As yet, the Negroes themselves do not fully appreciate these old slave songs.

My appearance was always good and my ability to play on the piano, especially ragtime, which was then at the height of its vogue, made me a welcome guest.

And so for a couple of years my life was divided between my music and my school books.

In Berlin I especially enjoyed the orchestral concerts, and I attended a large number of them. I formed the acquaintance of a good many musicians, several of whom spoke of my playing in high terms.

O Black and unknown bards of long ago, How came your lips to touch the sacred fire?

I'm lonely I'll make me a world.

At a very early age I began to thump on the piano alone, and it was not long before I was able to pick out a few tunes? I also learned the names of the notes in both clefs, but I preferred not be hampered by notes.