African American 1847 Christy's Minstrels "Carry me Back to Old Virginia" Sheet Music

Sheet music of "Christy's Melodies, As Composed and Sung by Them, At Their Concerts with Distinguished Success." 4pp, measuring 10.25" x 13.25". New York: Jacques and Brothers, 1847. The music included is entitled "Carry Me Back to Old Virginia", as arranged and sung by E.P. Christy. The front cover is decorated with multiple illustrations of the band, musical cherubs, and dancing women. George Christy appears in the circle at the top. Both the front and back covers have been stamped, and the front cover has been signed by a previous owner at the top right corner. With flattened folds and creases, bumped corners, and worn edges. Toning and light soiling throughout. Overall, very good. From a recently discovered collection that has not seen the light of day for over 70 years!

Christy's Minstrels were a blackface group formed in 1843 by Edwin Pearce Christy, a well-known ballad singer. Starting out in Buffalo, New York, the troupe became popular and was instrumental in the structuring of the minstrel show as a fixed three-act form. Besides Edwin Christy, the troupe originally included Christy's stepson George Christy, frequently considered the greatest blackface comic of the era. Although George and Edwin Christy retired from the group in September 1855, the company continued under the name of 'Christy's Minstrels', until Edwin Christy took out an injunction to prevent them from using his name. Edwin Christy would later commit suicide because of financial concerns due to American Civil War, and he died May 21, 1862.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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