Details
- Reference NumberARC-0051
- Level of descriptioncollection
- TitleJohn Platt Collection
- Date1960-1999, undated
- Size18.83 (Linear feet)
- Scope and ContentsThe John Platt Collection spans the years 1960 to 1999, with the bulk of the materials dating between 1965 and 1975. The collection contains audiovisual materials, including VHS videocassettes and audiocassettes, and personal files. The materials are primarily centered around the 1960s-1970s San Francisco era of psychedelic rock. Artists of note featured in the collection include: Big Brother and the Holding Company, Cream, Grateful Dead, Jimi Hendrix, Jefferson Airplane,and Janis Joplin. Platt's files also contain research and correspondence for many of his professional projects, including the creation of video installations and short films for the opening of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in 1995. The Platt Collection provides extensive insight to the professional life of a lifelong rock and roll fan and historian. Of particular interest are original concert recordings and video footage of interviews with prominent artists of the era. Many of the video recordings are from European television broadcasts. There are over 100 audiocassettes of Grateful Dead concert recordings in this collection.
- Timeline1952 July 26: John Platt is born in Heston, Middlesex, England.
1970: Joins library service.
1977-1982: Publishes the fanzine, <title render="italic">Comstock Lode</title>, about psychedelic rock and the San Francisco scene.
1983: Writes and publishes the book, <title render="italic">Yardbirds</title>.
1985: Writes and publishes the book, <title render="italic">London's Rock Routes</title>.
1992: Marries Marylou Capes.
1993: Moves to New York City and creates and curates the Cinerock Festival at Lincoln Center.
1998: Writes and publishes the book, <title render="italic">Disraeli Gears: Cream</title>.
2001 May 7: Dies of cancer in his New York City home. - NotesCitation: [Identification of item], John Platt Collection, Library and Archives, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.
Acquisition Note: The John Platt Collection was received by The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, Inc. as a gift from Marylou Capes on November 6, 2007. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, Inc. transferred the collection to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc. on March 31, 2011.
Processing Information: Processed by Rachel Somerville, Project Archivist. Completed March 8, 2011. Revised by Anastasia Karel, Archivist. Completed September 27, 2016. 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 "John Platt 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.
Language Note: Collection is primarily in English. Possible foreign language materials have not yet been verified as such. - AccessCollection 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. The condition of some of these materials has not yet been determined for playback purposes and they are, therefore, RESTRICTED. Access copies of these materials may 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.
- UseThe copyright interests in this collection are retained by the donor during his/her lifetime, at which point it will revert to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc. The transfer of Donor's literary and other property rights does not include works of other individuals and organizations contained in the gift. For more information, please consult the staff of the Library and Archives.
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