Purchase, 2002 (Reg. no. 14989)
Open for research
Liz Murray, 2003
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 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.