Search

The Leviticus Lyon papers document the professional and personal activities of the tenor singer, music conductor and choral director. Letters, writings, illustrations and photographs are included in this collection. Correspondence details the life of Leviticus Lyon from childhood to adulthood with personal letters from parents, siblings, and friends including the originally titled "world's fastest human," African American Olympic track star Howard P. Drew. Other correspondence includes letters from blues legend W.C. Handy and prominent Harlem lawyer Hubert T. Delany. The Professional Papers series illustrates Lyon's efforts in establishing the Negro Symphony Orchestra, his participation in the Annual Harlem Music Week, and his work as choral director in the Westchester Negro Choral Union. Personal papers include poems, illustrations, and other writings by Lyon.