Reference Number
ARC-0906
Level of description
collection
Title
Jonathan Blunk Recordings and Press Kit for "Reggae: The Beat of the Heart"
Date
1986
Size
0.21 (Linear feet)
Scope and Contents
Originally aired to coincide with Black History Month and the anniversary of the birth of singer-songwriter Bob Marley, "Reggae: The Beat of the Heart" was a four-part series--produced by Jonathan Blunk and Malika Lee Whitney--containing interviews with record producers, writers, and musicians. Over 100 interviews were conducted for the series, taking the producers to Jamaica, London, and major cities in the United States. The collection contains five CD-Rs of digital copy (from the master tapes) of this PBS audio documentary with press kit. The CD-Rs also include radio promos created for the series. The press kit includes a summary and playlist for each part of the documentary, as well as an incomplete list of interviewees for the series. Some of the individuals featured in the documentary are Jimmy Cliff, Taj Mahal, Toots Hibbert, UB40, Albert Griffiths (Gladiators), Louise Bennett, Bunny Lee, Earl "Chinna" Smith, Linton Kwesi Johnson, Freddie McGregor, Pablo Moses, and James Mtume. "Reggae: The Beat of the Heart" sought to acquaint listeners with the full richness of Jamaican popular music and its impact upon other world musics and culture.
Biography / Administrative History
Jonathan Blunk began producing jazz programs at WVBR-FM in Ithaca, New York while attending Cornell University. His devotion to jazz led him to study acoustic bass under the tutelage of bassist Cecil McBee. Prior to "Reggae" The Beat of the Heart," Blunk had been broadcasting reggae in the New York metro area for four years over listener-sponsored WFMU-FM in East Orange, New Jersey. Along with his work in radio and studies in music, Blunk has worked at the Institute of Jazz Studies at Rutgers University, and continues to pursue his own writing, having published numerous articles and poems.
Existence and Location of Originals
The originals of the recordings in the collection remain with the donor.
Notes
Acquisition Note: The Jonathan Blunk Recordings and Press Kit for "Reggae: The Beat of the Heart" was received by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc., as a gift from Blunk on May 12, 2016.
Citation: [Identification of Item], Jonathan Blunk Recordings and Press Kit for "Reggae: The Beat of the Heart," Library and Archives, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.
Processing Information: Processed by Jennie Thomas, Director of Archives. Completed March 17, 2017. Descriptive sources and standards used to create this inventory: DACS and local processing manual.
Access
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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
Creator
