Sweet Dreams

Black

WEB IMAGE 009

Title: Sweet Dreams, Words By: Walter Smart, Music By: Harry Wellmon, Published By: Howley, Haviland & Dresser, Location: New York, Year: 1903

Harry Malcolm Wellmon (May 15, 1883 – July 17, 1945) sometimes known as H. W. Wellmon, was an African-American jazz age conductor and composer who lived in London, England. He was part of the song-writing team of Carlish and Wellmon.

In 1893 Paul Dresser formed a partnership with Frederick Haviland and Patrick Howley as a silent partner in Howley, Haviland and Company. The New York City firm published Dresser’s works, while he recruited new songwriters and encouraged singers to perform the company’s songs. Dresser stopped traveling and performing during the summer so he could focus on composing music and promoting the new company. In 1894 he invited his younger brother Theodore to join him in New York. Theodore went to work for Howley, Haviland and Company as editor of the firm’s trade journal, Ev’ry Month, which promoted their newest songs. Theodore later became a nationally-known novelist. During their time together in New York, the brothers frequented Broadway theaters, popular restaurants, and hotel bars as well as the city’s brothels and saloons. In 1905 the “Howley and Dresser” partnership declared bankruptcy.