Skip to main content Smithsonian Institution

Search Results

Collections Search Center
43 documents - page 1 of 3

Rex Stewart Papers

Author:
Stewart, Rex (William), Jr., 1907-1967 (cornetist)  Search this
Names:
Ellington, Duke, 1899-1974  Search this
Henderson, Fletcher, 1897-1952  Search this
Extent:
2.4 Cubic feet (5 boxes)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Scrapbooks
Manuscripts
Photograph albums
Photographs
Date:
circa 1875-1890s, 1924-1988
Scope and Contents:
The Rex Stewart Papers consist of book manuscripts, scrapbooks, photographs, correspondence, genealogical records, newsclippings, periodicals, and ephemera materials that document the life and career of Rex Stewart, as well as the history of jazz from the perspective of one who witnessed first-hand the genre's "golden era". The collection is organized into four series: Series 1: Book Manuscripts, circa 1950-1972; Series 2: Scrapbooks and Photo Albums, c.1930-1959; Series 3: Photographs, c.1875 and circa 1920-1967; and Series 4: Memorabilia, 1880-1905 and 1924-1988.

Of particular interest are the book manuscripts that were produced from the 1950's until Stewart's death in 1967. These document Stewart's impressions of and interactions with such jazz legends as Fletcher Henderson, Louis Armstrong, and Duke Ellington. Interesting photographic images include "A Great Day in Harlem", taken in 1958, portraits and candid shots of Rex Stewart, Duke Ellington, Benny Carter and others jazz greats, photographs autographed by Rex Stewart, a portrait of the Fletcher Henderson Orchestra at Danceland, tintypes of Stewart's family, a photo album and scrapbook documenting Stewart's 1948 tour in Berlin, Germany, and a photo album containing candid photographs of Ellington and Stewart's family. Other materials of interest include Stewart's cabaret card from 1959-1962 and some Stewart family genealogy records from 1880 to 1905.

Overall, the Rex Stewart Papers exist as a unique look into the creative process and life of a leading jazz figure of the 1930's through the 1960's. Stewart's colorful and poetic writing allows the reader to experience first-hand the excitement and honesty of jazz.
Arrangement:
the collection is arranged into four series.

Series 1:

Series 2:

Series 3:

Series 4:
Biographical / Historical:
Rex William Stewart Jr.(1907-1967) was born in Philadelphia on February 22, 1907. He received musical inspiration from his parents, who played piano and sang in both religious and social settings, and from his maternal grandmother, Angelina Denby Johnson, who wrote poetry and hymns. Stewart took up the cornet as a teenager, playing in several small time bands in Washington D.C. and New York. His first big break came in 1926 when he was invited to join the Fletcher Henderson Orchestra as a replacement for Louis Armstrong. However, he did not become a regular member of the orchestra until 1928. Stewart remained with Fletcher Henderson until 1933 when he unsuccessfully tried to form his own band. In 1934, he worked briefly for Louis Russell before being invited to join the Duke Ellington Orchestra. As Ellington's lead cornetist, Stewart became widely known for his Aunique conversational style of playing and experimentation with half-valve effects. He also co-composed several numbers with Ellington including "Boy Meets Horn" and "Morning Glory". In addition, Stewart led small-group recording sessions during the late thirties with Ellington and his fellow sidemen, including Johnny Hodges and Harry Carney.

Rex Stewart left Ellington's orchestra in 1945 and briefly played with Jazz at the Philharmonic. He toured Europe as a soloist and leader of several bands between 1947 and 1951. It was also during this period that Stewart began to lecture and write about jazz. In the fifties and sixties, he entered into semi-retirement in order to concentrate on his writing. Stewart continued to perform periodically with numerous small jazz ensembles on the festival circuit. He was instrumental in the organization and recording of the Fletcher Henderson Reunion band in 1958 and 1959. Stewart died on September 7, 1967 in Los Angeles. A collection of his essays, Jazz Masters of the 30's, was published posthumously in 1972 by Macmillan Publishing Company.
Related Materials:
Materials in the Archives Center

Anne Kennedy Collection, 1959-1967 (AC 506)

Duke Ellington Collection, 1927-1982 (AC 301)
Provenance:
Mrs. Claire Gordon, Stewart's companion, co-writer, and recipient of his estate, donated the Rex Stewart Papers to the National Museum of American History on January 3, 1992 and July 18, 1994.
Restrictions:
Collection is open for research.
Rights:
Reproduction fees for commercial use. All rights transferred to Museum in Deed of Gift.
Topic:
Music -- 20th century  Search this
Jazz  Search this
Cornet music (Jazz) -- 1920-1970  Search this
Musicians -- 20th century  Search this
Genre/Form:
Scrapbooks -- 20th century
Manuscripts -- 1920-1970
Photograph albums -- 1920-1970
Photographs -- 20th century
Citation:
Rex Stewart Papers, ca. 1875-1890s, 1924-1988, Archives Center, National Museum of American History.
Identifier:
NMAH.AC.0424
See more items in:
Rex Stewart Papers
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep846cfcaa4-cf2f-402c-ad87-c329c213d246
EDAN-URL:
ead_collection:sova-nmah-ac-0424

Manuscripts

Collection Author:
Stewart, Rex (William), Jr., 1907-1967 (cornetist)  Search this
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
circa1950-1972
Scope and Contents:
Series one contains essays written by Rex Stewart and published in 1972 as Jazz Masters of the 30's. The hand written manuscripts, edited type copies, and photostatic copies are unarranged, with the exception of the essay "Stompin' at the Savoy", which is located at the end of this series. The current order of the documents may provide insight into Stewart's work patterns or processes.
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research.
Collection Rights:
Reproduction fees for commercial use. All rights transferred to Museum in Deed of Gift.
Collection Citation:
Rex Stewart Papers, ca. 1875-1890s, 1924-1988, Archives Center, National Museum of American History.
Identifier:
NMAH.AC.0424, Series 1
See more items in:
Rex Stewart Papers
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep8d2ff37f8-65ad-4aeb-a855-49c93c404acd
EDAN-URL:
ead_component:sova-nmah-ac-0424-ref13

Jazz Masters of the Thirties

Collection Author:
Stewart, Rex (William), Jr., 1907-1967 (cornetist)  Search this
Container:
Box 1, Folder 1-6
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
circa 1950-1972
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research.
Collection Rights:
Reproduction fees for commercial use. All rights transferred to Museum in Deed of Gift.
Collection Citation:
Rex Stewart Papers, ca. 1875-1890s, 1924-1988, Archives Center, National Museum of American History.
See more items in:
Rex Stewart Papers
Rex Stewart Papers / Series 1: Manuscripts
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep82adb467e-f1ea-4b91-abb3-634df1490ccc
EDAN-URL:
ead_component:sova-nmah-ac-0424-ref15

Jazz Masters of the Thirties

Collection Author:
Stewart, Rex (William), Jr., 1907-1967 (cornetist)  Search this
Container:
Box 2, Folder 1-10
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
circa 1950-1972
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research.
Collection Rights:
Reproduction fees for commercial use. All rights transferred to Museum in Deed of Gift.
Collection Citation:
Rex Stewart Papers, ca. 1875-1890s, 1924-1988, Archives Center, National Museum of American History.
See more items in:
Rex Stewart Papers
Rex Stewart Papers / Series 1: Manuscripts
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep801d8e489-5cf2-44a7-a665-681f7ab2280f
EDAN-URL:
ead_component:sova-nmah-ac-0424-ref16

"Stompin' At the Savoy" by Rex Stewart

Collection Author:
Stewart, Rex (William), Jr., 1907-1967 (cornetist)  Search this
Container:
Box 2, Folder 11
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
undated
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research.
Collection Rights:
Reproduction fees for commercial use. All rights transferred to Museum in Deed of Gift.
Collection Citation:
Rex Stewart Papers, ca. 1875-1890s, 1924-1988, Archives Center, National Museum of American History.
See more items in:
Rex Stewart Papers
Rex Stewart Papers / Series 1: Manuscripts
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep8da1f58b5-4150-42ec-a4b3-09c89e86a572
EDAN-URL:
ead_component:sova-nmah-ac-0424-ref17

Scrapbooks and Photo Albums

Collection Author:
Stewart, Rex (William), Jr., 1907-1967 (cornetist)  Search this
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
circa 1930-1959
Scope and Contents:
Series two consists of two scrapbooks and one photo album that contain photographs, newsclippings, and other ephemera documenting the performing career and personal life of Rex Stewart. Due to the fragile condition of these materials, please consult the Archives Center staff about handling them for research.
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research.
Collection Rights:
Reproduction fees for commercial use. All rights transferred to Museum in Deed of Gift.
Collection Citation:
Rex Stewart Papers, ca. 1875-1890s, 1924-1988, Archives Center, National Museum of American History.
Identifier:
NMAH.AC.0424, Series 2
See more items in:
Rex Stewart Papers
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep8d3894886-0c11-4fa0-b3b1-7ba4528f6b34
EDAN-URL:
ead_component:sova-nmah-ac-0424-ref18

Scrapbook

Collection Author:
Stewart, Rex (William), Jr., 1907-1967 (cornetist)  Search this
Container:
Box 6
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
1938-1959
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research.
Collection Rights:
Reproduction fees for commercial use. All rights transferred to Museum in Deed of Gift.
Collection Citation:
Rex Stewart Papers, ca. 1875-1890s, 1924-1988, Archives Center, National Museum of American History.
See more items in:
Rex Stewart Papers
Rex Stewart Papers / Series 2: Scrapbooks and Photo Albums
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep886842aa1-a3ff-4bde-a226-bca299f1c9f5
EDAN-URL:
ead_component:sova-nmah-ac-0424-ref20

Scrapbook - Rex Stewart in Berlin, Germany

Collection Author:
Stewart, Rex (William), Jr., 1907-1967 (cornetist)  Search this
Container:
Box 4
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
July 1948
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research.
Collection Rights:
Reproduction fees for commercial use. All rights transferred to Museum in Deed of Gift.
Collection Citation:
Rex Stewart Papers, ca. 1875-1890s, 1924-1988, Archives Center, National Museum of American History.
See more items in:
Rex Stewart Papers
Rex Stewart Papers / Series 2: Scrapbooks and Photo Albums
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep8b8e32fd8-892b-46f9-9e9b-62a377667d26
EDAN-URL:
ead_component:sova-nmah-ac-0424-ref21

Photo Album

Collection Author:
Stewart, Rex (William), Jr., 1907-1967 (cornetist)  Search this
Container:
Box 4
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
circa 1930-1950
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research.
Collection Rights:
Reproduction fees for commercial use. All rights transferred to Museum in Deed of Gift.
Collection Citation:
Rex Stewart Papers, ca. 1875-1890s, 1924-1988, Archives Center, National Museum of American History.
See more items in:
Rex Stewart Papers
Rex Stewart Papers / Series 2: Scrapbooks and Photo Albums
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep8336c1c8a-67e8-4b61-a10e-f685e3de2da5
EDAN-URL:
ead_component:sova-nmah-ac-0424-ref22

Photographs

Collection Author:
Stewart, Rex (William), Jr., 1907-1967 (cornetist)  Search this
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
circa 1875 and circa 1920-1967
Scope and Contents:
Series three contains both candid and publicity black and white and color prints of various sizes. Documenting Stewarts performing and personal life, they were not used in his book. They are arranged alphabetically by subject heading. Oversized photographs are located at the end of the collection but are listed alphabetically within the container list.
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research.
Collection Rights:
Reproduction fees for commercial use. All rights transferred to Museum in Deed of Gift.
Collection Citation:
Rex Stewart Papers, ca. 1875-1890s, 1924-1988, Archives Center, National Museum of American History.
Identifier:
NMAH.AC.0424, Series 3
See more items in:
Rex Stewart Papers
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep8c6cfd255-6d20-4818-8cf5-bf55d2db26f3
EDAN-URL:
ead_component:sova-nmah-ac-0424-ref23

"A Great Day in Harlem"

Collection Author:
Stewart, Rex (William), Jr., 1907-1967 (cornetist)  Search this
Container:
Box 3, Folder 1
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
1958
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research.
Collection Rights:
Reproduction fees for commercial use. All rights transferred to Museum in Deed of Gift.
Collection Citation:
Rex Stewart Papers, ca. 1875-1890s, 1924-1988, Archives Center, National Museum of American History.
See more items in:
Rex Stewart Papers
Rex Stewart Papers / Series 3: Photographs
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep854bf7d2a-e250-435f-8144-ec1197c67477
EDAN-URL:
ead_component:sova-nmah-ac-0424-ref25

Bigard, Barney, Benny Carter and Rex Stewart at the Doll House

Collection Author:
Stewart, Rex (William), Jr., 1907-1967 (cornetist)  Search this
Container:
Box 3, Folder 2
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
circa 1965
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research.
Collection Rights:
Reproduction fees for commercial use. All rights transferred to Museum in Deed of Gift.
Collection Citation:
Rex Stewart Papers, ca. 1875-1890s, 1924-1988, Archives Center, National Museum of American History.
See more items in:
Rex Stewart Papers
Rex Stewart Papers / Series 3: Photographs
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep8853bdb56-f86f-424e-9f9c-c17969435a75
EDAN-URL:
ead_component:sova-nmah-ac-0424-ref26

Candid

Collection Author:
Stewart, Rex (William), Jr., 1907-1967 (cornetist)  Search this
Container:
Box 3, Folder 3
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
circa 1930-1967
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research.
Collection Rights:
Reproduction fees for commercial use. All rights transferred to Museum in Deed of Gift.
Collection Citation:
Rex Stewart Papers, ca. 1875-1890s, 1924-1988, Archives Center, National Museum of American History.
See more items in:
Rex Stewart Papers
Rex Stewart Papers / Series 3: Photographs
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep84118c0c8-db28-4cc3-bd65-d812458e3fff
EDAN-URL:
ead_component:sova-nmah-ac-0424-ref27

Ellington, Duke and Orchestra

Collection Author:
Stewart, Rex (William), Jr., 1907-1967 (cornetist)  Search this
Container:
Box 3, Folder 4
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
1934-1945
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research.
Collection Rights:
Reproduction fees for commercial use. All rights transferred to Museum in Deed of Gift.
Collection Citation:
Rex Stewart Papers, ca. 1875-1890s, 1924-1988, Archives Center, National Museum of American History.
See more items in:
Rex Stewart Papers
Rex Stewart Papers / Series 3: Photographs
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep87cd91ed1-c762-4533-988b-4d20d5e2d360
EDAN-URL:
ead_component:sova-nmah-ac-0424-ref28

Foreign Tours

Collection Author:
Stewart, Rex (William), Jr., 1907-1967 (cornetist)  Search this
Container:
Box 3, Folder 5
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
circa1947-1966
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research.
Collection Rights:
Reproduction fees for commercial use. All rights transferred to Museum in Deed of Gift.
Collection Citation:
Rex Stewart Papers, ca. 1875-1890s, 1924-1988, Archives Center, National Museum of American History.
See more items in:
Rex Stewart Papers
Rex Stewart Papers / Series 3: Photographs
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep8830475ed-9fef-4f64-a45c-133eaa36b5b8
EDAN-URL:
ead_component:sova-nmah-ac-0424-ref29

Henderson, Fletcher and Orchestra at Danceland

Collection Author:
Stewart, Rex (William), Jr., 1907-1967 (cornetist)  Search this
Container:
Box 3, Folder 6
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
circa 1926-1933
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research.
Collection Rights:
Reproduction fees for commercial use. All rights transferred to Museum in Deed of Gift.
Collection Citation:
Rex Stewart Papers, ca. 1875-1890s, 1924-1988, Archives Center, National Museum of American History.
See more items in:
Rex Stewart Papers
Rex Stewart Papers / Series 3: Photographs
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep888b99e9d-4475-408c-9726-bf9ac3db1fe2
EDAN-URL:
ead_component:sova-nmah-ac-0424-ref30

Johnson, Angelina Ricketts Denby

Collection Author:
Stewart, Rex (William), Jr., 1907-1967 (cornetist)  Search this
Container:
Box 5, Folder 2
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
circa1875
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research.
Collection Rights:
Reproduction fees for commercial use. All rights transferred to Museum in Deed of Gift.
Collection Citation:
Rex Stewart Papers, ca. 1875-1890s, 1924-1988, Archives Center, National Museum of American History.
See more items in:
Rex Stewart Papers
Rex Stewart Papers / Series 3: Photographs
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep8d3ce4f03-c2a1-470c-a4d5-fc9bcd026696
EDAN-URL:
ead_component:sova-nmah-ac-0424-ref31

Johnson, George

Collection Author:
Stewart, Rex (William), Jr., 1907-1967 (cornetist)  Search this
Container:
Box 5, Folder 1
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
undated
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research.
Collection Rights:
Reproduction fees for commercial use. All rights transferred to Museum in Deed of Gift.
Collection Citation:
Rex Stewart Papers, ca. 1875-1890s, 1924-1988, Archives Center, National Museum of American History.
See more items in:
Rex Stewart Papers
Rex Stewart Papers / Series 3: Photographs
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep821037496-654e-46f6-809d-2ef1f7f78352
EDAN-URL:
ead_component:sova-nmah-ac-0424-ref32

Miscellaneous

Collection Author:
Stewart, Rex (William), Jr., 1907-1967 (cornetist)  Search this
Container:
Box 3, Folder 7
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
undated
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research.
Collection Rights:
Reproduction fees for commercial use. All rights transferred to Museum in Deed of Gift.
Collection Citation:
Rex Stewart Papers, ca. 1875-1890s, 1924-1988, Archives Center, National Museum of American History.
See more items in:
Rex Stewart Papers
Rex Stewart Papers / Series 3: Photographs
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep8670623ed-06ff-4372-8d76-893ff84ec49c
EDAN-URL:
ead_component:sova-nmah-ac-0424-ref33

Publicity

Collection Author:
Stewart, Rex (William), Jr., 1907-1967 (cornetist)  Search this
Container:
Box 3, Folder 8
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
1958-1965
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research.
Collection Rights:
Reproduction fees for commercial use. All rights transferred to Museum in Deed of Gift.
Collection Citation:
Rex Stewart Papers, ca. 1875-1890s, 1924-1988, Archives Center, National Museum of American History.
See more items in:
Rex Stewart Papers
Rex Stewart Papers / Series 3: Photographs
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep895cde7a2-6fdc-4148-ac76-cbb9812fccd1
EDAN-URL:
ead_component:sova-nmah-ac-0424-ref34

Modify Your Search







or


Narrow By
  • Archives Center, National Museum of American History