Bess, You Is My Woman

Object Details

Published by: Gershwin Publishing Corp.
Written by: George Gershwin, American, 1898 - 1937; Ira Gershwin, American, 1896 - 1983; DuBose Heyward, American, 1885 - 1940
Illustrated by: Ben Jorj Harris, 1904 - 1957
Subject of: Rouben Mamoulian, American, 1897 - 1987

Description: Sheet music for “Bess, You Is My Woman." The front cover is a black and white illustration with an off-white margin. Across the top margin is the title "BESS YOU IS MY WOMAN." The illustration, done in the style of woodcuts, depicts several vignettes. The foremost vignette is a profile of a man and woman, face to face. Beyond them is a palm tree, under which is the silhouette of a goat-drawn cart. In the cart is a reclining figure of a man with a crutch. Along the right hand side are two wooden cabins with a boat and ocean beyond them. In the top right corner is the outline of a city skyline. There is a large arm, stemming from the profile of the front man, with a large hand pointing toward the city skyline. In the top left quarter are the words "The Theatre Guild presents/ PORGY and BESS/ Music by GEORGE GERSHWIN/ Libretto by/ DUBOSE HEYWARD/ Lyrics by/ DUBOSE HEYWARD and IRA GERSHWIN/ Production direction by/ ROUBEN MAMOULIAN." At the bottom right corner are the words "Gershwin Publishing Corp. / RKO Bldg. New York, N.Y. / Chappell & Co. Inc. / Sole Selling Agent/ Made in U.S.A."

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Vicki Gold Levi

1935

Restrictions & Rights: © 1935 by George Gershwin; Permission required for use. Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.

Place printed: New York City, New York County, New York, United States, North and Central America

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Written Music

National Museum of African American History and Culture

GUID (Link to Original Record): http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd55eb28d41-1d25-4efe-a647-1a65594ea7f0