Reference Number
ARC-0721
Level of description
collection
Title
Barbara Donahue Corrigan Collection on the Waitresses
Date
1962-1998, undated
Size
4.47 (Linear feet)
Scope and Contents
The Barbara Donahue Corrigan Collection on the Waitresses ranges from 1962 to 1998 and contains undated materials. The collection contains three series: the Waitresses, Patricia Donahue papers, and audiocassettes. The Waitresses materials include lyrics and correspondence, photographs, press kits, and clippings and magazines with reviews of the band. The personal papers of Patricia Donahue consist of documents from her education, post-Waitresses career, and personal life. The audiocassettes contain Waitresses recordings, compilations by Donahue, and recordings from her professional career working in talent and repertoire at MCA. The collection provides insight into the development and promotion of a Northeast Ohio band, as well as the career of woman in the music industry.
Biography / Administrative History
Barbara Donahue Corrigan is the sister of the Waitresses lead singer, Patty Donahue.
Patricia "Patty" Donahue, born March 25, 1956, was the lead singer for the 1980s new wave band, the Waitresses. Donahue performed on the band's two album releases, Wasn't Tomorrow Wonderful? and Bruiseology. She left the band in 1984 and continued to work in the music industry at MCA Records in the Artists and Repertoire division. Donahue died December 9, 1996 from lung cancer.
The Waitresses were formed as a fictional new wave band by musician and songwriter, Chris Butler, in 1978. Part of the Akron / Cleveland music scene that produced Devo, Pere-Ubu, and the Deadboys, the Waitresses became a full-fledged band in 1980 with the addition of singer Patty Donahue, jazz saxophonist Mars Williams, drummer Billy Ficca, keyboardist Dan Klayman, and bassist Dave Hofstra (replaced by Tracy Wormworth in 1982). They recorded two albums, Wasn't Tomorrow Wonderful? and Bruiseology, before splitting in 1984.
Notes
Acquisition Note: The Barbara Donahue Corrigan Collection on the Waitresses was received by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc., as a gift from Corrigan on June 16, 2015.
Citation: [Identification of Item], Barbara Donahue Corrigan Collection on the Waitresses, Library and Archives, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.
Processing Information: Processed by Crystal Matjasic, Project Archivist. Completed October 16, 2018. Descriptive sources and standards used to create this inventory: DACS and local processing manual. Collection processed through an Access to Historical Records grant from the NHPRC.
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.
Associated Persons
Associated Subjects