Monica J. Burdex--NOT JUST JAZZ: THE UNDISCOVERED LEGACY OF AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSIC

NOT JUST JAZZ: THE UNDISCOVERED LEGACY OF
AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSIC.

"African American Music Collections in California and Other Points West"

African American music collections in California and other points West are eclectic, varied, hiding in plain sight, and under the semblance of something else. But they do exist. I have not compiled a list where all of these collections may be found--leaving that as perhaps a future publishing opportunity--however I have included a very short list. I would like to share with you some of these places where African American music collections are hiding in plain sight. And, where the collections are somewhat incognito.

Hiding in plain sight would be:

(1) Libraries, both public and university.
(2) Music Departments or--in the case of many universities--separate Music libraries/Music Department collections.
(3) Special Collections within both public and university libraries.

African American music collections that are somewhat incognito are found, again, in universities. Especially those whose music department has a twentieth century/contemporary music emphasis or those with African American/Black Studies/(at CSUN where I´m on the Library faculty, the department is called Pan African Studies)departments. At CSUN Gospel music is studied and performed by choirs within the Pan African Studies Department. Classes are offered and collections are housed in that department, rather than the Music Department or general university library collection. (Within the California State University (CSU) system, there is the tendency to NOT have separate Music libraries, as is true within the University of California (UC) system).

University History departments are also possibilities. And to a lesser degree, Social Science/Sociology departments. Most faculty members have had to conduct research for their usually required PHD´s. Many have had to combine their love for music with their need for sustenance. Choosing music/musician/s as their dissertation topic many times is their solution.

Local and State Historical Societies as well as, particularly true in California, especially in the Greater Los Angeles area, film studios (IF they have been diligent in their collection/preservation efforts. Sadly, in the past many--if not most--had not.) can be treasure troves.

In addition, African American museums, social organizations or societies should also be included in one´s search for African American music collections. Historically Black universities should most definitely be consulted. West of the Mississippi three comes readily to mind: Langston University in Oklahoma; and Prarie View and Texas Southern University in Texas.

Finally, please do not forget family members, close friends and colleagues, and even "fans" of the music/musicians when searching for these collections.

I´ve included a brief list of African American music collections in California--really the Los Angeles Area, and not all of the Los Angeles area--and other points West. Additionally I´ve also included a short selective list of bibliographical and online sources.

Campus_Homepage

Library_Homepage Monica Burdex Home Page

http://www.csun.edu/~htang/ntjtjaze.html