James Weldon Johnson

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

Any musical person who has never heard a Negro congregation under the spell of religious fervor sing these old songs has missed one of the most thrilling emotions which the human heart may experience.

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.

I have a naturally camp sensibility and a camp sense of humour. I love the icons that gay people love.

My first career ambitions involved turning into a boy; I intended to be either a railway guard or a knight errant.