Reference Number
ARC-1237
Level of description
collection
Title
Gary Kale Collection on Billy Ward
Date
1950-1990, undated
Size
0.07 (Linear feet)
Format
Mixed materials (analog)
Container: Folder: 392
Scope and Contents
The Gary Kale Collection on Billy Ward, 1950-1990, undated, contains materials that document Kale's relationship with Ward over nearly five decades. The bulk of the collection contains correspondence from Billy Ward to Gary Kale. Other materials included in the collection are a document about Ward, written in 1987 by Kale; newspaper clippings on Billy Ward and His Dominoes; materials related to Ward's recording company Billy Ward Enterprises, Inc.; and promotional and press kit materials for Billy Ward and His Dominoes.
Biography / Administrative History
Billy Ward (September 19, 1921-February 16, 2002) was a musical prodigy, winning a composition award at 14 from Walter Damrosch. Ward studied at the Art Institute of Chicago and the Juilliard School of Music, where he later became a voice coach. It was from his former students he formed the R&B vocal group the Dominoes, including Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees Clyde McPhatter and Jackie Wilson. The Dominoes spanned the racial divide that existed in music during the 1950s, appealing to Black and white audiences alike with hits such as "I Am With You," "That's What You're Doing to Me," "Have Mercy Baby," "You Can't Keep a Good Man Down," "Rags to Riches," "St. Teresa of the Roses," and "Stardust." The group performed into the 1960s with a changing lineup.
Notes
Acquisition Note: The Gary Kale Collection on Billy Ward was received by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a gift from Barton Kale on September 8, 2022.
Citation: [Identification of Item], Gary Kale Collection on Billy Ward, Library and Archives, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Language Note: The collection is in English.
Processing Information: Processed by Jennie Thomas, Director of Archives. Completed September 8, 2022. Descriptive sources and standards used to create this inventory: DACS and local processing manual. Collection processed through a Museums for America grant from the IMLS.
Custodial History: The collection was originally compiled by Barton Kale's father, Gary Kale, who worked with Billy Ward prior to his singing career with the Dominoes. The two remained friends for nearly 50 years.
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
Location
Library and Archives/2/Archives Storage/Rotary File Cabinet 3
Creator
