Goodbye Alexander, Goodbye Honeyboy
There were a few singers who were sought out by African American songwriters because they were able to sing the blues convincingly. Marion Harris, a singer we know little about, was attractive, popular, and could sing the blues and jazz.  She was probably from Chicago, and may have learned the blues there. This is a World War I era recording of her, not only singing a jazzy song, but also reciting a toast. Toasts are an African American poem usually recited by men, and a precursor to rap. Composer Turner Layton and lyricist Henry Creamer had a cause expressed in this song. They wanted Americans to know that African Americans were going to war for their country and doing a good job.  It would not do for the song only to be heard by African Americans. They used music and humor to get their message across. So here is this amazing recording, “ Goodbye Alexander, Goodbye Honeyboy” (1918).