Cover for song "If Ma Babe Could See Me Now", music by Tom Lemonier 1905
Numerous recordings of his songs were made including on Victor Records and Columbia Records.[3] In 1909 he joined the staff of music publisher Rose & Snyder.[7]
Lemonier became one of the first African-American actors to perform in a Caucasian play when in 1910 he was hired to play a steward in William A. Brady's production of Over Night.[8] Previously these characters had been performed in blackface.[8] Lemonier's abilities and the positive reception he received convinced Brady to hire additional African-American actors for the role in touring versions of the show.[8]
My-dear-luzon song, music by Tom Lemonier, with photo of George Walker
Playbill notes him as a performer in the 1912 musical Little Miss Brown.[9] In addition to the original production, he was part of a national tour of this show.[10] In 1915 Lemonier wrote the anthem, entitled Praise God We Are Not Weary, for the National Half Century Exposition and Lincoln Jubilee.[11]
Lemonier collaborated with various other musicians and lyricists to produce compositions.[12] In 1917, Lemonier established a sheet music business with Lew Payton and Tom Brown.[13] He appeared on radio station WGY in 1923 as a whistler.[14] In 1926 he was concentrating entirely on sacred music.[15]
Views on Civil rights
Lemonier opined that Civil rights should be acquired over a period of time, and that forcing the issue would generate hatred instead of progress.[15]
Honey Lou, music; lyrics by Ed Rose. Recorded 1908 by Collins & Harlan.[19]Joel Whitburn estimates the Victor Records version was the sixth best selling recording of late January, 1909.[20]
I Wonder What Makes It Snow, music; lyrics by Tom Brown. Recorded 1904 by Billy Murray.[21]
I'd Like to Be a Real Lady. Recorded 1908 by Collins & Harlan.[22]
I'll Be Your Dewdrop Rosey, music; words by Richard H. Gerard. Included in show "Foxy Grandpa", where originally performed by Joseph Hart and Carrie DeMar.[23]
I'm Just Barely Livin', Dat's All, music; words by Harry Brown. Recorded 1904 by Bob Roberts.[24]
In My Old Home (in Dixie Land), music; words by Mord Allen. Performed by Bert Williams.[25]
Is Everybody Happy? (1905) with Ernest Hogan, music; words by Frank Williams. Included in musical play Rufus Rastus.[26] Recorded circa 1905 by Arthur Collins.[27]
Junie, music; words by Cecil Mack. Recorded 1901 by George Walker.[28]
