Details
- Reference NumberARC-0413
- Level of descriptioncollection
- TitleLouis Jordan Collection
- Date1937-1992, undated
- Size1.33 (Linear feet)
- Scope and ContentsThe Louis Jordan Collection spans the years 1937 to 1992, including some undated materials, with the bulk of the collection dating from 1965 to 1974. The collection includes biographical information on Jordan, clippings on his career, annotated lyrics and orchestral parts, photographs, programs, set lists, sheet music, slides, and song lists, as well as a few individual personal items. The collection provides insight into Jordan's personal life as well as his career, with a number of materials related to the 1974 musical revue "New Orleans and All That Jazz," produced by Tommy Walker and featuring Jordan and Didi Wilson at the River Queen Lounge, Marriot Hotel in New Orleans, Louisiana.
- Biography / Administrative HistoryLouis Jordan (July 8, 1908-February 4, 1975; vocals, saxophone) has been called "the Father of Rhythm & Blues" and "the Grandfather of Rock 'n' Roll." In the 1940s, bandleader Jordan pioneered a wild--and wildly popular--amalgam of jazz and blues. The swinging shuffle rhythms played by singer/saxophonist Jordan and his Tympany Five got called "jump blues" or "jumpin' jive," and served as a forerunner of rhythm & blues and rock and roll. In fact, it has been plausibly argued that "Saturday Night Fish Fry," is worthy of consideration as the first rock and roll record, containing many of the genre's key ingredients: a distorted electric guitar, an early use of the word rocking, party-themed lyrics, and danceable, uptempo music. Similarly, with their breathless, manic, spoken delivery, both "Look Out" and "Saturday Night Fish Fry"--released in 1947 and 1949, respectively--can be seen as early examples of what would come to be known as rap.
- NotesAcquisition Note: The Louis Jordan Collection was received by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc., as gifts from Jordan's wife Martha in 1993 and 1995.
Citation: [Identification of Item], Louis Jordan Collection, Library and Archives, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.
Processing Information: Processed by Jennie Thomas, Head Archivist. Completed July 17, 2013. Descriptive sources and standards used to create this inventory: DACS and local processing manual.
Separated Materials: A book has been transferred to the library collection. Please search for the "Louis Jordan 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. One of the vinyl folders for orchestral parts is on exhibit. Please contact the staff for more information. - 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. Consult the Library and Archives in advance of your visit to ensure access to these materials is available.
- UseThe 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.
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