National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM)

Abstract

The André LeRoy Davis Hip Hop Collection features eight fine art prints featuring illustrations from the artist. Six of the illustrations were published in the Source between 1994 and 2003 in Davis’ editorial column “The Last Word.” The illustrations address issues of politics, culture, and justice through the lens of hip hop and show why Davis is considered the father of hip hop comics.

Abstract The Carl Van Vechten Photographic Portrait Collection (1933-1955) consists of 33 black and white photographs of notable African American musicians and performers of the day. The subjects of the portraits cut across genres of opera, musical theatre, jazz, folk, and popular song. The collection includes Marian Anderson (sontralto), (Pearl Bailey (jazz and popular singer), Harry Belafonte (popular singer and actor), Margaret Bonds (classical composer), Carol Brice (contralto), Cab Calloway...

Abstract

The Charles Stewart Jazz Portraits Collection consists of five photographs of jazz musicians taken in the 1960s by the African-American photographer Charles “Chuck” Stewart (1927-2017) in New York, including photographs of Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie, Lionel Hampton, and Roy Eldridge.

Scope and Contents The Dom Flemons American Songster Collection (110 linear feet) consists of audio recordings, materials related to the creation of the album Black Cowboys, reference materials, drafts and liner notes, correspondence, ephemera and tour materials, press and promotional materials, photographs, folk art and fan art, garments, artifacts, framed items, posters, books, born digital files and musical instruments. The collection is arranged in twenty two series. It covers the years of 1950 to 2022...

Abstract The John Birks “Dizzy” Gillespie Collection comprises materials related to the life and professional journey of the renowned jazz trumpeter, composer, and bandleader, Dizzy Gillespie. Predominant among these artifacts is a substantial collection of photographs, spanning from the 1930s to the early 2000s, with the major portion dating from the 1950s to the 1990s. These photographs not only provide a comprehensive visual chronicle of Gillespie’s personal life and musical career but also serve...

Abstract

This collection contains two black coats made for Janet Jackson's 1990 Rhythm Nation Tour. One coat was worn by Jackson during the opening sequence of the tour while performing "Control" and "Nasty." The other coat is a similar, second version of the first coat.

Abstract The Yusef A. Lateef Collection consists of scores, correspondence, promotional materials, audio recordings, photographs, and other documents of the composer's life and creative works. The bulk of the materials are related to Lateef's work as a composer, musician and teacher. Most of the recordings in the collection are digitized and available through Vanderbilt's Aviary platform. Among the recordings and printed materials are documents from his fieldwork in Nigeria. Lateef was born in...

Abstract

The Miko Marks Collection, 2005-2024, consists of papers, photographs, audiovisual material, and artifacts of singer Miko Marks.

Abstract

The Rissi Palmer Collection, 1984-2021, consists of songwriting notebooks, photographs, CDs, and outfits from African-American country music artist Rissi Palmer, b. 1981.

Abstract The Photographs of Jazz Musicians collection represents 80 photographs primarily from the 1930s and 1940s. These photographs showcase jazz musicians, bands, and vocalists, including Sarah Vaughan, Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman, Sidney Bechet, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Christian, Max Roach, Nat King Cole, Lionel Hampton and others. Through these images, ranging from promotional stills to candid live performance shots and behind-the-scenes captures, we can trace the evolution of jazz music...

Abstract

The Stax Records Promotional Photographs collection consists of 48 promotional photographs of artists and musicians from the 1960s represented by the now legendary Stax Records Co. Studio in Memphis, including photographs of Otis Redding, Carla Thomas, Staple Singers, Sam and Dave, Johnie Taylor, Booker T. & The M.G.’s, The Bar-Kays, Isaac Hayes, Eddie Floyd.

Abstract The Otha Turner collection includes audiovisual recordings, musical instruments, and other materials documenting the life and artistry of Othar (Otha) Turner (1907-2003). A master of the fife and drum tradition from northern Mississippi, Turner was a farmer in Gravel Springs, Mississippi. He performed fife and drum music at goat barbeques, held annually around Labor Day, for family and community members. A few of these performances were recorded and are included in the collection. Later in...