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University of Texas at Austin

Ross Russell:

A Preliminary Inventory of an Addition to His Papers at the Harry Ransom Center

Creator: Russell, Ross, 1909-2000
Title: Ross Russell Addition to His Papers
Dates: 1970s-1999
Extent: 11 boxes (4.62 linear feet)
Abstract: This addition includes working papers, reserach files, personal and professional correspondence, resumes, chronology, and other biographical material prepared by Russell. Also present are papers relating to Russell's father and wife, property and financial records, personal photographs, travel diaries, and World War II documents. Of particular interest are more than eighty rolls of jazz negatives.
Call Number: Manuscript Collection MS-03662
Language: English
Access: Open for research


Administrative Information


Acquisition: Purchase, 2002 (Reg. no. 14989)
Processed by: Liz Murray, 2003
Repository:

Harry Ransom Center, The University of Texas at Austin

Scope and Contents


This addition to the papers of jazz historian Ross Russell contains material remaining in his estate following his death in January 2000. As with previously received Russell material, this collection was prepared for shipment by La Jolla book dealer Laurence McGilvery whose descriptive notes are found throughout. The bulk of the material consists of Russell's project files covering a variety of subjects from notes and sketches for fiction to jazz topics. Although much of the material is undated, it appears that these files were in use during the last years of Russell's life. Russell's folder descriptions are retained and the folders are arranged alphabetically.
The materials are organized in three series: Series I. Working Papers and Research Files; Series II. Correspondence, 1980-1999; and Series III. Personal.
Russell was working on a book "The Bebop Era" at the time of his death. Materials relating to this project are found in Series I. Also of special interest are more than eighty rolls of jazz negatives taken primarily between 1967-1971 in settings such as Disneyland, San Diego, and at the Monterey and Newport Jazz Festivals. Contact prints, with a descriptive listing derived from Russell's numbered negative sleeves, have been prepared by the HRC to facilitate viewing and identification of these images. While the contact prints are available for patron use, the corresponding negatives are restricted. This series also includes information on Russell's biography of Charlie Parker Bird Lives!
The personal and professional correspondence in Series II reflects Russell's wide interests and activities. Correspondents include writer Prudence Crowther, biographer Albert Goldman, music librarian and blues archivist Edward Komara, and Tony Williams of Spotlite Records.
Series III contains resume, chronology, and other biographical material prepared by Russell for different purposes. Also present are papers relating to Russell's father and wife, property and financial records, personal photographs, travel diaries from 1982-1995, and World War II documents.

Ross Russell Papers (addition)--Folder List