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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. |
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The materials are organized in three series: Series I.
Working Papers and Research Files; Series II. Correspondence, 1980-1999; and
Series III. Personal. |
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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! |
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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. |
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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. |
