I’m eatin’ in de White House now
Song depicts President Roosevelt and “Bill Bailey,” an African American caricature, spending time at the White House. In 1901, Roosevelt hosted Booker T. Washington for dinner at the White House, and this action became very controversial, especially in the South. The cover depicts African Americans, with fine clothing, dining and relaxing alongside Roosevelt in a Rough Rider uniform. There is also a photograph of a young Buster Keaton who sang the song “with great success.” Keaton was nine years old in 1904 and toured with his family’s vaudeville act. Keaton would become one of the most famous film directors and entertainers of the early 20th century.
Collection
Dr. Danny O. Crew Theodore Roosevelt Sheet Music Collection
Creation Date
1904