Burleigh, Harry Thacker. Three items: two being printed music compiled or arranged by Burleigh, and a letter. Negro Folk Songs 'Nobody Knows the Troubles I've Seen" presentation copy Autograph Letter Signed to Francis Cooke. First 2 are small folio,

Burleigh, Harry Thacker. Three items: two being printed music compiled or arranged by Burleigh, and a letter. Negro Folk Songs 'Nobody Knows the Troubles I've Seen" presentation copy Autograph Letter Signed to Francis Cooke. First 2 are small folio, printed wrappers. New York, 1917-1925 E350-500 Burleigh 1866-1949 was a ground-breaking African-American in the field of serious music based on traditional themes. his mother was his first teacher. She was not allowed to teach, but became the local school custodian. Burleigh's talents were quickly recognized, and in 1890 He won a full scholarship to the National Conservatory in New York. There He came under the wing of Anton Dvorak who later acknowledged Burleigh's influence regarding negro spirituals on his New World Symphony. During his long career, Burleigh composed over 250 songs, ballads, anthems and violin pieces, as well as numerous arrangements of spirituals and Negro folk songs. He was one of the first to popularize the negro spiritual in concert; He was the winner of countless awards including the Spingarn Medal; He was one of the founding members of Ascap and became the first African-American to serve on their board.