528
●
(MUSIC.) MUSICAL COM-
EDY/SOUTH AFRICA.
King Kong, a
Jazz Musical.
24 pages. Small 8vo, origi-
nal pictorial wrappers, stapled.
SIGNED ON
THE FRONT COVER
.
London, 1961
[350/500]
King Kong was a South African, jazz-oriented
musical comedy, billed at the time as an
“all African jazz opera.” It opened in
Johannesburg on February 2, 1959 and was
an immediate hit. It swept South Africa, tour-
ing the country for two years and playing to
record-breaking multi-racial audiences, before
being booked for a London opening in 1961.
The present program is signed on the front
cover by the actor in the title role, Nathan
Mdeledle. “Best wishes from King Kong,
Nathan Mdeledle.”
528
526
●
(MUSIC—GOSPEL.)
The Cleveland Coloured Gospel Quintette (cover
title) The Coloured Quintette, a Narrative of God’s Marvellous (sic) Dealings
with the Cleveland Gospel Quintette and their Personal Testimony.
Illustrations
throughout. 84 pages. 8vo, original printed green wrappers, lightly worn with some rub-
bing to the extremities; paper repair to a horizontal tear across the title page. Loosely
inserted are two photographs, one, a 4 x 6 silver print of the Quintette, and the other a
“Real Photo Post Card” of the lead singer-preacher and his wife.
Kilmarnock, Scotland, 1937
[300/400]
RIB-TICKLING RACISM
527
●
(MUSIC—RACISM.)
Broadside. “What’s New? . . . Subtle rib-tickling
satire concerning problems of integration and various political themes, fore-
most of out times. For those who take a Conservative position on integration . . .”
Single, narrow sheet, 12 x 6 inches, printed on one side.
Crowley, LA, circa 1968-1970s
[300/400]
This mail-order company, offering 45 rpm recordings by “top artists” is an example of how
deeply ingrained racism was in American society as recently as the 1970’s. This company
offered a variety of “rib-ticklers” like “Nigger Hatin’ Me,” with the B side of Who Likes a
Nigger.” And for those who like something to dance to, there’s “Kajun Klu Klux Klan.” The
copy at the head of the page tells you all you need to know: “For those who take a conservative
position on integration, the NAACP and the senseless war in Viet Nam.”
