Details

ARC-0027

collection

Ray Topping Papers

1943-2006, undated

31.37 (Linear feet)

The Ray Topping Papers span the years 1943 to 2006 with the bulk of the material dating between 1965 and 1985. The papers are primarily handwritten documents that make up Topping's artist and record label files, discographies, research and personal files, as well as graphic materials and publications that support his research. The detailed research materials illustrate Topping's vast knowledge of American recorded music covering the post-war period from 1945 through to 1975. The personal files provide the researcher with a look into Topping's love for American musical culture through his travel documents and correspondence. The graphic materials and publications provide a context for the music and artists in which Topping was interested. Researchers will find Topping's meticulous and detailed discographies of particular note, as well as his documentation regarding the histories and inner workings of a number of record labels, including Ace, King, and Modern Records; and anyone interested in post-war American music will find the artists featured essential: B.B. King, Little Richard, and Ike Turner.

Ray Topping was one of the world's leading research authorities on American recorded music for the post-war period of 1945 through 1975. He was an avid aficionado, whose in-depth encyclopedic knowledge was unrivaled. Throughout his career, he contributed discographies to many specialist magazines, wrote liner notes and articles, and unearthed thousands of rare and unissued master recordings while working for Ace Records. These landmark albums featured such artists as Johnny Ace, Sonny Fisher, George Jones, B.B. King, Little Willie Littlefield, Eddie Noak, Jr Parker, Ike Turner, and many others. He leaves behind an immense body of work for others to use and build upon.

1943 January 10: Raymond Keith John Topping is born in Chalk Farm, London, England.

1958: Leaves school and becomes messenger for the <title render="italic">Evening News</title>.

1960s: Love of and fascination with rock, rhythm and blues, rock-a-billy, and soul music grows, and his career as a leading music researcher, record collector, discographer, writer, interviewer, and LP/CD reissue producer takes root.

1970s: With Bill Millar and others, is involved in many trendsetting rock-a-billy LP reissues in England.

1977: Begins freelance consultancy work for Ace Records.

1977: Begins working for the telephone division of the post office.

1978: Publishes only book, <title render="italic">New Orleans Rhythm and Blues Record Label Listings</title>, published by Flyright Records, Bexhill-on-Sea, England.

1978-1979: At Topping's suggestion, Ace enters into licensing agreements with Glad Music in Houston and Modern Records of Los Angeles.

1980s: Becomes an assiduous interviewer during Ace Records' research trips to the United States, and annual jaunts to the Blues Estafette in Holland and the United Kingdom (with visiting artists and record men).

1987: Leaves the post office to continue his research and increase his workload as a consultant for Ace Records, overseeing both vinyl and CD releases.

1989: Produces the <title render="italic">Definitive Little Richard</title> 8-LP box set for Specialty and Ace.

1990s: Continues to produce reissue CDs prolifically for Ace, primarily from the Modern Vaults, including an Elmore James 3-CD box set. Also produces noteworthy reissues from Combo, Dig, King-Federal, Ram, Starday, and other labels.

1990: Through his strong recommendation and subsequent perseverance, he convinces the directors of Ace Records to go ahead with the purchase of Modern Records for Europe (instead of licensing).

2002: Ill-health forces him to slow his work for Ace Records; continues with the company in an advisory capacity.

2009 January 3: Passes away after a long illness.

Citation: [Identification of item], Ray Topping Papers, Library and Archives, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.

Acquisition Note: The Ray Topping Papers were received by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, Inc. as a gift from Mrs. Pauline Fountain on May 13, 2010.

Processing Information: Processed by Rachel Somerville, Project Archivist. Completed November 19, 2010. Descriptive sources and standards used to create this inventory: DACS and local processing manual.

Separated Materials: Books and periodicals have been transferred to the library collection. Please search for the "Ray Topping Papers" 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.

Collection is open for research. Patrons must sign the Acknowledgment of Legal Responsibility and Privacy Rights statement on the Researcher Registration form before using this collection. Due to condition, the scrapbooks in this collection are RESTRICTED. Access copies of these materials will have to be created prior to use. Consult the Library and Archives staff in advance of your visit to ensure access to these materials is available.

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.