Archival collection John C. Browning Collection

Summary
Collection Number:
ARC-0334
Dates:
Inclusive, circa 1950-1994
Size:
6.13 Linear feet (1 Hollinger box, 1 half Hollinger box, 1 flat box, 1 shared oversize box, 4 audio/visual boxes, and 1 flat file drawer) 
Language(s):
English
Citation:

[Identification of Item], John C. Browning Collection, Library and Archives, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.

Abstract:
Record collector, whose collection covers popular music from the 1950s-1990s.
Finding Aid Permalink:
http://catalog.rockhall.com/catalog/ARC-0334
Scope and Contents

The John C. Browning Collection consists of various material circa 1950-1994. It includes non-commercial audio and VHS cassettes tapes, promotional posters, press releases, fanzines, album art, advertising and promotional materials, sheet music, photographs, and trading cards. Artists of note include the Beach Boys, James Brown, Ruth Brown, Tevin Campbell, Patsy Cline, the Clovers, John Fogerty, Tennessee Ernie Ford, the Four Seasons, Funkadelic, Elton John, Louis Jordan, Los Lobos, Buck Owens, Wilson Pickett, Prince, the Ronettes, the Turtles, Suzanne Vega, and Ween. Bruce Springsteen is prominently featured in the materials. The collection is arranged in five series: Album Art, Advertising, and Record Sleeves, Correspondence and Acquisition Records, Photographs, Press and Promotional Materials, Video Cassettes, and Sound Recordings. Materials such as the sheet music, fanzines, and trading cards have been transferred to the library.

Biographical Note

John Browning grew up in Maysville, Kentucky, and was educated at St. Paul’s School, Swarthmore College, and the University of Chicago Law School. Although music always played a big part in his life--his mother was an accomplished musician, and he enjoyed singing doo-wop with his four brothers--his interest in record collecting began in earnest only after he discovered Val Shively’s R&B Records in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania. His passion for rhythm and blues, rock and roll, and popular music of all types expanded over the years; along with the depth and breadth of his extensive music knowledge.

Acquisition

The John C. Browning Collection was received by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc. as a gift from Ruth Bardon on October 5, 1998.

Separated Materials

Books, magazines, fanzines, limited edition vinyl recordings, commercial audio and VHS cassette tapes, CDs, and a calendar have been transferred to the library collection. Please search for the "John C. Browning Collection" in the library catalog for a list of donated titles. If you are unable to find what you are looking for, consult the Library and Archives staff to ensure these materials are available.

Processing Information

Processed by Philip Shackelford, Intern. Completed July 15, 2014. Descriptive sources and standards used to create this inventory: DACS and local processing manual.

Access

Collection is open for research. Patrons must sign the Acknowledgment of Legal Responsibilities and Privacy Rights statement on the Researcher Registration form before using this collection. Consult the Library and Archives in advance of your visit to ensure access to these materials is available.

Use

The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc. For more information, please consult the staff of the Library and Archives.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum | Library and Archives | 2809 Woodland Avenue | Cleveland, OH 44115 | 216.515.1956 | library@rockhall.org