Books about African Americans in Musical Theatre?

[Mildred Plotka]

Posted: 7/12/12 at 3:43pm

I'm having trouble finding much thorough information (the occasional mention in the major musical history books) on the presence of African Americans in Musical Theatre.

I just purchased a copy of "Black Musical Theatre: From Coontown to Dreamgirls". Anyone read this and have thoughts?

I've done a fair amount of reading on Minstrel Shows, so am mostly looking for information/insight from Shuffle Along forward. Any information/resources would be great appreciated!

[WhizzerMarvin]

Posted: 7/12/12 at 3:53pm

This might not really be what you're looking for, but it's a very fun read and discusses what it was like for a Black woman both on Broadway and in Hollywood. Plus it's only 6 bucks!

http://www.amazon.com/Legs-Are-Last-Go-Marrying/dp/B0046LUCTS/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342122578&sr=1-1&keywords=diahann+carroll

[dramamama611]

Posted: 7/12/12 at 4:43pm

This seems like earlier than what you are looking for, but it looked interesting.
Introducing Bert Williams

[dramamama611]

Posted: 7/12/12 at 4:47pm

If you can find a used copy....
Dictionary of Black Theater