Tom Lemonier facts for kids

Tom Lemonier (born March 29, 1870, died March 14, 1945) was a talented actor and musician. He wrote many popular songs during the ragtime era, a time when lively, syncopated music was very popular. Tom was especially active in Black Vaudeville, which was a type of theater show featuring African-American performers.

His music was part of many musicals. Some of his songs were published by the Gotham-Attucks Music Publishing Company. Many of his songs were recorded by famous companies like Victor Records and Columbia Records. In 1909, he started working for the music publisher Rose & Snyder.

Breaking Barriers in Theater

In 1910, Tom Lemonier made history. He became one of the first African-American actors to perform in a play written for white actors. He played a steward in a show called Over Night, produced by William A. Brady. Before this, white actors often played Black characters by wearing "blackface" makeup.

Tom's great acting and the good reactions he received convinced Brady to hire more African-American actors. These actors then played the same role in other versions of the show that traveled around the country.

In 1912, Tom was also a performer in the musical Little Miss Brown. He was in the first show and then toured with it across the country. In 1915, Tom wrote a special song, like an anthem, called Praise God We Are Not Weary. This song was for a big event called the National Half Century Exposition and Lincoln Jubilee.

Music and Collaborations

Tom Lemonier worked with many other musicians and lyricists (people who write song words) to create his music. In 1917, Tom started a business that sold sheet music with Lew Payton and Tom Brown.

In 1923, he appeared on the radio station WGY. He was known for his whistling! By 1926, Tom was focusing only on writing religious music.

His Views on Fairness

Tom Lemonier believed that equal rights for all people should happen over time. He thought that trying to force changes too quickly might cause anger instead of real progress.

Famous Songs by Tom Lemonier

Here are some of the songs Tom Lemonier helped create:

• Adopted Child: Tom wrote the music with W. J. Carle, and Henry Creamer wrote the words. Bob Roberts recorded it in 1912.
• Dear Old Moonlight: Tom wrote the music, and Henry Creamer wrote the words. The Peerless Quartet recorded this song.
• Good Afternoon, Mr. Jenkins: Tom wrote the music, and Cecil Mack wrote the words. George Walker recorded it in 1901.
• Honey Lou: Tom wrote the music, and Ed Rose wrote the words. Collins & Harlan recorded it in 1908. It was a very popular song!
• I Wonder What Makes It Snow: Tom wrote the music, and Tom Brown wrote the words. Billy Murray recorded it in 1904.
• I'd Like to Be a Real Lady: Collins & Harlan recorded this song in 1908.
• I'll Be Your Dewdrop Rosey: Tom wrote the music, and Richard H. Gerard wrote the words. It was in a show called "Foxy Grandpa."
• I'm Just Barely Livin', Dat's All: Tom wrote the music, and Harry Brown wrote the words. Bob Roberts recorded it in 1904.
• In My Old Home (in Dixie Land): Tom wrote the music, and Mord Allen wrote the words. Bert Williams performed this song.
• Is Everybody Happy? (1905): Tom wrote the music with Ernest Hogan, and Frank Williams wrote the words. It was in a musical play called Rufus Rastus. Arthur Collins recorded it around 1905.
• Junie: Tom wrote the music, and Cecil Mack wrote the words. George Walker recorded it in 1901.
• Just One Word of Consolation: Tom wrote this with Frank B. Williams. Many artists recorded it, including Bing Crosby in 1936!
• Lovie Dear: Tom wrote the music, and Fred Bonny wrote the words. Aida Overton Walker first performed this song.
• Mary Ellen: Tom wrote the music, and Alfred Bryan wrote the words. Billy Murray recorded it in 1904.
• Miss Hannah from Savannah: Tom wrote the music, and Cecil Mack wrote the words. Aida Overton Walker also first performed this song.
• My Cabin Door: Tom wrote the music, and Grant Stewart wrote the words. Hattie Williams and Sam Bernard performed it in a musical called The Rollicking Girl.
• My Dear Luzon: Tom wrote the music, and Jesse A. Shipp wrote the words. It was featured in the Broadway musical In Dahomey.
• Play That Rag: Tom wrote the music, and Ed Rose wrote the words. Collins and Harlan recorded it in 1908.
• Sweetness: Tom wrote the music, and Henry Creamer wrote the words. The Peerless Quartet recorded it in 1910.
• That Was Me: Tom wrote the music, and Ed Rose wrote the words. Bob Roberts recorded it in 1909.