Search Results

Creator:

Asch, Moses  Search this

Distler, Marian, 1919-1964  Search this

Folkways Records  Search this

Names:

Courlander, Harold, 1908-1996  Search this

Guthrie, Woody, 1912-1967  Search this

Jenkins, Ella  Search this

Leadbelly, 1885-1949  Search this

Ramsey, Frederic, 1915-1995  Search this

Seeger, Pete, 1919-2014  Search this

Extent:

841 Cubic feet

Type:

Collection descriptions

Archival materials

Business records

Correspondence

Phonograph records

Photographic prints

Audiotapes

Date:

1926-1986

bulk 1948-1986

Summary:

This collection, which dates from 1926-1986, documents the output of Moses Asch through the various record labels he founded and co-founded, and includes some of his personal papers. The Asch collection includes published recordings, master tapes, outtakes, business records, correspondence, photographs, and film.

Scope and Contents:

The Moses and Frances Asch Collection measures 841 cubic feet and dates from 1926-1987, with some contemporary, relevant correspondence, clippings, and ephemera added after 1987.

Most of the collection consists of audio recordings (commercial 78 rpm and long-playing records, open reel tapes, acetate discs, and test pressings), correspondence with recording artists and producers, artwork, photographs, ephemera, clippings, record production materials, writings, and business papers relating to Folkways Records. Materials relating to Folkways Records can be found primarily in the Correspondence, Folkways Production, Business Records, Photographs, Artwork, Sound Recordings, and Film series.

The collection also contains some biographical materials and personal correspondence, including materials related to Asch's first business, Radio Laboratories, located in the Biographical Materials series. Correspondence, ephemera, photographs, record production materials, business papers, and recordings relating to Asch's record labels before Folkways Records (Asch Recordings, Disc Company of America, Cub Records) are located in the Early Label Materials series as well as the Audio Recordings and Photographs series.

Arrangement note:

The collection is arranged in 10 series:

Series 1: Correspondence, 1942-1987

Series 2: Folkways Production, 1946-1987

Series 3: Business Records, 1940-1987

Series 4: Woody Guthrie papers, 1927-1985

Series 5: Early Label Materials, 1940-1949

Series 6: Biographical Materials, 1926-1987

Series 7: Photographs

Series 8: Artwork

Series 9: Audio Recordings

Series 10: Film

At this time, the collection is partially processed. Please contact rinzlerarchives@si.edu for more information.

Biographical/Historical note:

The son of Yiddish writer Sholem Asch, Moses Asch was born in Poland in 1905. His childhood was spent in Poland, France, Germany, and New York. While young, Asch developed an interest in radio electronics, which ultimately lead him to his life's work, recording the music and sounds of the world. He established several record labels in succession, sometimes partnering with other record companies. Two of his fist record companies, Asch Recordings and DISC Co. of America, went bankrupt. They were followed by his best-known label, Folkways Records, which was founded in 1948 with Marian Distler (1919-1964). He was still working on Folkways recordings when he died in 1986.

Folkways Records sought to document the entire world of sound. The 2,168 titles Asch released on Folkways include traditional and contemporary music from around the world, spoken word in many languages, and documentary recordings of individuals, communities, and current events. Asch's business practices revolved around the commitment to keep every recording issued by Folkways in print, despite low sales. Asch stayed afloat by cutting costs where he could (such as color printing) and offering a high-quality product, meticulously recorded and accompanied by extensive liner notes. In doing this, he could charge a slightly higher price than other commercial outfits. Despite a tenuous relationship with financial solvency, Folkways grew to be not only one of the most important independent record companies in the United States in the 20th century, but also one of the largest and most influential record companies in the world.

Moses Asch's record labels featured famous and lesser known American writers, poets, documentarians, ethnographers, and grass roots musicians on commercial recordings. American folk icon Woody Guthrie recorded on the Asch, Disc, and Folkways labels, and the Asch Collection includes some of his correspondence, lyrics, drawings, and writings. The collection also includes correspondence with other notable musicians and artists such as John Cage, Langston Hughes, Margaret Walker, Huddie "Lead Belly" Ledbetter, Pete Seeger, Peggy Seeger, Ewan MacColl, Alan Lomax, Henry Cowell, and Kenneth Patchen. Also in the collection are ethnographic field notes and photographs by as well as correspondence with Béla Barók, Sidney Robertson Cowell, Harold Courlander, Helen Creighton, Laura Boulton, and Samuel Charters. Asch hired various prominent artists and graphic designers including David Stone Martin, Ben Shahn, John Carlis, and Ronald Clyne to create album cover art for his recordings. Much of the original art and designs for these covers can be found in the Asch Collection.

Asch's output of recordings on various labels, including published recordings, open reel master tapes, outtakes, and acetate disks, in addition to his business papers, correspondence, photographs, and other files were acquired by the Smithsonian Institution in 1987. The collection came to the Smithsonian with the understanding that all 2168 titles under the Folkways label would be kept available in perpetuity.

Provenance:

Ralph Rinzler arranged the Smithsonian's acquisition of the Moses and Frances Asch Collection in 1987, beginning with Asch before his death in 1986 and continuing with extensive discussions between Rinzler and the Asch family. Since its acquisition, archivist Jeff Place and others have added contemporary, relevant correspondence with Folkways artists and related individuals.

Restrictions:

Access by appointment only. Contact the Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections at rinzlerarchives@si.edu or (202) 633-7322 for additional information.

Rights:

Copyright restrictions apply. Contact archives staff for additional information.

Topic:

Folk music  Search this

Folk dance music  Search this

Electronic music  Search this

Oral interpretation of poetry  Search this

Oral interpretation of fiction  Search this

Music -- 20th century  Search this

Music -- 19th century  Search this

Music -- 18th century  Search this

Jazz  Search this

Folk music -- United States  Search this

World music  Search this

Sounds  Search this

Vocal music  Search this

Popular music -- 20th century -- United States  Search this

Genre/Form:

Business records

Correspondence

Phonograph records

Photographic prints

Audiotapes

Citation:

Moses and Frances Asch Collection, Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections, Smithsonian Institution.

Identifier:

CFCH.ASCH

See more items in:

Moses and Frances Asch Collection

Archival Repository:

Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections

EDAN-URL:

ead_collection:sova-cfch-asch

Collector:

National Museum of American History (U.S.). Archives Center  Search this

Producer:

National Museum of American History (U.S.). Dept. of Public Programs  Search this

America's Jazz Heritage  Search this

Smithsonian Institution. Traveling Exhibition Service  Search this

Funder:

Lila Wallace-Reader's Digest Fund  Search this

Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation  Search this

National Endowment for the Arts  Search this

Lila Wallace-Reader's Digest Fund  Search this

National Endowment for the Arts  Search this

Creator:

Smithsonian Institution  Search this

Interviewee:

Adams, Joe, 1922-  Search this

Aguabella, Francisco, 1925-  Search this

Akiyoshi, Toshiko, 1929-  Search this

Alvarado, Alfredo  Search this

Anderson, Chris, 1926-  Search this

Armenteros, Chocolate, 1928-  Search this

Armstrong, Howard, 1909-2003  Search this

Ashby, Harold  Search this

Atkins, Clarence, 1921-  Search this

Avakian, George, 1919-  Search this

Baker, David, 1931-  Search this

Bank, Danny, 1922-  Search this

Barker, Danny, 1909-  Search this

Barker, Louise, 1913-  Search this

Barron, Kenny  Search this

Bass, Fontella  Search this

Bates, Peg Leg, 1907-  Search this

Bauza, Mario, 1911-  Search this

Belli, Remo  Search this

Bellson, Louis  Search this

Benson, George, 1943-  Search this

Berger, Ed  Search this

Bert, Eddie, 1922-  Search this

Betts, Keter, 1928-  Search this

Bey, Chief (James), 1913-  Search this

Bishop, Walter, 1927-  Search this

Brooks, Cecil  Search this

Brown, Oscar, Jr., 1926-  Search this

Brown, Velzoe, 1910-  Search this

Brubeck, Dave  Search this

Bryant, Ardie, 1929-  Search this

Bryant, Clora  Search this

Bryant, Ray, 1931-  Search this

Bufalino, Brenda, 1937-  Search this

Bunnett, Jane  Search this

Burns, Ralph, 1922-2001  Search this

Burrell, Kenny  Search this

Butts, Jimmy, 1917-  Search this

Byrd, Charlie, 1925-  Search this

Calloway, Cab, 1907-  Search this

Camero, Candido, 1921-  Search this

Carbonell, Luis  Search this

Carrington, Terri Lyne  Search this

Carter, Benny, 1907-2003  Search this

Carter, Ron, 1937-  Search this

Casey, Al, 1915-  Search this

Cheatham, Doc, 1905-1997  Search this

Cheatham, Jeannie, 1917-  Search this

Cheatham, Jimmy, 1924-  Search this

Claxton, William  Search this

Cobb, Jimmy, 1929-  Search this

Cohen, Martin, 1939-  Search this

Collins, John, 1913-  Search this

Columbus, Chris, 1902-  Search this

Conover, Willis, 1920-  Search this

Costello, Diosa  Search this

Cruz, Alfredo  Search this

Cruz, Celia, 1920-  Search this

Cugat, Xavier, 1900-  Search this

D'Rivera, Paquito, 1948-  Search this

De Franco, Buddy, 1923-  Search this

DeJohnette, Jack  Search this

Dejan, Harold, 1909-  Search this

Del Puerto, Carlos, 1951-  Search this

Di Novi, Gene, 1928-  Search this

Diaz Ayala, Cristobal  Search this

Donegan, Dorothy, 1922-  Search this

Driggs, Frank, 1930-  Search this

Dudley, Bessie, 1902-  Search this

Edison, Harry, 1915-  Search this

Egũes, Richard, 1923-2006  Search this

Farmer, Art, 1928-  Search this

Favors, Malachi  Search this

Fernandez, Rosita, 1918-2006  Search this

Fernandez, Ruth  Search this

Finegan, Bill, 1917-  Search this

Flynn, Frank (Marimba player)  Search this

Foster, Frank, 1928-  Search this

Fournier, Vernel, 1928-  Search this

Freeman, Von, 1922-  Search this

Fuller, Curtis, 1934-  Search this

Fuller, Gil, 1920-  Search this

Gensel, John  Search this

Gilbert, Peggy  Search this

Golson, Benny  Search this

Gonzalez, Celina  Search this

Goodson, Sadie, 1904-  Search this

Green, Urbie  Search this

Guerrero, Felix, 1916-2001  Search this

Guines, Tata  Search this

Hamilton, Chico, 1921-  Search this

Hampton, Slide  Search this

Harris, Joe  Search this

Harrison, Nelson  Search this

Haynes, Roy, 1926-  Search this

Heath, Jimmy, 1926-  Search this

Heath, Percy, 1923-2005  Search this

Hemphill, Julius, 1938-  Search this

Henderson, Bill, 1930-  Search this

Henderson, Luther  Search this

Hendricks, Jon, 1921-  Search this

Hentoff, Nat  Search this

Hill, Roger, 1928-  Search this

Hinton, Milt, 1910-  Search this

Holman, Bill, 1927-  Search this

Horn, Shirley, 1934-  Search this

Humphries, Roger  Search this

Hutcherson, Bobby  Search this

Jarvis, Jane, 1915-  Search this

Jimenez, Flaco  Search this

Johnson, J.J., 1924-  Search this

Jones, Elvin  Search this

Jones, Hank, 1918-2010  Search this

Jones, Jonah  Search this

Jones, Quincy, 1933-  Search this

Jordan, Kidd, 1935-  Search this

Jordan, Sheila, 1928-  Search this

Keepnews, Orrin, 1923-  Search this

Kimball, Narvin, 1909-  Search this

Klein, Manny, 1908-  Search this

Konitz, Lee  Search this

Lateef, Yusef, 1920-  Search this

Laws, Hubert  Search this

LeGon, Jeni, 1916-  Search this

LeRoy Neiman  Search this

Leonard, Herman, 1923-2010  Search this

Levy, John, 1912-2012  Search this

Lewis, Edna, 1907-  Search this

Lewis, Ramsey  Search this

Liebman, Dave  Search this

Lincoln, Abbey, 1930 -  Search this

Liston, Melba  Search this

Livelli, VIncent  Search this

Longoria, Valerio, 1924-200  Search this

Lopez, Israel, 1918-  Search this

Lucie, Lawrence, 1907-  Search this

Lutcher, Nellie, 1912-  Search this

Lynton, Charles, 1904-  Search this

Mandel, Johnny  Search this

Manning, Frank, 1914-  Search this

Marsalis, Delfeayo  Search this

Marsalis, Ellis  Search this

Marsalis, Jason  Search this

McGettigan, Betty  Search this

McIntosh, Tom, 1927-  Search this

McKibbon, Al, 1919-  Search this

McKusick, Hal, 1924-  Search this

McPartland, Marian  Search this

Mendoza, Lydia  Search this

Miller, Eric  Search this

Miller, Norma, 1919-  Search this

Mondello, Toots, 1911-  Search this

Moody, James, 1925-  Search this

Morgenstern, Dan  Search this

Murray, Albert, 1916-  Search this

Myers, Amina  Search this

Nicholas, Fayard, 1918-  Search this

Nicholas, Harold, 1924-  Search this

Norvo, Red, 1908-1999  Search this

O'Brien, Peter F.  Search this

O'Farrill, Chico, 1921-2001  Search this

Owens, Jimmy, 1943-  Search this

Palmier, Remo, 1923-  Search this

Peraza, Armando, 1924-  Search this

Perez, Graciela  Search this

Peterson, Oscar, 1925-  Search this

Puente, Tito  Search this

Pullen, Don, 1941-  Search this

Rachell, Yank  Search this

Ray, Carline, 1925-  Search this

Reed, Leonard, 1907-  Search this

Richards, Red, 1912-  Search this

Rivers, Sam  Search this

Robinson, Charles  Search this

Robinson, Les, 1912-  Search this

Rogers, Shorty, 1924-  Search this

Rollins, Sonny  Search this

Ross, Annie, 1930-  Search this

Royal, Marshall, 1912-  Search this

Rugolo, Pete, 1915-  Search this

Russell, George, 1923-2009  Search this

Rutherford, Rudy  Search this

Sager, Jane, 1914-  Search this

Santamaria, Mongo, 1917-  Search this

Scott, Jimmy  Search this

Settle, Cucell, 1914-  Search this

Shaw, Artie, 1910-2004  Search this

Slyde, Jimmy, 1927-  Search this

Smith, Hale G.  Search this

Smith, Johnny  Search this

Stoll, Jerry, 1923-  Search this

Taylor, Arthur, 1929-  Search this

Taylor, Billy  Search this

Teagarden, Norma, 1911-  Search this

Terry, Clark  Search this

Thielemans, Toots  Search this

Tinney, Al, 1921-  Search this

Toro, Yomo  Search this

Tucker, Bobby, 1923-2008  Search this

Tyner, McCoy  Search this

Valdes, Bebo, 1918-  Search this

Valdez, Carlos, 1926-  Search this

Valdez, Chucho, 1941-  Search this

Valentin, Val, 1920-  Search this

Valeria, Chuy  Search this

Van Gelder, Rudy  Search this

Van Lake, Turk, 1918-  Search this

Viola, Al, 1919-  Search this

Walton, Cedar, 1934-  Search this

Wein, George  Search this

Wess, Frank, 1922-  Search this

Weston, Randy, 1926-  Search this

White, Andrew, 1942-  Search this

Wilder, Joe, 1922-  Search this

Willcox, Spiegle, 1902-  Search this

Williams, Claude, 1908-2004  Search this

Williams, John, 1905-  Search this

Wilson, Gerald, 1918-  Search this

Wilson, Nancy, 1937-  Search this

Wofford, Mike  Search this

Woods, Phil  Search this

Ybarra, Eva  Search this

Yoshida, George, 1922-  Search this

Young, Al (Saxophinist)  Search this

Young, Lee, 1917-  Search this

Young, Webster, 1932-  Search this

Interviewer:

Baker, Lida  Search this

Bluiett, Hamiett  Search this

Brower, William  Search this

Brown, Anthony  Search this

Burstein, Julie  Search this

Carner, Gary  Search this

Cole, Tom  Search this

Coleman, Steve  Search this

Corporan, Hector  Search this

Crease, Bob  Search this

Dantzler, Russ  Search this

Elie, Lolis  Search this

Fernandez, Raul  Search this

Fochios, Steve  Search this

Frank, Rusty  Search this

Geremia, Paul, 1944-  Search this

Haddix, Chuck  Search this

Harris, Barry  Search this

Holley, Eugene  Search this

Jackson, Reuben  Search this

Jenkins, Willard  Search this

Kimery, Kennith  Search this

Kirchner, Bill  Search this

Levin, Floyd, 1922-2007  Search this

Lopez, Rene  Search this

McDaniel, Ted  Search this

McDonough, John  Search this

Murphy, Molly  Search this

Newton, James  Search this

O'Meally, Bob  Search this

Ouelette, Dan  Search this

Pelote, Vincent  Search this

Placksin, Sally  Search this

Porter, Lewis  Search this

Pullman, Peter  Search this

Ritz, David  Search this

Rodrique, Jessie  Search this

Schoenberg, Loren  Search this

Schwartz, Scott  Search this

Smith, Ernie  Search this

Sneed, Ann  Search this

Stitt, Katea  Search this

Talbot, Bruce  Search this

Tucker, Sherrie  Search this

Watson, Matt  Search this

White, Michael  Search this

Whitfield, Weslia  Search this

Willard, Patricia  Search this

Williams, James  Search this

Wong, Herb  Search this

Yamazaki, Paul  Search this

Zimmerman, James  Search this

Extent:

39 Cubic feet (54 boxes)

Type:

Collection descriptions

Archival materials

Compact discs

Sound recordings

Oral history

Audiotapes

Interviews

Date:

1992-2012

Scope and Contents:

Audiotapes, CDs and digital files: an ongoing project to interview and preserve the memories of people important in the jazz world, including jazz musicians, singers, dancers, producers, arrangers, and others. A list of interviewees and interviewers follows.

The following is a list of the individuals who conducted the interviews.

1. Brown, Anthony

2. Baker, Lida

3. Burstein, Julie

Interviewer

2. Bluiett, Hamiet

Arrangement:

This collection is arranged into six series.

Series 1, DAT and CD Original Interview Recordings, 1992-2012

Series 2, Cassette Reference and Master Interview Tapes, 1992-2012

Series 3, Audio CD Reference Copies, 2000-2012

Series 4, Video/CD, 1994-2012

Series 5, Transcripts and Abstracts, 1992-2014

Series 6, Supplemental Documentation, 1992-2012

Biographical / Historical:

The Smithsonian Jazz Oral History Program, a project of "America's Jazz Heritage, A Partnership of the Lila Wallace-Reader's Digest Fund and the Smithsonian Institution" initiative was created in 1992. More than 150 in-depth oral history interviews were conducted from 1992 through 2002. The collection was transferred to the Archives Center of the National Museum of American History in 2000. Now part of the National Museum of American History's American Music History Initiatives, the Smithsonian Jazz Oral History Program continues to conduct interviews as funding is available.

The Smithsonian Jazz Oral History Program was established to document significant jazz musicians, performers, producers, and business associates in their own words and voices. Program staff contacted and worked with potential interviewees to arrange for interviews. Each interview was conducted by a jazz authority and was recorded on digital audiotape by a professional audio engineer. The interviews averaged 6 hours in length and covered a wide range of topics including early years, initial involvement in music, generally, and jazz specifically, as well as experiences in the jazz music world, including relationships to musicians. The original DAT interview tapes were then dubbed to audiocassettes and CD to create protection and access copies. More recent interviews have been recorded using fully digital technology and the interviews are preserved and made availbel as digital files.

A number of the interviews were conducted as part of the Ella Fitzgerald Oral History Project of the Jazz Oral History Program. Funded by the Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation, these interviews focus on the life and work of Ella Fitzgerald. The National Endowments for the Arts Jazz Masters Oral Histories Program continues to support new interviews with NEA Jazz Masters.

For more information about jazz concerts, education, collections, Jazz Appreciation Month, and the Jazz Master orchestra, visit Smithsonian Jazz.

Provenance:

The interviews were made for the Smithsonian Institution under the auspices of the Smithsonian Jazz Oral History Program supported by America's Jazz Heritage, funded by the Lila Wallace-Reader's Digest Fund, the Smithsonian Institution, and the National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters Oral Histories Program. Additional interviews were conducted with support from the Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation.

Restrictions:

Collection is open for research. Researchers must use reference copies.

Rights:

Collection items available for reproduction, but the Archives Center makes no guarantees concerning copyright restrictions. Other intellectual property rights may apply. Archives Center cost-recovery and use fees may apply when requesting reproductions. Release forms exist for most interviews.

Topic:

Dancers  Search this

Music -- 20th century  Search this

Jazz  Search this

Musicians -- United States  Search this

Jazz musicians -- United States  Search this

Genre/Form:

Compact discs

Sound recordings

Oral history -- 1990-2000

Audiotapes -- 1990-2000

Interviews -- 2000-2010

Interviews -- 1990-2000

Citation:

[Interviewee name] Interview, Smithsonian Jazz Oral History Program Collection, 1992-2014, Archives Center, National Museum of American History.

Sponsor:

The interviews were made for the Smithsonian Institution under the auspices of the Smithsonian Jazz Oral History Program and supported by America's Jazz Heritage, funded by the Lila Wallace-Reader's Digest Fund, the Smithsonian Institution, and the National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters Oral Histories Program. Additional interviews were conducted with support from the Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation.

Identifier:

NMAH.AC.0808

See more items in:

Smithsonian Jazz Oral History Program Collection

Archival Repository:

Archives Center, National Museum of American History

EDAN-URL:

ead_collection:sova-nmah-ac-0808

Collector:

Musical History, Division of (NMAH, SI)  Search this

Musical History, Division of (NMAH, SI)  Search this

Creator:

Ellington, Duke, 1899-1974  Search this

Names:

Duke Ellington Orchestra  Search this

Washingtonians, The.  Search this

Ellington, Mercer Kennedy, 1919-1996 (musician)  Search this

Strayhorn, Billy (William Thomas), 1915-1967  Search this

Extent:

400 Cubic feet

Type:

Collection descriptions

Archival materials

Phonograph records

Papers

Photographic prints

Posters

Sound recordings

Scrapbooks

Music

Clippings

Awards

Audiotapes

Place:

New York (N.Y.) -- 20th century

Harlem (New York, N.Y.) -- 20th century

Washington (D.C.) -- 20th century

Date:

1903 - 1989

Summary:

The collection documents Duke Ellington's career primarily through orchestrations (scores and parts), music manuscripts, lead sheets, transcriptions, and sheet music. It also includes concert posters, concert programs, television, radio, motion picture and musical theater scripts, business records, correspondence, awards, as well as audiotapes, audiodiscs, photographs, tour itineraries, newspaper clippings, magazines, caricatures, paintings, and scrapbooks.

Scope and Contents:

Dating approximately from the time Duke Ellington permanently moved to New York City in 1923 to the time the material was transferred to the Smithsonian Institution in 1988, the bulk of the material in the Duke Ellington Collection is dated from 1934-1974 and comprises sound recordings, original music manuscripts and published sheet music, hand-written notes, correspondence, business records, photographs, scrapbooks, news clippings, concert programs, posters, pamphlets, books and other ephemera. These materials document Ellington's contributions as composer, musician, orchestra leader, and an ambassador of American music and culture abroad. In addition, the materials paint a picture of the life of a big band maintained for fifty years and open a unique window through which to view an evolving American society.

The approximate four hundred cubic feet of archival materials have been processed and organized into sixteen series arranged by type of material. Several of the series have been divided into subseries allowing additional organization to describe the content of the material. For example, Series 6, Sound Recordings, is divided into four subseries: Radio and Television Interviews, Concert Performances, Studio Dates and Non-Ellington Recordings. Each series has its own scope and content note describing the material and arrangement (for example; Series 10, Magazines and Newspaper Articles, is organized into two groups, foreign and domestic, and arranged chronologically within each group). A container list provides folder titles and box numbers.

The bulk of the material is located in Series 1, Music Manuscripts, and consists of compositions and arrangements by Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn and other composers. Series 6, Sound Recordings also provides a record of the performance of many of these compositions. The materials in Series 2, Performances and Programs, Series 3, Business Records, Series 8, Scrapbooks, Series 9, Newspaper Clippings, Series 11, Publicity and Series 12, Posters provide documentation of specific performances by Duke Ellington and His Orchestra. Ellington was a spontaneous and prolific composer as evidenced by music, lyrical thoughts, and themes for extended works and plays captured on letterhead stationery in Series 3, Business Records, in the margin notes of individual books and pamphlets in Series 14, Religious Materials and Series 15, Books, and in the hand-written notes in Series 5, Personal Correspondence and Notes.

During its fifty-year lifespan, Duke Ellington and His Orchestra were billed under various names including The Washingtonians, The Harlem Footwarmers and The Jungle Band. The soloists were informally called "the band", and Series 3 includes salary statements, IOU's, receipts and ephemera relating to individual band members. Series 1, Music Manuscripts contains the soloists' parts and includes "band books" of several soloists (for example; Harry Carney and Johnny Hodges) and numerous music manuscripts of Billy Strayhorn. The changing role of Strayhorn from arranger hired in 1938 to Ellington's main collaborator and composer of many well-known titles for Duke Ellington and His Orchestra including "Take The A' Train" and "Satin Doll" can be traced in these music manuscripts. Series 7, Photographs and Series 2, Performances and Programs contain many images of the band members and Strayhorn. This Collection also documents the business history of Duke Ellington and His Orchestra. Series 3, Business Records contains correspondence on letterhead stationery and Series 11, Publicity contains promotional material from the various booking agencies, professional companies, and public relations firms that managed the Orchestra.

The materials in the Duke Ellington Collection provide insight into public and institutional attitudes towards African Americans in mid-twentieth-century America. The business records in Series 3 beginning in 1938 and published sheet music in Series 1 depict Duke Ellington's progression from an African-American musician who needed "legitimization" by a white publisher, Irving Mills, to a businessmen who established his own companies including Tempo Music and Duke Ellington, Incorporated to control his copyright and financial affairs. Programs from the segregated Cotton Club in Series 2, Performances And Programs and contracts with no-segregation clauses in Series 3: Business Records further illustrate racial policies and practices in this time period. The public shift in perception of Duke Ellington from a leader of an exotic "Jungle Band" in the 1930s to a recipient of the Congressional Medal Of Freedom in 1970 is evidenced in Series 2, Performances And Programs, Series 12, Posters, Series 7, Photographs and Series 13, Awards. Reviews and articles reflecting Ellington's evolving status are also documented in Series 8, Newspaper Clippings, Series 9, Scrapbooks, Series 10, Newspaper and Magazine Articles.

The materials in the Duke Ellington Collection reflect rapid technological changes in American society from 1923-1982. Sound recordings in Series 6 range from 78 phonograph records of three minutes duration manufactured for play on Victrolas in monaural sound to long-playing (LP) phonograph records produced for stereo record players. Television scripts in Series 4, programs in Series 2 and music manuscripts (for example, Drum Is A Woman) in Series 1 demonstrate how the development of television as a means of mass communication spread the Orchestra's sound to a wider audience. The availability of commercial air travel enabled the Ellington Orchestra to extend their international performances from Europe to other continents including tours to Asia, Africa, South America and Australia and archival material from these tours is included in every series.

Series 4, Scripts and Transcripts and Series 6, Audio Recordings contain scripts and radio performances promoting the sale of United States War bonds during World War II, and Series 7, Photographs includes many images of Duke Ellington and His Orchestra's performances for military personnel revealing the impact of historic events on Duke Ellington and His Orchestra. Series 2: Programs and Performances, Series 9, Newspaper clippings and Series 8, Scrapbooks document the 1963 Far East tour aborted as a result of President John F. Kennedy's assassination.

The Duke Ellington Collection contains works by numerous twentieth-century music, literature, and art luminaries. Series 1, Music Manuscripts contains original music manuscripts of William Grant Still, Eubie Blake, Mary Lou Williams, and others. Series 4, Scripts and Transcripts contains a play by Langston Hughes, and Series 12, Posters contains many original artworks.

Arrangement:

Series 1: Music Manuscripts, circa 1930-1981, undated

Series 2: Performances and Programs, 1933-1973, undated

Series 3: Business Records, 1938-1988

Series 4: Scripts and Transcripts, 1937-1970

Series 5: Personal Correspondence and Notes, 1941-1974, undated

Series 6: Sound Recordings, 1927-1974

Series 7: Photographs, 1924-1972, undated

Series 8: Scrapbooks, 1931-1973

Series 9: Newspaper Clippings, 1939-1973, undated

Series 10: Magazine Articles and Newspaper Clippings, 1940-1974

Series 11: Publicity, 1935-1988

Series 12: Posters and Oversize Graphics, 1933-1989, undated

Series 13: Awards, 1939-1982

Series 14: Religious Material, 1928-1974

Series 15: Books, 1903-1980

Series 16: Miscellaneous, 1940-1974

Biographical / Historical:

A native of Washington, DC, Edward Kennedy Ellington was born on April 29, 1899. Edward was raised in a middle-class home in the Northwest section of Washington described by his sister Ruth--younger by sixteen years--as a "house full of love." Ellington himself wrote that his father J.E. (James Edward) raised his family "as though he were a millionaire" but Edward was especially devoted to his mother, Daisy Kennedy Ellington. In 1969, thirty-four years after his mother's death, Ellington accepted the Presidential Medal of Freedom with these words, "There is nowhere else I would rather be tonight but in my mother's arms." Both his parents played the piano and Ellington began piano lessons at the age of seven, but like many boys he was easily distracted by baseball.

In his early teens, Ellington sneaked into Washington clubs and performance halls where he was exposed to ragtime musicians, including James P. Johnson, and where he met people from all walks of life. He returned in earnest to his piano studies, and at age fourteen wrote his first composition, "Soda Fountain Rag" also known as "Poodle Dog Rag." Ellington was earning income from playing music at seventeen years of age, and around this time he earned the sobriquet "Duke" for his sartorial splendor and regal air. On July 2, 1918, he married a high school sweetheart, Edna Thompson; their only child, Mercer Kennedy Ellington, was born on March 11, 1919. Duke Ellington spent the first twenty-four years of his life in Washington's culturally thriving Negro community. In this vibrant atmosphere he was inspired to be a composer and learned to take pride in his African-American heritage.

Ellington moved to New York City in 1923 to join and eventually lead a small group of transplanted Washington musicians called "The Washingtonians," which included future Ellington band members, Sonny Greer, Otto Hardwicke and "Bubber" Miley. Between 1923 and 1927, the group played at the Club Kentucky on Broadway and the ensemble increased from a quintet to a ten-piece orchestra. With stride pianist Willie "The Lion" Smith as his unofficial guide, Ellington soon became part of New York's music scene; Smith proved to be a long-lasting influence on Duke's composing and arranging direction. At the Club Kentucky, Ellington came under the tutelage of another legendary stride pianist, "Fats" Waller. Waller, a protege of Johnson and Smith, played solos during the band's breaks and also tutored Ellington who began to show progress in his compositions. In November 1924, Duke made his publishing and recording debut with "Choo Choo (I Got To Hurry Home)" released on the Blu-Disc label. In 1925, he contributed two songs to Chocolate Kiddies, an all-black revue which introduced European audiences to black American styles and performers. By this time Ellington's family, Edna and Mercer, had joined him in New York City. The couple separated in the late 1920's, but they never divorced or reconciled.

Ellington's achievements as a composer and bandleader began to attract national attention while he worked at the Cotton Club in Harlem, New York City, from 1927 to 1932. The orchestra developed a distinctive sound that displayed the non-traditional voicings of Ellington's arrangements and featured the unique talents of the individual soloists. Ellington integrated his soloists' exotic-sounding trombone growls and wah-wahs, their high-squealed trumpets, their sultry saxophone blues licks and Harlem's street rhythms into his arrangements. In the promotional material of the Cotton Club, the band was often billed as "Duke Ellington and His Jungle Band." With the success of compositions like "Mood Indigo," and an increasing number of recordings and national radio broadcasts from the Cotton Club, the band's reputation soared.

The ten years from 1932 to 1942 are considered by some major critics to represent the "golden age" for the Ellington Orchestra, but it represents just one of their creative peaks. These years did bring an influx of extraordinary new talent to the band including Jimmy Blanton on double bass, Ben Webster on tenor saxophone, and Ray Nance on trumpet, violin and vocals. During this ten year span Ellington composed several of his best known short works, including "Concerto For Cootie," "Ko-Ko," "Cotton Tail," "In A Sentimental Mood," and Jump For Joy, his first full-length musical stage revue.

Most notably, 1938 marked the arrival of Billy Strayhorn. While a teenager in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Strayhorn had already written "Lush Life," "Something To Live For" and a musical, Fantastic Rhythm. Ellington was initially impressed with Strayhorn's lyrics but realized long before Billy's composition "Take the A' Train" became the band's theme song in 1942 that Strayhorn's talents were not limited to penning clever lyrics. By 1942, "Swee' Pea" had become arranger, composer, second pianist, collaborator, and as Duke described him, "my right arm, my left arm, all the eyes in the back of my head, my brain waves in his head, and his in mine." Many Ellington/Strayhorn songs have entered the jazz canon, and their extended works are still being discovered and studied today. Strayhorn remained with the Ellington Organization until his death on May 30, 1967.

Ellington had often hinted of a work in progress depicting the struggle of blacks in America. The original script, Boola, debuted in Carnegie Hall in November of 1943, retitled Black, Brown and Beige. The performance met with mixed reviews, and although Ellington often returned to Carnegie Hall the piece was never recorded in a studio, and after 1944 was never performed in entirety again by the Ellington Orchestra. Nonetheless, it is now considered a milestone in jazz composition.

After World War II the mood and musical tastes of the country shifted and hard times befell big bands, but Ellington kept his band together. The band was not always financially self-sufficient and during the lean times Ellington used his songwriting royalties to meet the soloists' salaries. One could assign to Ellington the altruistic motive of loyalty to his sidemen, but another motivation may have been his compositional style which was rooted in hearing his music in the formative stage come alive in rehearsal. "The band was his instrument," Billy Strayhorn said, and no Ellington composition was complete until he heard the orchestra play it. Then he could fine tune his compositions, omit and augment passages, or weave a soloist's contribution into the structure of the tune.

In 1956, the American public rediscovered Duke and the band at the Newport Jazz Festival in Rhode Island. The searing performances of tenor saxophonist Paul Gonsalves on "Diminuendo and Crescendo In Blue," his premiere soloist, alto saxophonist Johnny Hodges on "Jeep's Blues", and the crowd's ecstatic reaction have become jazz legend. Later that year Duke landed on the cover of Time magazine. Although Ellington had previously written music for film and television (including the short film, Black and Tan Fantasy in 1929) it wasn't until 1959 that Otto Preminger asked him to score music for his mainstream film, Anatomy of a Murder, starring Jimmy Stewart. Paris Blues in 1961, featuring box-office stars Paul Newman and Sidney Poitier in roles as American jazz musicians in Paris, followed.

Ellington's first performance overseas was in England in 1933, but the 1960s brought extensive overseas tours including diplomatic tours sponsored by the State Department. Ellington and Strayhorn composed exquisite extended works reflecting the sights and sounds of their travels, including the Far East Suite, 1966. They wrote homages to their classical influences; in 1963, they adapted Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite and celebrated Shakespeare's works with the suite Such Sweet Thunder in 1957. With Ella Fitzgerald, they continued the Norman Granz Songbook Series. Ellington also began to flex his considerable pianist skills and recorded albums with John Coltrane (1963), Coleman Hawkins (1963), Frank Sinatra, and Money Jungle (1963) with Charles Mingus and Max Roach. The First Sacred Concert debuted in San Francisco's Grace Cathedral in 1965. In his final years, Ellington's thoughts turned to spiritual themes and he added a Second (1968) and Third (1973) Concert of Sacred Music to his compositions.

In his lifetime, Duke received numerous awards and honors including the highest honor bestowed on an American civilian, the Congressional Medal Of Freedom. In 1965, Ellington was recommended for a Pulitzer Prize to honor his forty years of contribution to music but the recommendation was rejected by the board. Most likely he was disappointed, but his response at the age of sixty-six was, "Fate is being kind to me. Fate doesn't want me to be famous too young."

Ellington never rested on his laurels or stopped composing. Whenever he was asked to name his favorite compositions his characteristic reply was "the next five coming up," but to please his loyal fans Ellington always featured some of his standards in every performance. Even on his deathbed, he was composing the opera buffo called Queenie Pie.

Duke Ellington died on May 24, 1974 at seventy-five years of age. His funeral was held in New York's Cathedral of St. John The Divine; he was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery. His long-time companion Beatrice "Evie" Ellis was buried beside him after her death in 1976. He was survived by his only child, Mercer Kennedy Ellington, who not only took up the baton to lead the Duke Ellington Orchestra but assumed the task of caring for his father's papers and his legacy to the nation. Mercer Ellington died in Copenhagan, Denmark on February 8, 1996, at the age of seventy-six. Ruth Ellington Boatwright died in New York on March 6, 2004, at the age of eighty-eight. Both Mercer and Ruth were responsible for shepherding the documents and artifacts that celebrate Duke Ellington's genius and creative life to their current home in the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History.

Related Materials:

Materials in the Archives Center

William H. Quealy Collection of Duke Ellington Recordings (AC0296)

Rutgers University Collection of Radio Interviews about Duke Ellington (AC0328)

Duke Ellington Oral History Project (AC0368)

Duke Ellington Collection of Ephemera and realated Audiovisual Materials (AC0386)

Annual International Conference of the Duke Ellington Study Group Proceedings (AC0385)

Robert Udkoff Collection of Duke Ellington Ephemera (AC0388)

Frank Driggs Collection of Duke Ellington Photographic Prints (AC0389)

New York Chapter of the Duke Ellington Society Collection (AC390)

Earl Okin Collection of Duke Ellington Ephemera (AC0391)

William Russo Transcription and Arrangement of Duke Ellington's First Concert of Sacred Music (AC0406)

Ruth Ellington Collection of Duke Ellington Materials (AC0415)

Music manuscripts in the Ruth Ellington Collection complement the music manuscripts found in the Duke Ellington Collection.

Carter Harman Collection of Interviews with Duke Ellington (AC0422)

Betty McGettigan Collection of Duke Ellington Memorabilia (AC0494)

Dr. Theodore Shell Collection of Duke Ellington Ephemera (AC0502)

Edward and Gaye Ellington Collection of Duke Ellington Materials (AC0704)

Andrew Homzy Collection of Duke Ellington Stock Music Arrangements (AC0740)

John Gensel Collection of Duke Ellington Materials (AC0763)

Al Celley Collection of Duke Ellington Materials (AC1240)

Materials at Other Organizations

Institute of Jazz Studies

Separated Materials:

Artifacts related to this collection are in the Division of Culture and the Arts and include trophies, plaques, and medals. See accessions: 1989.0369; 1991.0808; 1993.0032; and 1999.0148.

Provenance:

The collection was purchased through an appropriation of Congress in 1988.

Restrictions:

The collection is open for research.

Rights:

Collection items available for reproduction, but the Archives Center makes no guarantees concerning copyright restrictions. Other intellectual property rights may apply. Archives Center cost-recovery and use fees may apply when requesting reproductions.

Copyright restrictions. Consult the Archives Center at archivescenter@si.edu or 202-633-3270.

Paul Ellington, executor, is represented by:

Richard J.J. Scarola, Scarola Ellis LLP, 888 Seventh Avenue, 45th Floor, New York, New York 10106. Telephone (212) 757-0007 x 235; Fax (212) 757-0469; email: rjjs@selaw.com; www.selaw.com; www.ourlawfirm.com.

Occupation:

Composers -- 20th century  Search this

Topic:

Big bands  Search this

Pianists  Search this

Bandsmen -- 20th century  Search this

Jazz -- 20th century -- United States  Search this

Musicians -- 20th century  Search this

Music -- Performance  Search this

African American entertainers -- 20th century  Search this

African Americans -- History  Search this

Popular music -- 20th century -- United States  Search this

Music -- 20th century -- United States  Search this

African American musicians  Search this

Genre/Form:

Phonograph records

Papers

Photographic prints

Posters

Sound recordings

Scrapbooks -- 20th century

Music -- Manuscripts

Clippings

Awards

Audiotapes

Citation:

Duke Ellington Collection, Archives Center, National Museum of American History

Sponsor:

Processing and encoding partially funded by a grant from the Council on Library and Information Resources.

Identifier:

NMAH.AC.0301

See more items in:

Duke Ellington Collection

Archival Repository:

Archives Center, National Museum of American History

EDAN-URL:

ead_collection:sova-nmah-ac-0301

Recording artist:

Billy Banks' Rhythmakers  Search this

Manufacturer:

United Hot Clubs of America  Search this

Physical Description:

shellac (overall material)

Measurements:

overall: 10 in; 25.4 cm

Object Name:

sound recording

Place made:

United States: New York, New York

Recording date:

1932

Related Publication:

Rust, Brian. Jazz Records 1897-1942, Vol. 1

Credit Line:

Gift of Howard A. Guernsey (through Richard L. Guernsey)

ID Number:

1988.0698.0464

Catalog number:

1988.0698.0464

Accession number:

1988.0698

Collector/donor number:

B19

Maker number:

110

See more items in:

Cultural and Community Life: Entertainment

Music & Musical Instruments

Popular Entertainment

Data Source:

National Museum of American History

GUID:

http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a8-f3e3-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

EDAN-URL:

edanmdm:nmah_1055564

Interviewee:

Palmer, Herbert Bearl, 1915-2006  Search this

Interviewer:

Ehrlich, Susan, 1942-  Search this

Subject:

Offner, Richard  Search this

Reiss, Winold  Search this

Feigen, Richard L.  Search this

Cézanne, Paul  Search this

Shapiro, Meyer  Search this

Garabedian, Charles  Search this

Ankrum, Joan  Search this

Tudor, David  Search this

Stevenson, Harold  Search this

Onslow-Ford, Gordon  Search this

Paalen, Wolfgang  Search this

Mullican, Lee  Search this

Callahan, Harry M.  Search this

Bluhm, Norman  Search this

Grooms, Red  Search this

Maillol, Aristide  Search this

Gustavus Vasa  Search this

Bloch, Lucienne  Search this

Wölfflin, Heinrich  Search this

Reiss, Henrietta  Search this

Riley, Bridget  Search this

New York University  Search this

David Stuart Galleries  Search this

Ankrum Gallery  Search this

Felix Landau Gallery  Search this

Feigen Palmer Gallery  Search this

Irving Blum Gallery (Los Angeles, Calif.)  Search this

Type:

Sound recordings

Interviews

Topic:

Art dealers -- California -- Interviews  Search this

Art thefts  Search this

Gallery owners -- California -- Interviews  Search this

Record number:

(DSI-AAA_CollID)11749

(DSI-AAA_SIRISBib)250508

AAA_collcode_palmer04

Data Source:

Archives of American Art

EDAN-URL:

edanmdm:AAADCD_oh_250508

Interviewee:

Kaneko, Jun, 1942-  Search this

Interviewer:

McInnes, Mary  Search this

Subject:

Nanette L. Laitman Documentation Project for Craft and Decorative Arts in America  Search this

Type:

Sound recordings

Interviews

Topic:

Ceramicists -- Nebraska -- Interviews  Search this

Art -- Economic aspects  Search this

Asian American artists  Search this

Decorative arts  Search this

Asian American art  Search this

Asian American sculptors  Search this

Japanese American sculptors  Search this

Asian American ceramicists  Search this

Japanese American ceramicists  Search this

Record number:

(DSI-AAA_CollID)12628

(DSI-AAA_SIRISBib)252375

AAA_collcode_kaneko05

Theme:

Asian American

Craft

Data Source:

Archives of American Art

EDAN-URL:

edanmdm:AAADCD_oh_252375

Creator:

Ortner, Donald J.  Search this

Names:

Paleopathology Association  Search this

Smithsonian Institution Department of Anthroplogy  Search this

University of Bradford  Search this

Frohlich, Bruno, 1945-  Search this

Putschar, Walter G. J., 1904-1987  Search this

Extent:

44.37 Linear feet (96 boxes, 3 map-folders)

Type:

Collection descriptions

Archival materials

Maps

Photographs

Slides (photographs)

Negatives (photographic)

Manuscripts

Sound recordings

Correspondence

Place:

Virginia

England

Jordan

Peru

Date:

1963-2013

Summary:

The Donald J. Ortner Papers, dated 1963 to 2013, document his research and professional activities while working in the Division of Physical Anthropology in the Department of Anthropology at the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History. They primarily deal with his contributions to the field of paleopathology and his work with specimens from Bab edh-Dhra, Jordan and Chichester, England. The bulk of this collection consists of correspondence, files related to Ortner's publications, specimen observations and analysis, and photographs.

Scope and Contents:

The Donald J. Ortner Papers primarily document his projects, research, and correspondence working as a biological anthropologist in the Division of Physical Anthropology of the Department of Anthropology from 1963 until his death in 2012. The bulk of the projects represented relate to his work in paleopathology, such as the Near Eastern skeletal biology program in Jordan and the medieval skeletal disease project in England. The collection consists of notes, research materials, correspondence, data and data analysis, transcripts of specimen observations, maps, blueprints, artwork, negatives, slides, photographs, CD-Roms, floppy discs, and sound cassettes.

Arrangement:

This collection is arranged in 8 series: Series 1. Correspondence, 1966-2012; Series 2. Subject files, 1965-2013, undated; Series 3. Near Eastern Skeletal Biology Program, 1977-2010, undated; Series 4. Medieval Skeletal Disease Project, 1988-2006, undated; Series 5. Other publications, projects, and research, 1963-2011, undated; Series 6. Professional activities, 1971-2007, undated; Series 7. Biographical and office files, 1963-2011, undated; Series 8. Artwork, 1978, undated

Biographical Note:

Donald J. Ortner was a biological anthropologist in the Department of Anthropology at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (NMNH). By the time of his death, Ortner had served in many positions at the Museum, including Acting Director (1994-1996). His areas of expertise included human paleopathology, human health in medieval England, bioarcheology of the ancient Near East, and the history and evoluton of human infectious diseases. Ortner was a founding member of the Paleopathology Association.

Ortner was born in 1938 in Stoneham, Massachusetts and arrived at the NMNH in 1963, working primarily with J. Lawrence Angel who had recently started as Curator in the Division of Physical Anthropology. While working at the Museum, Ortner completed his Master's in Anthropology in 1967 and received his Ph.D. from the University of Kansas in 1970. His doctoral dissertation was on The Effects of Aging and Disease on the Micromorphology of Human Compact Bone.

Ortner worked with Walter G. J. Putschar, a pathologist based at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, on a series of short-courses (1971-1974) on paleopathology at the Smithsonian. During the summer of 1974, Putschar and Ortner traveled to Europe (London, Edinburgh, Zurich, Strasbourg, Vienna, Prague) studying and photographing examples of skeletal pathology in museums and other repositories. The result of this research was the book Identification of Pathological Conditions in Human Skeletal Remains published in 1981, with later editions in 1985 and 2003.

In 1977, Ortner joined the Expedition to the Dead Sea Plain directed by archaeologists Walter E. Rast and R. Thomas Schaub, focusing on the site of Bab edh-Dhra. Ortner studied the tombs and skeletons for data indicating cultural and biological changes, especially urbanization and connection to the development of other "Western civilizations." Ortner participated in two more field seasons in Bab edh-Dhra in 1979 and 1981. From his research at Bab-edh-Dhra, Ortner published many scholarly articles and recreated two tombs for the Hall of Western Civilization at NMNH.

In 1988, Ortner began his collaboration with the University of Bradford in Bradford, England, teaching short-courses on paleopathology. While a Visiting Professor at the University, he also participated in a project on human health and disease in Medieval England. The project focused on leprosy and syphilis in skeletons from St. James Hospital's leprosarium cemetery in Chichester, Wharram Perry, and Magistrates' Court in Kingston-upon-Hull. He received an Honorary Doctorate of Science from the University in 1995.

Donald J. Ortner died on April 29th, 2012 in Maryland.

Sources consulted:

Ubelaker, D. H. "Obituary: Donald J. Ortner (1938–2012)." American Journal of Physical Anthropology, 149 (2012): 155–156.

Arnoldi, Mary Jo and Ann Kaupp. "Donald J. Ortner, Sr. (1939-2012)." Anthropolog: Newsletter of the Department of Anthropology, Spring 2012: 1-3.

Chronology

1938 -- Born on August 23 in Stoneham, Massachusetts.

1960 -- Received B.A. in Zoology from Columbia Union College in Takoma Park, Maryland.

1963 -- Began working at the Smithsonian Institution.

1967 -- Received M.A. in Anthropology from Syracuse University.

1969 -- Promoted to Assistant Curator.

1970 -- Received Ph.D. from the University of Kansas.

1971 -- Promoted to Associate Curator.

1971-1975 -- Taught part-time at the University of Maryland.

1974 -- Spent summer with Dr. Walter G. J. Putschar studying pathological specimens in Europe.

1976 -- Promoted to Curator in the Anthropology Department, National Museum of Natural History.

1977 -- First field season at Bab edh-Dhra cemetery site in Jordan.

1979 -- Second field season at Bab edh-Dhra cemetery site in Jordan.

1981 -- Third field season at Bab edh-Dhra cemetery site in Jordan.

1988 -- Began association with the University of Bradford in Bradford, England.

1988-1992 -- Chairman of the Department of Anthropology, National Museum of Natural History.

1994-1996 -- Acting Director of the National Museum of Natural History.

1995 -- Awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Science degree from the University of Bradford.

1999-2001 -- President of the Paleopathology Association.

2005 -- Received Eve Cockburn Award from the Paleopathology Association in recognition of his contributions in the field of paleopathology.

2012 -- Died on April 29 in Maryland.

Related Materials:

The following photo lots depicting Donald J. Ortner can be found at the NAA:

Photo Lot 7D: Photograph of attendees after American Anthropological Association annual meeting, 1965

Photo Lot 7A: Portraits made at the annual meeting of the American Association of Physical Anthropologists, 1970

Photo Lot 77-45: Photograph of Smithsonian Institution physical anthropologists, circa 1977

Photo Lot 4822: Division of Physical Anthropology collection of photographs of physical anthropologists, undated

Sound recordings of Donald J. Ortner at the NAA:

John Lawrence Angel Papers, Sound Recordings, "How Humans Adapt: A Biocultural Odyssey," November 9, 1981

Other collections at the NAA in which Donald J. Ortner is a correspondent or creator of material:

Records of the Department of Anthropology, 1877-1980

Department of Anthropology Annual Reports, 1920-1983

John Lawrence Angel Papers, 1930s-1980s

Three films that document Ortner's work in Bab edh-Dhra are located in the Human Studies Film Archives (HSFA):

Film number 2000.9.1, The Bones of Bab edh-Dhra, ca. 1970s

Film number 2000.9.3, Bab edh-Dhra Film Project, 1970-1980

Film number 2014.3, City of the Dead, 1978

The Smithsonian Institution Archives holds the original City of the Dead in Accession 05-282, Office of Telecommunications, Productions.

Provenance:

These papers were transferred to the NAA from the Department of Anthropology in 2014.

Restrictions:

The Donald J. Ortner Papers are open for research.

Access to the Donald J. Ortner Papers requires an appointment.

Requests to view forensic files are subject to review by the NAA. Forensic files can only be viewed in the National Anthropological Archives reading room. No copies are permitted unless permission is granted by the agency the report was written for.

Electronic records are unavailable for research. Please contact the reference archivist for additional information.

Use of audiovisual recordings with no duplicate access copy requires advance notice.

Rights:

Contact the repository for terms of use.

Topic:

Anthropologists -- United States  Search this

Archaeology  Search this

Human remains (Archaeology)  Search this

Excavations (Archaeology) -- Middle East  Search this

Scurvy  Search this

Leprosy -- Research  Search this

Physical anthropology  Search this

Bāb edh-Dhrā Site (Jordan)  Search this

Excavations (Archaeology) -- England  Search this

Forensic anthropology  Search this

Paleopathology  Search this

Bronze age  Search this

Chichester (England)  Search this

Diseases  Search this

Genre/Form:

Maps

Photographs

Slides (photographs)

Negatives (photographic)

Manuscripts

Sound recordings

Correspondence

Citation:

Donald J. Ortner Papers, National Anthropological Archives, Smithsonian Institution.

Sponsor:

The papers of Donald J. Ortner were processed with the assistance of the Smithsonian Institution's Collections Care and Preservation Fund.

Identifier:

NAA.2014-07

See more items in:

Donald J. Ortner Papers

Archival Repository:

National Anthropological Archives

EDAN-URL:

ead_collection:sova-naa-2014-07

Interviewee:

Wentzel, Volkmar Kurt, 1915-2006  Search this

Interviewer:

Berman, Anne Louise, 1975-2016  Search this

Names:

Constantinople, Lely  Search this

Extent:

6 Items (sound discs (5 hr., 36 min.), digital, 2 5/8 in.)

114 Pages (Transcript)

Type:

Collection descriptions

Archival materials

Pages

Sound recordings

Interviews

Date:

2002 October 18-2003 January 24

Scope and Contents:

Interview with Volkmar Kurt Wentzel by Anne Louise Bayly Berman for the Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution, at Wentzel's home in Washington, DC on October 18 and 24, 2002; November 12, 2002; and January 24, 2003.

Wentzel discusses his childhood in Dresden, Germany, and the devastation during bombing of the city in World War II. He recalls a few stories about his fascination with dirigibles, beginning in childhood through his experience taking his first news photograph capturing President Franklin Delano Roosevelt meeting with Germans who traveled in the Hindenburg to unsuccessfully negotiate for helium in the 1930s. Wentzel discusses how his family endured the devastation of Germany toward the end of the World War I, and he recalls his father, Fritz Wentzel, working as a photochemist in Germany, and setting up photo paper factories in the former Czechoslovakia and Spain. Wentzel talks about how his father travelled to the Balkans to take photographs for his hobby before family life, and how he was a contemporary of Alfred Stieglitz, as they both studied under Hermann Vogel in Berlin. Wentzel speaks about how his family immigrated to Binghamton, NY in 1926 for his father's work with the Ansco Company (which later became Agfa-Ansco). Wentzel recalls how his father's home darkroom was his first influence on his photographic career. He talks about his mother passing away of pneumonia at an early age and the effects it had on his family. Wentzel recalls his ambition to travel to South America after graduating Binghamton High School with a friend, but once he arrived in Washington, DC, he ended his journey there. He talks about meeting architects Arved Kundzin and Eric Menke, who lead him to an artist retreat in Aurora, West Virginia. Wentzel discusses how he started making photographs in West Virginia, and a few of the pictures he made into photographs were purchased by First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt on a road trip through the area. Wentzel talks about returning to Washington, DC and working in the darkroom for the portrait studio, Underwood & Underwood. He speaks about documenting Washington at night with his hand-me-down Speed Graphic camera. Wentzel explains that a colleague suggested that he send the photographs to the Royal Photographic Society, and walking into the offices of National Geographic to see their darkroom. He discusses applying for and landing a job in the darkroom of the offices of National Geographic. Wentzel talks about founder Gilbert Grosvenor as a pioneer of printing color photography. He describes National Geographic assignments in Kentucky and West Virginia, and talks about the impact of digital photography on the medium. Wentzel describes his air force service in World War II with the First Photo Squadron, where he helped take photographs to create aerial maps, and talks about ending his service in Okinawa and seeing the destruction of Nagasaki. Wentzel discusses returning to National Geographic after from his military service, and then getting assigned to document India. He speaks vividly of his travels in India, about building a traveling darkroom from a junkyard ambulance. He describes meeting Pandit Nehru, and his travels through Bombay, Jammu, Srinagar, Kashmir, Ladakh, Zoji La pass, Delhi, and Jaipur. He also speaks about his time documenting Africa, including the Weeks Expedition to Central Africa in 1952. He talks of his travels in Namibia, the Etosha Pan, Angola, the Congo, and the Cameroons. Lely Constantinople, Wentzel's studio assistant, also participates in the interview.

Biographical / Historical:

Volkmar Wentzel (1915-2006) was a writer and photographer from Washington, D.C.

General:

Originally recorded on 6 sound discs. Reformatted in 2010 as 12 digital wav files. Duration is 5 hr., 36 min.

Provenance:

This interview is part of the Archives of American Art Oral History Program, started in 1958 to document the history of the visual arts in the United States, primarily through interviews with artists, historians, dealers, critics and administrators.

Restrictions:

This transcript is open for research. Access to the entire audio recording is restricted. Contact Reference Services for more information.

Topic:

Photographers -- Washington (D.C.) -- Interviews  Search this

Genre/Form:

Sound recordings

Interviews

Sponsor:

Funding for the digital preservation of this interview was provided by a grant from the Save America's Treasures Program of the National Park Service.

Identifier:

AAA.wentze02

Archival Repository:

Archives of American Art

EDAN-URL:

ead_collection:sova-aaa-wentze02

Interviewee:

Morris, William, 1957-  Search this

Interviewer:

Riedel, Mija, 1958-  Search this

Creator:

Nanette L. Laitman Documentation Project for Craft and Decorative Arts in America  Search this

Names:

California State University, Chico -- Students  Search this

Central Washington University -- Students  Search this

Nanette L. Laitman Documentation Project for Craft and Decorative Arts in America  Search this

Pilchuck Glass Center (Stanwood, Wash.)  Search this

San Carlos Borromeo Basilica (Carmel, Calif.)  Search this

Benaroya, Jack, 1921-2012  Search this

Benaroya, Rebecca  Search this

Campbell, Joseph, 1904-1987  Search this

Carpenter, James, 1949-  Search this

Chihuly, Dale, 1941-  Search this

Demarco, Ricky  Search this

Graves, Nancy Stevenson, 1940-1995  Search this

Hauberg, John H. (John Henry), 1916-  Search this

Hydman-Vallien, Ulrica, 1938-2018  Search this

Jung, C. G. (Carl Gustav), 1875-1961  Search this

Karan, Donna, 1948-  Search this

Kirkpatrick, Joey  Search this

Libenský, Stanislav, 1921-2002  Search this

Lipofsky, Marvin, 1938-2016  Search this

Lipski, Donald, 1947-  Search this

Mace, Flora, 1949-  Search this

Marioni, Dante, 1964-  Search this

Moore, Benjamin P.  Search this

Oppenheim, Dennis, 1938-2011  Search this

Pfaff, Judy, 1946-  Search this

Saxe, Dorothy  Search this

Saxe, George  Search this

Scanga, Italo, 1932-2001  Search this

Seguso, Livio, 1930-  Search this

Signoretto, Pino, 1944-  Search this

Smith, Kiki, 1954-  Search this

Stroemple, George R.  Search this

Tagliapietra, Lino  Search this

Vallien, Bertil, 1938-  Search this

Extent:

7 Items (Sound recording: 7 wav files (5 hr., 5min.), digital)

105 Pages (Transcript)

Type:

Collection descriptions

Archival materials

Pages

Interviews

Sound recordings

Place:

British Isles -- Description and Travel

Date:

2009 July 13-14

Scope and Contents:

An interview of William Morris conducted 2009 July 13-14, by Mija Riedel, for the Archives of American Art's Nanette L. Laitman Documentation Project for Craft and Decorative Arts in America, at Morris' home, in Stanwood, Washington.

William Morris speaks of his decision to stop working in glass in 2005; his deep connection to the natural world; working now with stone; the longstanding theme of man and nature in his work; his influence on the studio glass movement; use of installations; relationship to the greater art world; Cache [1993]; the importance of working in a team, particularly with Jon Ormbrek; studio practice and philosophy of working in the studio; series Man Adorned and first use of the human form; how his work evolves artistically; the influence of his travels on his work and his particular affinity for Mesoamerican culture; the process of choosing his subjects; growing up in Carmel, California, and frequenting the museum at the Carmel Mission Basilica; his early fascination with Native American artifacts and history in the museum; childhood spent hiking in the hills around Carmel and youth spent camping and rock-climbing; art instruction during childhood; ceramics work in high school; introduction to ideas of Carl Jung and Joseph Campbell by his high school teacher, Lloyd Baskerville; undergraduate work at California State University, Chico, working with Vernon Patrick; first experience with glass in high school, through the Fort Ord military base crafts department; brief studies at Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Washington; arriving at Pilchuck Glass School, Stanwood, Washington, in 1977 as a shop assistant/maintenance person; his first encounter with Dale Chihuly; 10 years as Chihuly's main assistant and de facto apprenticeship; his greater overall technical education at Pilchuck; the development of his own team as he continued to work with Chihuly; working with Chihuly and Italo Scanga; the synergy of working in a group and artistic cross-pollination at Pilchuck; the influence and mentorship of Judy Pfaff; working with Italian glass masters at Pilchuck; the influence of Pino Signoretto; his trip with Chihuly to the British Isles, which inspired his series Stone Vessels and series Standing Stones in the mid-1980s; his practice of working in series; series Petroglyph Vessels, and the beginning of narrative in his work; the importance of naiveté, experimentation, and a "confidence in innocence"; series Artifacts; the influence of Donald Lipski on Morris' installations; series Burial Urns and series Burial Rafts; series Canopic Jars; commissions for George Stroemple; the genesis of the series Rhyton; the transcendental/mythic qualities in his work; series Crow and Raven; more discussion of series Man Adorned; series Rattles; collaboration with fashion designer Donna Karan; the importance of glass as a material, and the importance of "play"; the value of an apprentice-type program; his work in bronze and with Nancy Graves; series Cinerary Urns and coming to terms with the deaths of close friends; series Mazorca; series Idolo and Idolito; series Native Species (2006); series Fish Traps; more discussion of his decision to leave glassworking; documentary film Creative Nature, 2008; "Myth, Object, and the Animal" exhibition; the adventurous spirit of the American studio glass movement, particularly in the early years; his preference for short workshops rather than longer teaching sessions; the aesthetic continuity of his work throughout his career; his appreciation of the community of collectors of glass art. He also recalls Ken Wiese, Robert and Terrie Kvenild, Bertil and Ulrica Vallien, Gary Galbraith, Stan Price, Dennis Oppenheim, Kiki Smith, Dante Marioni, Livio Seguso, Marvin Lipofsky, Benjamin Moore, Jamie Carpenter, Checco Ongaro, Lino Tagliapietra, Ricky DeMarco, Flora Mace, Joey Kirkpatrick, Trumaine Mason, Karen Willenbrink, Ross Richmond, Randy Walker, John Hauberg, Stanislav Libenský, Graham Graham, Charlie Cowles, George and Dorothy Saxe, and Jack and Rebecca Benaroya.

Biographical / Historical:

William Morris (1957- ) is a glass artist in Stanwood, Washington.

General:

Originally recorded on 3 sound discs. Reformatted in 2010 as 7 digital wav files. Duration is 5 hr., 5 min.

Provenance:

This interview is part of the Archives of American Art Oral History Program, started in 1958 to document the history of the visual arts in the United States, primarily through interviews with artists, historians, dealers, critics and administrators.

Restrictions:

Transcript available on the Archives of American Art website.

Topic:

Art -- Study and teaching  Search this

Ceramics -- Study and teaching  Search this

Glass artists -- Washington (State) -- Interviews  Search this

Sculptors -- Washington (State) -- Interviews  Search this

Genre/Form:

Interviews

Sound recordings

Sponsor:

Funding for this interview was provided by the Nanette L. Laitman Documentation Project for Craft and Decorative Arts in America.

Funding for the digital preservation of this interview was provided by a grant from the Save America's Treasures Program of the National Park Service.

Identifier:

AAA.morris09

Archival Repository:

Archives of American Art

EDAN-URL:

ead_collection:sova-aaa-morris09

Creator:

Decca (recording company).  Search this

Duchin, Eddie (musician)  Search this

Cugat, Xavier (bandleader)  Search this

Columbia (recording company).  Search this

Goodman, Benny (Benjamin David), 1909-1986  Search this

Community Life, Div. of, NMAH, SI  Search this

Victor (recording company).  Search this

Silvertone (recording company).  Search this

King, Wayne (musician)  Search this

Iona, Andy (musician)  Search this

Lombardo, Guy, 1902-1977  Search this

Kinney, Ray (musician)  Search this

Edison, Thomas A. (Thomas Alva), 1847-1931  Search this

Hemple, Frieda (singer)  Search this

Hartmann, Robert S.  Search this

Extent:

2.5 Cubic feet (8 boxes)

Type:

Collection descriptions

Archival materials

78 rpm records

45 rpm records

Sound recordings

Phonograph records

Date:

1916-1930s.

Scope and Contents note:

Popular music recorded approximately 1916-1930s: 78 and 45 RPM phonograph discs produced by Edison recordings, Victor, Decca, Columbia, and Silvertone.

Boxes 1-4: 53 10" Edison recordings of popular songs by such artists as Freda Hemple, George Hamilton Green, the Metropolitan Quartet, and Frederick Kinsley; also hymns, World War I songs, and some operatic selections.

Box 5: 32 45-r.p.m. records, primarily by Victor, some Decca, others, by Eddie Duchin, Xavier Cugat, Guy Lombardo.

Box 6: 41 45-r.p.m. records, including 16 by Victor, 4 by Columbia, 4 by Silvertone, 8 unlabelled, 3 family recordings, 4 in Greek. Artists include Eddie Duchin, Guy Lombardo, Wayne King.

Box 7: Several volumes of Victor library, all 78 r.p.m. Artists include Ray Kinney, Tommy Dorsey, Benny Goodman, Dick McIntire, Andy Iona.

Box 8: Popular recordings; Christmas carols sung by Frieda Hempel, recorded by Edison; and family recordings.

Biographical / Historical:

This collection consists of popular music recorded between approximately 1916 and the 1930's collected by Robert S. Hartmann.

Provenance:

Colection donated by Robert S. Hartmann, March 1988.

Restrictions:

Collection is open for research.

Rights:

Collection items available for reproduction, but the Archives Center makes no guarantees concerning copyright restrictions. Other intellectual property rights may apply. Archives Center cost-recovery and use fees may apply when requesting reproductions.

Topic:

Music -- Performance -- 1910-1940  Search this

Popular music  Search this

Genre/Form:

78 rpm records

45 rpm records

Sound recordings

Phonograph records

Citation:

Robert S. Hartmann Phonograph Disc Collection, ca. 1916-1930s, Archives Center, National Museum of American History.

Identifier:

NMAH.AC.0297

Archival Repository:

Archives Center, National Museum of American History

EDAN-URL:

ead_collection:sova-nmah-ac-0297

Collection Artist:

Cornell, Joseph  Search this

Extent:

73 Sound recordings (flexi discs)

Type:

Archival materials

Sound recordings

Date:

1960-1962

Scope and Contents:

Flexi discs are found in 13 music publications of "Echo" and "Sonorama."

Series Restrictions:

Record albums are unavailable for playback. Contact repository for a complete list of record albums.

Collection Rights:

Unpublished materials are protected by copyright. Permission to publish, quote, or reproduce must be secured from the repository and the copyright holder.

Collection Citation:

Joseph Cornell Study Center collection, 1750-1980, bulk 1930-1972. Joseph Cornell Study Center, Smithsonian American Art Museum.

Sponsor:

Funding for the processing of this collection was generously provided by the Joseph and Robert Cornell Memorial Foundation.

See more items in:

Joseph Cornell Study Center Collection

Joseph Cornell Study Center Collection / Series 14: Record Album Collection

Archival Repository:

Smithsonian American Art Museum, Research and Scholars Center

EDAN-URL:

ead_component:sova-saam-jcsc-1-ref4178

Interviewee:

Kaneko, Jun, 1942-  Search this

Interviewer:

McInnes, Mary, 1956-  Search this

Creator:

Nanette L. Laitman Documentation Project for Craft and Decorative Arts in America  Search this

Names:

Nanette L. Laitman Documentation Project for Craft and Decorative Arts in America  Search this

Extent:

43 Pages (Transcript)

Type:

Collection descriptions

Archival materials

Pages

Sound recordings

Interviews

Date:

2005 May 23- 24

Scope and Contents:

An interview of Jun Kaneko conducted 2005 May 23-24, by Mary Drach McInnes, for the Archives of American Art's Nanette L. Laitman Documentation Project for Craft and Decorative Arts in America, at the artist's studio, in Omaha, Nebraska.

Kaneko speaks of his parents and grandparents; growing up in Japan; taking art lessons as a child; moving to Los Angeles; living with ceramic collectors Fred and Mary Marer; attending Chouinard Art Institute; making and exhibiting his first ceramic pieces; working as a studio assistant to Peter Voulkos; being artist in residence at the Archie Bray Foundation; building his first studio; getting a graduate degree at Scripps College; returning to Japan and building a studio; being hired to teach at Cranbrook Academy of Art; working with art dealers; how the ceramics market has changed during his career; working in the international craft market; his current studio and living space; the inspiration for his work; his interest in patternmaking; making large-scale pieces; why he likes clay; selection of color; moving to Omaha; traveling and working on various projects; working at industrial sites; making ceramic tile walls; influential artists; how critics view his work; the future of ceramic art; and working in different media. Kaneko also recalls Jerry Rothman, Paul Soldner, Jim Melchert, Ralph Bacerra, and others.

Biographical / Historical:

Jun Kaneko (1942- ) is a ceramicist and sculptor from Omaha, Nebraska. Mary Drach McInnes is an art history professor from Alfred Station, N.Y.

General:

Originally recorded on 3 sound discs. Reformatted in 2010 as 6 digital wav files. Duration is 3 hr., 43 min.

Provenance:

This interview is part of the Archives of American Art Oral History Program, started in 1958 to document the history of the visual arts in the United States, primarily through interviews with artists, historians, dealers, critics and administrators.

Topic:

Ceramicists -- Nebraska -- Interviews  Search this

Art -- Economic aspects  Search this

Asian American artists  Search this

Decorative arts  Search this

Asian American art  Search this

Asian American sculptors  Search this

Japanese American sculptors  Search this

Asian American ceramicists  Search this

Japanese American ceramicists  Search this

Function:

Artists' studios

Genre/Form:

Sound recordings

Interviews

Sponsor:

Funding for this interview was provided by the Nanette L. Laitman Documentation Project for Craft and Decorative Arts in America.

Identifier:

AAA.kaneko05

Archival Repository:

Archives of American Art

EDAN-URL:

ead_collection:sova-aaa-kaneko05

Creator:

National Museum of American History  Search this

Type:

YouTube Videos

Uploaded:

2011-12-14T19:53:56.000Z

YouTube Category:

Science & Technology  Search this

Topic:

American History  Search this

See more by:

SmithsonianAmHistory

Data Source:

National Museum of American History

YouTube Channel:

SmithsonianAmHistory

EDAN-URL:

edanmdm:yt_MOsf7ffEP7c

Creator:

National Museum of American History  Search this

Type:

YouTube Videos

Uploaded:

2011-12-14T19:54:19.000Z

YouTube Category:

Science & Technology  Search this

Topic:

American History  Search this

See more by:

SmithsonianAmHistory

Data Source:

National Museum of American History

YouTube Channel:

SmithsonianAmHistory

EDAN-URL:

edanmdm:yt_Yv1emaQFg2w

Creator:

National Museum of American History  Search this

Type:

YouTube Videos

Uploaded:

2011-12-14T19:54:07.000Z

YouTube Category:

Science & Technology  Search this

Topic:

American History  Search this

See more by:

SmithsonianAmHistory

Data Source:

National Museum of American History

YouTube Channel:

SmithsonianAmHistory

EDAN-URL:

edanmdm:yt_x5BwTVblXk4

Creator:

National Museum of American History  Search this

Type:

YouTube Videos

Uploaded:

2011-12-14T20:01:41.000Z

YouTube Category:

Science & Technology  Search this

Topic:

American History  Search this

See more by:

SmithsonianAmHistory

Data Source:

National Museum of American History

YouTube Channel:

SmithsonianAmHistory

EDAN-URL:

edanmdm:yt_yo8N69__vFw

Interviewee:

Davis, Leroy, 1922-  Search this

Interviewer:

Langdale, Cecily  Search this

Subject:

Shikler, Aaron  Search this

Barnes, Albert C. (Albert Coombs)  Search this

Bly, Boris  Search this

De Mazia, Violette  Search this

Davis, Terry Ritter  Search this

Bouché, Louis  Search this

Levine, David  Search this

Penn, Arthur  Search this

Hirschl & Adler Galleries  Search this

Tyler School of Art  Search this

Barnes Foundation  Search this

Widgeon Point Charitable Foundation  Search this

Type:

Sound recordings

Interviews

Topic:

Art dealers -- New York (State) -- New York -- Interviews  Search this

Gallery owners -- New York (State) -- New York -- Interviews  Search this

Art dealers -- New York (State) -- New York -- Interviews  Search this

Gallery owners -- New York (State) -- New York -- Interviews  Search this

Record number:

(DSI-AAA_CollID)13624

(DSI-AAA_SIRISBib)271983

AAA_collcode_davis07

Data Source:

Archives of American Art

EDAN-URL:

edanmdm:AAADCD_oh_271983

Creator:

Schillinger, Joseph, 1895-1943  Search this

Collector:

Musical History, Division of (NMAH, SI)  Search this

Musical History, Division of (NMAH, SI)  Search this

Names:

Cowell, Henry, 1897-1965  Search this

Theremin, Leon  Search this

Extent:

0.6 Cubic feet (2 boxes)

Type:

Collection descriptions

Archival materials

Phonograph records

78 rpm records

Audiotapes

Date:

1940-1941, 1985

bulk 1940-1941

Summary:

Joseph Schillinger (1895-1943), composer and musical theorist, worked extensively with the Rhythmicon. The Rhythmicon, constructed in 1931, is the earliest electronic rhythm machine. The collection consists of recordings of the Rhythmicon.

Scope and Contents:

This collection consists of nine transcription recordings of the Rhythmicon on 78 rpm phonographic records made by Joseph Schillinger in 1940 and 1941; two 1/4 inch master reel to reel tapes of disc recordings created by Radio Smithsonian in fall, 1985; and one research cassette tape of disc recordings created by Radio Smithsonian in fall, 1985.

A digital reference copy is available in the Smithsonian Institutions Digital Asset Management System (DAMS).

Arrangement:

The collection is organized into two series.

Series 1: Original Discs, 1940-1941

Series 2: Miscellaneous, 1940-1941, 1985

Biographical / Historical:

Joseph Schillinger (1895-1943), composer and musical theorist, worked extensively with the Rhythmicon. The Rhythmicon, developed in 1931 by Leon Theremin at the request of composer Henry Cowell, is the earliest electronic rhythm machine.

Schillinger was born on August 31, 1895, in Kharkov, Ukraine. After beginning a successful musical career in the Soviet Union, he immigrated to the United States in 1928 and settled in New York City. He taught at New York University, the Teachers College of Columbia University and the New School for Social Research. A trained mathematician, Schillinger developed his own system of composition based on mathematics.

Related Materials:

Materials at Other Organizations

The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts New York, New York

Joseph Schillinger Papers, 1918-2000

The Joseph Schillinger Papers contain the composer/theorist's writings, composition lesson texts, student notebooks, scores, charts, personal papers, clippings and promotional material.

New York Public Library, Rodgers and Hammerstein Archives of Recorded Sound

Joseph Schillinger Collection of Sound Recordings, *L(Special) 89-16

Berkley School of Music Archives, Boston, Massachusetts

Provenance:

The collection was donated to the National Museum of American History by Mrs. Joseph Schillinger (Frances) and transferred to the Archives Center from the Division of Musical Instruments (Division of Culture and the Arts) in June 1985.

Restrictions:

Collection is open for research. Digital reference copies available in the Smithsonian Institution Digital Asset Management System (DAMS). See RTC0162-RT0001.

Rights:

Collection items available for reproduction, but the Archives Center makes no guarantees concerning copyright restrictions. Other intellectual property rights may apply. Archives Center cost-recovery and use fees may apply when requesting reproductions.

Topic:

Musical instruments  Search this

Rhythmicon  Search this

Genre/Form:

Phonograph records

78 rpm records

Audiotapes

Citation:

Joseph Schillinger Phonograph Record Collection, 1940-1941, Archives Center, National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution.

Identifier:

NMAH.AC.0162

See more items in:

Joseph Schillinger Phonograph Record Collection

Archival Repository:

Archives Center, National Museum of American History

EDAN-URL:

ead_collection:sova-nmah-ac-0162

Interviewee:

Choo, Chunghi, 1938-  Search this

Interviewer:

Milosch, Jane, 1964-  Search this

Subject:

Thomas, Richard C.  Search this

Bush, Cody  Search this

Chateauvert, Jocelyn  Search this

Kaufman, Glen  Search this

Fujio, Yuho  Search this

Grotell, Maija  Search this

McFadden, David Revere  Search this

Kao, Ruth  Search this

Lechtzin, Stanley  Search this

Lee, Sang-Bong  Search this

Larsen, Jack Lenor  Search this

Mayer-VanderMey, Sandra  Search this

Saarinen, Loja  Search this

Raab, Rosanne  Search this

Merkel-Hess, Mary  Search this

Park, No Soo  Search this

Smith, Paul J.  Search this

Yeun, Kee-ho  Search this

Cranbrook Academy of Art  Search this

University of Iowa  Search this

Haystack Mountain School of Crafts  Search this

Penland School of Handicrafts  Search this

Museum of Modern Art (New York, N.Y.)  Search this

University of Northern Iowa  Search this

Victoria and Albert Museum  Search this

Ihwa Yŏja Taehakkyo  Search this

Museum für Kunsthandwerk Frankfurt am Main  Search this

Nanette L. Laitman Documentation Project for Craft and Decorative Arts in America  Search this

Type:

Sound recordings

Interviews

Place:

Korea (South) -- History -- April Revolution, 1960

Topic:

Women artists  Search this

Asian American artists  Search this

Decorative arts  Search this

Korean War, 1950-1953  Search this

Jewelers -- Interviews  Search this

Jewelry making -- Equipment and supplies  Search this

Jewelry making -- Technique  Search this

Jewelry making -- Study and teaching  Search this

Metal-work  Search this

Asian American women  Search this

Asian American women artists  Search this

Korean American art  Search this

Korean American women  Search this

Korean American artists  Search this

Asian American art  Search this

Korean American women artists  Search this

Asian American jewelers  Search this

Asian American women jewelers  Search this

Korean American jewelers  Search this

Korean American women jewelers  Search this

Asian American metal-workers  Search this

Asian American women metal-workers  Search this

Korean American metal-workers  Search this

Korean American women metal-workers  Search this

Record number:

(DSI-AAA_CollID)13621

(DSI-AAA_SIRISBib)271722

AAA_collcode_choo07

Theme:

Asian American

Women

Craft

Data Source:

Archives of American Art

EDAN-URL:

edanmdm:AAADCD_oh_271722

Recording artist:

Spanier, Muggsy  Search this

Russell, Pee Wee  Search this

Brown, Vernon  Search this

Caiazza, Nick  Search this

Schroeder, Gene  Search this

Haggart, Bob  Search this

Wettling, George  Search this

Manufacturer:

Disc  Search this

Physical Description:

shellac (overall material)

Measurements:

overall: 10 in; 25.4 cm

Object Name:

sound recording

Place made:

United States: New York, New York

Recording date:

1946

Related Publication:

Jazz Records 1942-1962, Vol. 7: S - Te

Credit Line:

Gift of Howard A. Guernsey (through Richard L. Guernsey)

ID Number:

1988.0698.2149

Catalog number:

1988.0698.2149

Accession number:

1988.0698

Collector/donor number:

S112

Maker number:

6030

See more items in:

Cultural and Community Life: Entertainment

Music & Musical Instruments

Popular Entertainment

Data Source:

National Museum of American History

GUID:

http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a9-2787-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

EDAN-URL:

edanmdm:nmah_1059933