Melody Rag

Composer: Raymond Birch (Charles L. Johnson)

Publisher: Forster Music Publisher Inc.

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Copyright Year: 1911

Form: Rag

Notes: Raymond Birch was a known pseudonym of Charles L. Johnson. Birch is credited as the composer on the inside cover with Johnson as the arranger. While his reasons for publishing as Birch (possibly legal) are not entirely known, it is obvious that he wanted his real name associated with the piece as the cover clearly omits the composer’s “name” and instead features Johnson’s name prominently.

Sources: http://www.allmusic.com/artist/charles-l-johnson-mn0000170554