed the orchestral concerts, and I attended a large number of them. I formed the acquaintance of a good many musicians, several of whom spoke of my playing in high terms. ↗

— James Weldon Johnson

#attended #berlin #concerts #enjoyed #especially

It is from the blues that all that may be called American music derives its most distinctive character. ↗

— James Weldon Johnson

#american music #blues #called #character #derives

Labor is the fabled magician's wand, the philosophers stone, and the cap of good fortune. ↗

— James Weldon Johnson

#fabled #fortune #good #good fortune #labor

My appearance was always good and my ability to play on the piano, especially ragtime, which was then at the height of its vogue, made me a welcome guest. ↗

— James Weldon Johnson

#always #appearance #especially #good #guest

My luck at the gambling table was varied; sometimes I was fifty to a hundred dollars ahead, and at other times I had to borrow money from my fellow workmen to settle my room rent and pay for my meals. ↗

— James Weldon Johnson

#borrow #dollars #fellow #fifty #gambling

My mother was kept very busy with her sewing; sometimes she would have another woman helping her. ↗

— James Weldon Johnson

#another woman #busy #helping #her #kept

Northern white people love the Negro in a sort of abstract way, as a race; through a sense of justice, charity, and philanthropy, they will liberally assist in his elevation. ↗

— James Weldon Johnson

#assist #charity #elevation #his #justice

She was my first love, and I loved her as only a boy loves. ↗

— James Weldon Johnson

#first #first love #her #i #love

Shortly after this I was made a member of the boys' choir, it being found that I possessed a clear, strong soprano voice. I enjoyed the singing very much. ↗

— James Weldon Johnson

#being #choir #clear #enjoyed #found

Southern white people despise the Negro as a race, and will do nothing to aid in his elevation as such; but for certain individuals they have a strong affection, and are helpful to them in many ways. ↗

— James Weldon Johnson

#aid #certain #despise #elevation #helpful