In 1990, curators at the National Museum of American History began a project to develop a traveling exhibition about American music, and in the course of research, curators repeatedly returned to the Mississippi Delta area and Memphis, Tennessee to conduct interviews. A group in Memphis organized to raise the funds to complete the research, to acquire objects and artifacts, and the project ultimately became the Smithsonian-affiliated Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum, which opened in 2000 at 191 Beale Street.
Scope and Contents:
The collection consists of oral and video history interviews conducted by curators at the National Museum of American History with musicians, recording executives, disc jockeys, and others involved with the development of rock'n'soul music. Complete transcripts of all of the interviews exist.
Arrangement:
The collection is arranged in four series.
Series 1, Original Interviews
Series 2, Reference Copies
Subseries 1: Umatic Videos
Subseries 2: Reference DVDs
Series 3: Audio Cassettes
Series 4: Transcripts
Biographical / Historical:
In 1990, National Museum of American History curators Dr. Pete Daniel and Dr. Charles McGovern, began conducting research with the intention of creating a traveling exhibit about "American music." Their investigations led them to the Mississippi delta and ultimately to Memphis Tennessee, which had developed as a crossroads where people and musical traditions met beginning in the 1930s. Based on their discoveries they refined their scope in order to focus on the music that grew out of the traditions that met and mixed in Memphis. They weren't able to secure funding for the originally proposed exhibit, but instead partnered with the Memphis Rock'n'Soul Museum to develop the exhibit Rock'n'Soul: Social Crossroads. The museum and exhibit opened in 2000 and explores the influential musical form that has its roots in Memphis.
Much of the basic research for the exhibit as well as the production elements for the companion radio series, "Memphis: Cradle of Rock'n'Soul" came from oral and video history interviews conducted with musicians, record producers, radio disc jockeys and others involved with the development and popularization of rock'n'soul during 1992 and 1999. Daniel and McGovern partnered with John Meehan of Smithsonian Productions to create high-quality, informative interview tapes. The Rock'n'Soul Video History Collection is comprised of these unedited interviews.
Provenance:
Made at the National Museum of American History for the Smithsonian-affiliated Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum in 1992 and 1999.
Restrictions:
Collection is open for research but is stored off-site and special arrangements must be made to work with it. Only refrence DVDs and digital reference copies in the Smithsonian Institution's Digital Asset Management System (DAMS) may be used. Contact the Archives Center for information at archivescenter@si.edu or 202-633-3270.
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.
Smithsonian Institution. Program in African American Culture Search this
Container:
Box 131, Cassette 9
Type:
Archival materials
Audio
Date:
1983-04-30
Scope and Contents:
A.C. Williams continued
Sam Phillips, a producer at Sun Records, who recorded earlier blues records-Sun Records, The Birth of Memphis Blues Recordings.
Remarks by Bernice Johnson Reagon
Questions
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research. Access and use of audiovisual materials available in the Archives Center reading room or by requesting copies of audiovisual materials at RightsReproductions@si.edu
Collection Rights:
Copyright restrictions exist. Collection items available for reproduction Other intellectual property rights may apply. Archives Center cost-recovery and use fees may apply when requesting reproductions.
Collection Citation:
Program in African American Culture Collection, Archives Center, National Museum of American History.
Smithsonian Institution. Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage Search this
Type:
Archival materials
Collection Restrictions:
Access to the Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections is by appointment only. Visit our website for more information on scheduling a visit or making a digitization request. Researchers interested in accessing born-digital records or audiovisual recordings in this collection must use access copies.
Collection Rights:
Permission to publish materials from the collection must be requested from the Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections. Please visit our website to learn more about submitting a request. The Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections make no guarantees concerning copyright or other intellectual property restrictions. Other usage conditions may apply; please see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use for more information.
Collection Citation:
Smithsonian Folklife Festival records: 1986 Festival of American Folklife, Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections, Smithsonian Institution.
Smithsonian Institution. Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage Search this
Type:
Archival materials
Collection Restrictions:
Access to the Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections is by appointment only. Visit our website for more information on scheduling a visit or making a digitization request. Researchers interested in accessing born-digital records or audiovisual recordings in this collection must use access copies.
Collection Rights:
Permission to publish materials from the collection must be requested from the Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections. Please visit our website to learn more about submitting a request. The Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections make no guarantees concerning copyright or other intellectual property restrictions. Other usage conditions may apply; please see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use for more information.
Collection Citation:
Smithsonian Folklife Festival records: 1986 Festival of American Folklife, Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections, Smithsonian Institution.
Jacksons, John And James: John Jackson, James Jackson; The Original Sun Rhythm Band: Jerry Lee "Smoochie" Smith, Stan Kesler, Marcus Van Storey, J.M. Van Eaton, Sonny Burgess, Paul Burlison R 7 Of 9
Date/Time and Place of an Event Note:
Recorded in: Washington, D.C, United States, July 2, 1986.
Restrictions:
Restrictions on access. Some duplication is allowed. Use of materials needs permission of the Smithsonian Institution.
Collection Rights:
Permission to publish materials from the collection must be requested from the Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections. Please visit our website to learn more about submitting a request. The Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections make no guarantees concerning copyright or other intellectual property restrictions. Other usage conditions may apply; please see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use for more information.
The Original Sun Rhythm Band: Jerry Lee "Smoochie" Smith, Stan Kesler, Marcus Van Storey, J.M. Van Eaton, Sonny Burgess, Paul Burlison R 8 Of 9
Date/Time and Place of an Event Note:
Recorded in: Washington, D.C, United States, July 2, 1986.
Restrictions:
Restrictions on access. Some duplication is allowed. Use of materials needs permission of the Smithsonian Institution.
Collection Rights:
Permission to publish materials from the collection must be requested from the Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections. Please visit our website to learn more about submitting a request. The Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections make no guarantees concerning copyright or other intellectual property restrictions. Other usage conditions may apply; please see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use for more information.
THE ORIGINAL SUN RHYTHM BAND: JERRY LEE "SMOOCHIE" SMITH, STAN KESLER, MARCUS VAN STOREY, J.M. VAN EATON, SONNY BURGESS, PAUL BURLISON R 9 OF 9
Date/Time and Place of an Event Note:
Recorded in: Washington, D.C, United States, July 2, 1986.
Restrictions:
Restrictions on access. Some duplication is allowed. Use of materials needs permission of the Smithsonian Institution.
Collection Rights:
Permission to publish materials from the collection must be requested from the Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections. Please visit our website to learn more about submitting a request. The Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections make no guarantees concerning copyright or other intellectual property restrictions. Other usage conditions may apply; please see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use for more information.
SRS-- That's alright--Blue yodel #1--Walking the floor over you--Move it on over--My bucket's got a hole in it--Blue moon of Kentucky--Jimmy Reed song--Down yonder--You win again--Whole lotta shakin'--Tear it up; RMH-- Sugar hill--Sally Ann--Ragtime Annie--Band history
Local Numbers:
FP-1986-7RR-0027
General:
Original Sun Rhytnm Band; Sonny Burgess, Paul Burlison, Stanely Kesler, Jerrry Lee "Smoochy" Smith, J.M. Van Eaton R 4 Of 8
CDR copy
Date/Time and Place of an Event Note:
Recorded in: Washington, D.C, United States, June 25, 1986.
Restrictions:
Restrictions on access. Some duplication is allowed. Use of materials needs permission of the Smithsonian Institution.
Collection Rights:
Permission to publish materials from the collection must be requested from the Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections. Please visit our website to learn more about submitting a request. The Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections make no guarantees concerning copyright or other intellectual property restrictions. Other usage conditions may apply; please see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use for more information.
IMPROMPTU JAM OF SUN RHYTHM: MARCUS VAN STOREY, SMOOCHY SMITH, STAN KESLER, JIMMY VAN EATON; JESSIE MAE HEMPHILL; BLIZZARD AND KEYS: RALPH BLIZZARD, WILL KEYS R 1 OF 8
Date/Time and Place of an Event Note:
Recorded in: Washington, D.C, United States, June 26, 1986.
Restrictions:
Restrictions on access. Some duplication is allowed. Use of materials needs permission of the Smithsonian Institution.
Collection Rights:
Permission to publish materials from the collection must be requested from the Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections. Please visit our website to learn more about submitting a request. The Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections make no guarantees concerning copyright or other intellectual property restrictions. Other usage conditions may apply; please see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use for more information.
ORIGINAL SUN RHYTHM BAND: SONNY BURGESS, PAUL BURLISON, STANLEY KELSER, SMOOCHY SMITH, JIMMY VAN EATON, MARCUS VAN STOREY R 2 OF 8
Date/Time and Place of an Event Note:
Recorded in: Washington, D.C, United States, June 26, 1986.
Restrictions:
Restrictions on access. Some duplication is allowed. Use of materials needs permission of the Smithsonian Institution.
Collection Rights:
Permission to publish materials from the collection must be requested from the Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections. Please visit our website to learn more about submitting a request. The Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections make no guarantees concerning copyright or other intellectual property restrictions. Other usage conditions may apply; please see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use for more information.
ORIGIANL SUN RHYTHM BAND: SONNY BURGESS, PAUL BURLISON, STANLEY KELSER, SMOOCHY SMITH, JIMMY VAN EATON, MARCUS VAN EATON; DUCK CREEK QUARTET: CALVIN C. HURLEY, RALPH T. HURLEY, HUBERT J. WILDER, TIM R. WILDER R 3 OF 8
Date/Time and Place of an Event Note:
Recorded in: Washington, D.C, United States, June 26, 1986.
Restrictions:
Restrictions on access. Some duplication is allowed. Use of materials needs permission of the Smithsonian Institution.
Collection Rights:
Permission to publish materials from the collection must be requested from the Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections. Please visit our website to learn more about submitting a request. The Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections make no guarantees concerning copyright or other intellectual property restrictions. Other usage conditions may apply; please see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use for more information.
ORIGINAL SUN RHYTHM BAND: SONNY BURGESS, PAUL BURLISON, STANLEY KESLER, "SMOOCHY" SMITH, J. M. VAN EATON, MARCUS VAN STOREY R 8 OF 8
Date/Time and Place of an Event Note:
Recorded in: Washington, D.C, United States, June 27, 1987.
Restrictions:
Restrictions on access. Some duplication is allowed. Use of materials needs permission of the Smithsonian Institution.
Collection Rights:
Permission to publish materials from the collection must be requested from the Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections. Please visit our website to learn more about submitting a request. The Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections make no guarantees concerning copyright or other intellectual property restrictions. Other usage conditions may apply; please see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use for more information.
ORIGINAL SUN RHYTHM BAND: SONNY BURGESS, PAUL BURLISON, STANLEY KESLER, JERRY LEE "SMOOCHY" SMITH, J.M. VAN EATON, MARCUS VAN STOREY R 5 OF 8
Date/Time and Place of an Event Note:
Recorded in: Washington, D.C, United States, June 28, 1986.
Restrictions:
Restrictions on access. Some duplication is allowed. Use of materials needs permission of the Smithsonian Institution.
Collection Rights:
Permission to publish materials from the collection must be requested from the Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections. Please visit our website to learn more about submitting a request. The Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections make no guarantees concerning copyright or other intellectual property restrictions. Other usage conditions may apply; please see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use for more information.
ORIGIANL SUN RHYTHM BAND: SONNY BURGESS, PAUL BURLISON, STANELY KESLER, JERRY LEE "SMOOCHY" SMITH, J.M. VAN EATON, MARCUS VAN STOREY; HEMPHILL SINGERS: LARRICE BYRD, EARL GAINES III GERTIE HEMPHILL, JAMES HEMPHILL, EDWARD JENKINS R 6 OF 8
Date/Time and Place of an Event Note:
Recorded in: Washington, D.C, United States, June 28, 1986.
Restrictions:
Restrictions on access. Some duplication is allowed. Use of materials needs permission of the Smithsonian Institution.
Collection Rights:
Permission to publish materials from the collection must be requested from the Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections. Please visit our website to learn more about submitting a request. The Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections make no guarantees concerning copyright or other intellectual property restrictions. Other usage conditions may apply; please see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use for more information.
The Original Sun Rhythm Band: Sonny Burgess, Paul Burlison, Stanley Kesler, Jerry Lee "Smoochy" Smith, J.M. Van Eaton, Marcus Van Storey R 2 Of 9
Date/Time and Place of an Event Note:
Recorded in: Washington, D.C, United States, June 29, 1986.
Restrictions:
Restrictions on access. Some duplication is allowed. Use of materials needs permission of the Smithsonian Institution.
Collection Rights:
Permission to publish materials from the collection must be requested from the Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections. Please visit our website to learn more about submitting a request. The Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections make no guarantees concerning copyright or other intellectual property restrictions. Other usage conditions may apply; please see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use for more information.
Fieldstones: Lois Brown, Otto "Bobby" Carnes, Joe Hicks, Wordie Perkins, Willie R.Sanders; Original Sun Rhythm Band: Paul Burlison, Sonny Burgess, Jm Van Eaton, Stan Kessler, Marcus Van Storey, Jerry Lee "Smoochy" Smith R 2 Of 7
Date/Time and Place of an Event Note:
Recorded in: Washington, D.C, United States, July 2, 1986.
Restrictions:
Restrictions on access. Some duplication is allowed. Use of materials needs permission of the Smithsonian Institution.
Collection Rights:
Permission to publish materials from the collection must be requested from the Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections. Please visit our website to learn more about submitting a request. The Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections make no guarantees concerning copyright or other intellectual property restrictions. Other usage conditions may apply; please see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use for more information.
Armstrong, Bogan,And Armstrong: Howard Armstrong, Ted Bogan, Tommie Armstrong; The Original Sun Rhythm Band: Sonny Burgess, Paul Burlison, Stanley Kesler, Jerry Lee Smith, J.M. Van Eaton, Marcus Van Storey R 6 Of 8
Date/Time and Place of an Event Note:
Recorded in: Washington, D.C, United States, July 3, 1986.
Restrictions:
Restrictions on access. Some duplication is allowed. Use of materials needs permission of the Smithsonian Institution.
Collection Rights:
Permission to publish materials from the collection must be requested from the Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections. Please visit our website to learn more about submitting a request. The Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections make no guarantees concerning copyright or other intellectual property restrictions. Other usage conditions may apply; please see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use for more information.
Armstrong, Bogan, And Armstrong: Howard Armstrong, Ted Bogan, Tommie Armstrong, Wally Kierman; Original Sun Rhythm Band: Burlison, Van Storey, Kesler, Smith, Burgess R 6 Of 8
Date/Time and Place of an Event Note:
Recorded in: Washington, D.C, United States, July 4, 1986.
Restrictions:
Restrictions on access. Some duplication is allowed. Use of materials needs permission of the Smithsonian Institution.
Collection Rights:
Permission to publish materials from the collection must be requested from the Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections. Please visit our website to learn more about submitting a request. The Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections make no guarantees concerning copyright or other intellectual property restrictions. Other usage conditions may apply; please see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use for more information.
Original Sun Rhythm Band: Burlison, Van Storey, Kesler, Smith, Burgess; Jessie Mae Hemphill R 7 Of 8
Date/Time and Place of an Event Note:
Recorded in: Washington, D.C, United States, July 4, 1986.
Restrictions:
Restrictions on access. Some duplication is allowed. Use of materials needs permission of the Smithsonian Institution.
Collection Rights:
Permission to publish materials from the collection must be requested from the Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections. Please visit our website to learn more about submitting a request. The Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections make no guarantees concerning copyright or other intellectual property restrictions. Other usage conditions may apply; please see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use for more information.
