There is a vastness of songs by African-American composers such that it requires a reference book like that of Kagen or Coffin in order to list them properly and to serve them justly. A bare minimum of repertoire can be best suggested by pointing out some notable song cycles. With this approach, the reader will be exposed to a broad sampling of the works available. Individual songs by the composers herein cited are of value, as are the works of composers not included in this essay.