Wait and Hear!! Black Prince's Alabama Comedy Four Singing "My Dream of the U.S.A.
New York: Ted Snyder, n.d. (ca. 1909?). Promotional card. Illustrated double-sided card, 11 x 12 cm. Minor scuffing and wear. The Alabama Comedy Four was apparently an African American quartet which performed musical comedy on the vaudeville circuit under the leadership of a bass singer named Black Prince. We don't know whether the group had Alabama roots. A brief item in the New York Age for May 27, 1909, reports that William Powell, a buck and wing dancer with the In Old Kentucky" Company had joined Black Prince's group which then consisted of John Brennem, first tenor; William Pennell, Second tenor; Sam Keeling, baritone; and "Black Prince," bass. This promotional card shows four men in matching band-like attire. The chorus of "My Dream of the U.S.A.," published by Snyder, is printed on the other side. A copy of this item was offered (est. 400-600) but not sold in Swann's May 2020 auction of Printed & Manuscript African Americana. Very Good. Item #95185
Price: $175.00