THE CENTER FOR POPULAR MUSIC
MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY,
MURFREESBORO, TN
DOUG SEROFF AFRICAN AMERICAN GOSPEL
QUARTET COLLECTION 10-026
MANUSCRIPTS, PRINTED MATERIALS, PHOTOGRAPHS,
SOUND RECORDINGS
Creator:
Seroff,
Doug
Type of Material:
Image, moving
image
physical
object
sound
text
event
Physical Description:
3.8 ft. including
324 images (b&w photos and negatives)
52 cassette audio tapes
7 VHS video
cassettes
10 CD-R audio recordings
Dates:
1876-2011
Abstract
(Descriptive Summary):
This collection was gathered by Doug Seroff during the
course of his research relating to the African American gospel quartet
tradition in the South, circa 1870-2000s.
RESTRICTIONS:
There is
a seven year restriction on the use of Fisk University Jubilee Singers
interviews and related ephemera. That portion of the collection shall not be
accessible to researchers during the period of restriction without the
expressed permission of Doug Seroff. If CPM receives inquiries about this
material, contact Mr. Seroff before replying to the request. The restriction
will expire on January 8, 2025.
Folder
#15, Box #1 contains some personal information that includes social security
numbers.
Provenance
and Acquisition Information:
The
majority of the items in this collection were written, recorded and assembled
by historian/researcher Doug Seroff. Some of the historic Nashville images are
from the collection of John Phillips. Many of the 1980s-1990s quartet photos
were taken by Robert Cogswell. Most of the early Fairfield Four materials come
from the collection of John Battle.
Subject/Index Terms:
African American gospel singers
Popular music
Fairfield Four
Spirit of Memphis Quartet
Jubilee singers
Oral history transcripts
Swan Silvertones
Agency
History/Biographical Sketch:
Doug
Seroff, born February, 21st, 1947 in Newark, NJ and currently
residing in Greenbrier, TN, has been involved in recording, researching and
promoting African American vernacular music since the 1970s. He has written a
number of books on the subject as well as many liner notes for reissues of
older music. Mr. Seroff has also been a consultant with TV and radio
documentaries about the gospel quartet tradition as well as producer of gospel
quartet concert events.
Scope
and Content:
The
collection is comprised of 3.8 linear feet of materials. 52 audio cassette
tapes (circa 1980s) contain recordings of interviews, rehearsals and
performances of important gospel quartets and their individual members. 10 CD-R
audio discs (circa 1940s-1980s) contain similar material as well as digitized
historic recordings of gospel radio performances and unissued test pressings. 7
VHS cassette video tapes (circa 1970s-1990s) contain historic clips, quartet
rehearsals, performances and TV appearances. 324 images (photo prints,
negatives and photocopies of negatives for which there are no prints. These
photocopies identify persons in images) dating 1870s-2000s contains historic
promotional, performance, formal and informal pictures of gospel quartet
performers. The remainder of the collection is manuscripts, placards, notebooks
and booklets. This set of materials ranges from personal datebooks and
notebooks from John Battle (Fairfield Four) as well as interview transcriptions
(transcriptions for all recorded interviews in collection as well interviews
not preserved in audio) not, historic newspaper articles, ticket stubs,
business cards, performance programs and booklets, obituaries, correspondence
etc. The collection remains in the organizational scheme as presented by Mr.
Seroff.
Series
Description:
Box #1 Gospel
quartets of Tennessee
Box #2 Nashville/Memphis gospel quartets
Box #3 Audio and video recordings of Tennessee gospel quartets
Box #4 John Battle/Fairfield Four notebooks
Box # 5 Fisk material (restricted)
Collection
Contents (Folder/Box List):
(folders
1-4 in Fisk restricted box)
Box 1: Folder
#5 “Obituaries-Memphis
incl. Spirit of Memphis”
Obituaries and funeral programs for
gospel singers spanning the 1980s-90s with particular focus on former members
of the Spirit of Memphis gospel quartet.
Folder
#6 “Memphis
Miscellaneous Commemorative Booklets”
Collection of 3 booklets spanning the 1980s-90s
with historical, musical and biographical information about the gospel groups
The Pattersonaires and the Harps of Melody. There is also a booklet for
“Observe Willie L Gordon Night”. Gordon was the organizer of the
Pattersonaires.
Folder
#7 “Memphis
Miscellaneous”
Collection of materials spanning-1950s-2000s relating to gospel singing groups
and individuals from the Memphis, TN area. Folder contains event ticket stubs,
program notes/reviews by Doug Seroff, newspaper articles, personal correspondence/Christmas
cards, photocopies of radio station bulletins (WDIA) and local magazine
articles.
Folder
#8
“Miscellaneous-Spirit of Memphis”
Collection of materials spanning 1960s-2000s relating to the Spirit of Memphis
Quartet. Folder contains ticket stubs, photocopied newspaper articles, posters
for anniversary performances, list of current and former members of the Spirit
of Memphis, correspondence to and from Mr. Seroff and his notes regarding the
Spirit of Memphis Quartet’s 50th anniversary program in 1980.
Folder
#9 “Memphis Gospel
Quartet Interviews (Various groups)”
Transcriptions of in-person and phone interviews with Memphis quartet singers
conducted by Doug Seroff in the 1970s-1980s. Contains detailed information on
quartet personnel, histories, repertoire, performance and practice techniques,
recording, radio appearances, etc.
Interview transcripts include:
Nathaniel Peck-1/31/81, 4/28/81
Grover Blake-4/23/81
Julia Anderson Todd, Tommie Todd 2/1/81
Mary L. Thomas, Doris Jean Gary 2/3/83
Nina Jai Daugherty 5/7/81, 5/12/81
Jack Franklin 4/25/81, 8/79
Folder #10 “Spirit of Memphis oral histories”
Transcriptions of in-person interviews with members of the Spirit of Memphis
Quartet conducted by Doug Seroff in the 1970s-1980s. Contains detailed information
on the quartet’s personnel, history, performances, recordings, radio
performances, instrumentation etc.
Interview transcripts include:
Robert Reed 6/79
Essie Wade 4/24/81, 4/26/81
Jet Bledsoe 1/31/81
Earl Malone 8/5/79
Robert Reed and Earl Malone 10/11/80
Folder # 11 (in Fisk restricted box)
Box 1: Folder
#12 “Fairfield
Four programs and advertising”
Folder contains programs, ticket stubs and announcements spanning 1980s-1990s
for a variety of events (festivals, lectures, concert series etc) that featured
the Fairfield Four. Some of the program sheets contain notes by Mr. Seroff
about songs performed by the group at the event.
Folder
#13 “Fairfield
Four-Obsequies & Obituaries”
Folder contains funeral programs and obituaries for Fairfield Four members
spanning 1990s-2000s. Some programs contain detailed notes by Mr. Seroff about
the funerals (attendance, singers, songs etc) maps of grave locations and copy
of John Battle’s birth certificate.
Folder
#14 “Fairfield
Four Miscellaneous”
Folder contains personal correspondence to Mr. Seroff, ticket stubs, event
announcements, brochures, Mr. Seroff’s performance notes/reviews, 1980s era
history and biographies, copies of newspaper articles/announcements all
relating to the Fairfield Four spanning 1940s-1990s.
Folder
#15 “Nashville
Miscellaneous”
Folder contains material relating to gospel quartets in Nashville, 1980s-2000s.
Collection includes quartet business cards, Mr. Seroff’s notes for his 1988
presentation at the Conference of Afro-American Culture and History, newspaper
clippings, press releases, Mr. Seroff’s performance reviews, and interview
report forms (Privacy
issues. Forms contain social security numbers) and research notes,
quartet anniversary programs etc.
Folder
#16 “Fairfield
Four Clippings”
Folder contains original and copied newspaper and magazine clippings related to
the Fairfield Four 1980’s-1990s.
Folder
#17 “Fairfield
Four Interviews”
Folder contains transcriptions of interviews of Fairfield Four members by Doug
Seroff spanning 1970s-2000s. Also contains release/permission note from Isaac
Freeman.
Interview transcripts include:
James Hill, Isaac Freeman 5/9-10/1988 (Gospel Arts Day)
Robert Hamlett 2/18/88
Harold Carrethers/Caruthers 4/10/88, 7/6/82, 7/5/82
Willie Love 5/16/82, 6/2/82
Wilson “Lit” Waters 3/7/88
Isaac “Dickie” Freeman 8/25/06, 9/30/06, 5/16/82, 7/18/80
Fairfield Four (McCrary, Freeman, Love, Hill) 10/11/80
James Hill 5/4/82, 5/4/88
Rev. Sam McCrary late 1977
Folder #18 “Hebb Family/Bobby Hebb File-Includes transcript of interview
with Helen Hebb”
Folder contains material spanning 1960s-2000s relating to the Hebb Family
collected by Doug Seroff. Collection includes Helen Hebb interview
transcription, Mr. Seroff’s research notes and event reviews/notes, newspaper
clippings (original and photocopies), ticket stubs etc.
Interview transcripts include:
Helen Hebb 4/30/88
Box 1: Folder
#19 (in Fisk
restricted box)
Folder
#20 “Nashville
Gospel Quartet Interviews-Various”
Folder contains transcripts of in-person and telephone interviews conducted by
Doug Seroff circa 1970s-1980s. Interview subjects include members of the
Fireside Singers, Zion Harmonizers, Sons of Glory, Voices of Nashville, The
Relief Four, Harps of Zion etc. Also includes an interesting interview with
Wesley Copeland that has information about African American string band music
in the Nashville area.
Interview transcripts include:
Fireside Singers 4/12/88, 2/17/86
Thomas Gilbert 7/6/82, 4/16/88, 6/7/82
Wesley Copeland and Mamie Wells 3/8/88
William Burney, Sandis Cooper, Joseph Thompson 4/18/88
Willie Love, Tom Smith, John Phillips 4/30/83
John Phillips 3/10/88
Rev. Morgan Babb 3/5/86
Doris Gill 4/23/88
Delton Manley 6/8/88
Rev. O. D. Travis 12/19/78
Rev. F.M. Spence 12/12/78
Interview tapes cassette tapes (38 tapes in box #1) (Tapes missing in
order are in Fisk restricted box 5)
3-Interview with Wilson “Lit” Waters,
March 7, 1988 90min
4-Fireside Singers Interview April 12,
1988 90min
5-Harold Caruthers 7/5/82 90min
6- (Side 1)Nathaniel Peck-April,1981
(Side 2) Essie Wade- April, 1981 90min
7-(Side 1)Nathaniel Peck 1-31-81 (Side
2) Jet Bledsoe 1/31/81 90min
12-Thomas Gilbert Interviews April 22,
1988 both sides 90min
13-Thomas Gilbert 6/7/82 90min
16-(Side 1)Harold Caruthers 6/6/82 (Side
2) Bill Woodruff/Willie Love-6/2/82 90min
17-Harold Caruthers April 10 1988 90min
18-Henry Jack Franklin 90min
19-Willie Love, Tom Smith, John Phillips
5/1/83 90min
20-Interview w/ Wesley Copeland, Mamie
Hall, Nashville March 7, 1988 -side only- 90min
21-Robert Reed interview June 1979 60min
23-(Side A) ACP George Rooks 11/27/82
(Side B) Doris Jean Gary & Mary Thomas 60min
24-(Side 1) Sam Johnson 6/30/83 (Side B)
Nathaniel Dickerson 9/26/83
25-April 18th, 1988
Interviews with Billy Burney, Sanders Cooper & Joe Thompson 90min
26-Doris Gill interview 4/24/88 90min
28-Delton Manly June 8, 1988 90min
30-James Hill interview May 4, 1988
60min
31-Helen Hebb interview (both sides)
4/30/88 90min
32-Julia Anderson Todd and Tommie Todd
90min
35-John Phillips interview Nashville
March 10th, 1988 90min
36-W. Lawrence Richardson 4/7/82
Richardson #2 60min
37-Grover Blake 1/31/81 90min
38-Robert Hamlett interview 2/18/88
90min
Box
2
Folder
#1 “Photos,
Performance placard”
Folder contains large photograph of reunited Fairfield Four for Jefferson
County Quartet Reunion, 1980, contact sheet of images shot by Robert Cogswell
of gospel singers, large photo of Claude Jeter of Swan Silvertones and
performance placard for the Southernaires female quartet of Murfreesboro and
Fairfield Four quartet. (Circa early 1940s)
Folder
#2 “Documentation
and Inventories of Material Previously Deposited in Libraries and Archives by
Doug Seroff”
Folder includes a list of materials from Doug Seroff’s collection that were
microfilmed by the Tennessee State Archive (this is also a detailed list of
items in the Battle collection). Also includes paperwork for donation of
materials to the Nashville Public Library, Hogan Jazz
Archive
and Archive of Alabama Folk Culture.
Folder
#3 “The Nashville
Globe-Folder #1”
This folder contains a large selection music-related materials copied from
microfilms of the newspaper The Nashville Globe. Mr. Seroff has created an
index of the materials in this collection for the years 1907-1910. There is
also a set of notes regarding Mr Seroff’s review of this material making note
of highlights from the newspaper articles. Important sections of text are often
highlighted.
Folder
#4 “The Nashville
Globe-Folder #2”
This folder contains a large selection music-related materials copied from
microfilms of the newspaper The Nashville Globe. Mr. Seroff has created an
index of the materials in this collection for the years 1907-1913. There is
also a set of notes regarding Mr Seroff’s review of this material making note
of highlights from the newspaper articles. Important sections of text are often
highlighted.
Folder
#5 “The Nashville
Globe-Folder #3 (1917)”
This folder contains a large selection music-related materials copied from
microfilms of the newspaper The Nashville Globe. Mr. Seroff has created an
index of the materials in this collection for the year 1917. There is also a set
of notes regarding Mr. Seroff’s review of this
material
making note of highlights from the newspaper articles. Important sections of
text are often highlighted.
Folder
#6 “The Nashville
Globe-Folder #4 (1918)”
This folder contains a large selection music-related materials copied from
microfilms of the newspaper The Nashville Globe. Mr. Seroff has created an
index of the materials in this collection for the year 1918. There is also a
set of notes regarding Mr. Seroff’s review of this material making note of
highlights from the newspaper articles. Important sections of text are often
highlighted.
Folder
#7 “The Nashville
Globe-Folder #5”
This folder contains a large selection music-related materials copied from microfilms
of the newspaper The Nashville Globe. Mr. Seroff has created an index of the
materials in this collection for the year 1946 although there are materials in
the collection dated 1939/40. There is also a set of notes regarding Mr.
Seroff’s review of this material making note of highlights from the newspaper
articles. Important sections of text are often highlighted.
Folder
#8 “The Memphis
World review-folder #1”
This folder contains a large selection music-related materials copied from
microfilms of the newspaper The Memphis World. Mr. Seroff notes that Mr. Lynn
Abbott reviewed the microfilm and has created the index of the materials in
this collection for the years 1931-32, 1943-49 and some of 1950-53. Important
sections of text are often highlighted.
Folder
#9 “The Memphis
World review-Folder #2”
This folder contains a large selection music-related materials copied from
microfilms of the newspaper The Memphis World. Mr. Seroff notes that Mr. Lynn
Abbott reviewed the microfilm and has created the index of the materials in
this folder. The index for this material is in the previous folder. Collection
spans 1948-1960. Important sections of text are often highlighted.
Folder
#10 “Photos:
Nashville groups-Ross Brothers, Skylarks, Watson Grove Gospel Singers, Mme.
L.M. Wilson.
Separate folders for each group. Skylarks (4 photos, 3 4x5
negatives): Contains glossy promotional photos with singer’s names on
back. Also contains three envelopes with 4x5 negatives of the promotional
photos. Madame L.M. Wilson (2 photos): Two photos of Mme Wilson. Watson
Grove Gospel Singers: One image on folded paper (from magazine?). Ross
Brother (2 photos)s: Two photographs of the original (circa 1960s), damaged
photograph from the John Phillips collection. Singer’s names noted on back of
photo. Total of 9
images. 8 photos, 1 magazine image. Also includes 3 negatives in this folder.
Folder
#11 “Photos:
Nashville Gospel Groups-Fireside Singers/Fairfield Four Juniors, Gospel Tones,
Hall Harmonizers, Harmony Kings, Rev Odie Hoover
Separate folders for each group.
Fireside Singers/Fairfield Four Juniors (3 photos, 1 4x5 negative):
Contains business card, 4x5 negative in envelope of promotional photo,
photographs and copies of photographs. Singers named on back of photo. Gospel
Tones (1 photo): Contains one glossy promotional photo with names of
singers on the back. Rev Odie Hoover Jr. (1 placard image): One
single small cardboard placard (circa 1940s-50s?) with phone and address
of singer.
Harmony Kings (1image): One photo on cardboard (from
poster/placard?) singers names noted on back. Hall Harmonizers (2 photos):
Two photographs of the same original photo held in the John Phillips
collection. Singers names noted on back. Folder also contains one set of
negatives dated 5/9/88 of shots of singers taken by Robert Cogswell for the TN
Arts Commission. Total
of 8 images. 6 photographs, 2 images. Also includes 1 negative and one folder
with a full roll of 35mm negatives.
Folder
#12 “Photos:
Nashville Groups. Gospel Stirrers, Nashville Jubilee Singers, Princely Players,
1989 Gospel Arts Day Reunion Quartet, Voices of Nashville/Voices of Love”
1989 Gospel Arts Day Reunion
Quartet (17 photos): Series of photographs taken by Robert Cogswell of
singers posing and performing. One photo has the singers identified on the
reverse side. Princely Players (5 photos): Series of photographs
taken by Robert Cogswell of singers performing at the 1989 Gospel Arts Day. One
photo has the singers identified on the reverse side. Voices of
Nashville/Voices of Love (5 photos): Two photos are copies of images of
the Voices of Nashville (circa 1950s) from the collection of John Phillips.
Singers identified on reverse side. Two 8 1/2x 11” promotional photos (circa
1980s) of the Voices of Nashville with singers identified on reverse side. 1
Performance photo of the Voices of Love (1995) taken by Robert Cogswell.
Singers identified on reverse side. Gospel Stirrers (2 photos):
Two photos are copies of images of the Gospel Stirrers of Nashville (circa
1970s) from the collection of John Phillips. Singers identified on reverse
side. Total of 32
photos in this folder.
Folder
# 13 “Photos: Misc
Nashville Groups-Bright Star Harmonizers, Chimes of Canaan, Israelite
Travelers, Silvertone Mixed Quartet of Nashville, CBS (McCrary), The Psalms”
The Psalms (1 photo): The photo is a promotional shot of the
Psalms quartet of Nashville (circa 1970s) from the collection of John Phillips.
Singers identified on reverse side. CBS (McCrary) (13 photos):
CBS stands for “Cousins, Brothers and Sisters” (group was formed of relatives
of Rev. Sam McCrary). Series of photographs (circa 1980s-1990s) taken by Robert
Cogswell of singers posing and performing. Some photos have the singers
identified on the reverse side. Israelite Travelers (1 photo):
Promotional photo of the group (circa 1950s) with singers identified on the
back side. Chimes of Canaan (7 photos): These promotional photos
of the group are copies of images of the Chimes of Canaan (circa 1950s-1970s)
from the collection of John Phillips. Singers identified on reverse side. Bright
Star Harmonizers (1 image): One single cardboard promotional image
(circa 1940s?) of the group with names of singers, manager and telephone
contact information. Silvertone Mixed Quartet of Nashville (1 image):
One single cardboard promotional image (circa early 1940s) of the group with
names of members and mailing address contact information. Total of 24 images in this
folder.
Folder
#14 “Spirit of
Memphis photos”
Spirit of Memphis Quartet photo negatives (9 negatives):
Negatives of photos of the quartet. Spirit of Memphis Quartet #1 (25
photos): Photos of the group in performance and casual settings (circa
1980s-2000s). One grouping of performance photos also has the 35mm negatives
included in the collection (photo credit-Cheryl Evans Thurber). Also contained
are photographs of older (1930s) promotional images. Many of the images have
names of singers on the reverse side. Spirit of Memphis Quartet photos #2
(21 photos, 3 photocopies) Contains group and individual
performance and promotional photos of the singers along with other important
Memphis
personalities (B.B. King, WDIA DJs Ford Nelson and Nat Williams, boxer Jersey
Joe Walcott) circa 1940s-1990s. Folder also includes a number of original 8x10
promotional glossies for the group circa 1950s. Many of the photos include
singer’s names on the backside. The folders also contain three photocopies of
photographs of group and individual members of the quartet. Some photos appear
to be originals while others seem to be photo reproductions. Total of 58 images in this
folder.
Folder
#15 “Photos:
Memphis Gospel Groups-Gospel Writers, Songbirds of the South/Gospel Writer
Girls, M.N. Gospel Singers, Sunset Travelers”.
Gospel Writers (1 photo, 2 photocopies): Promotional images of
the group circa 1930s-1960s with member’s names included. Songbirds of
the South/Gospel Writer Junior Girls (3 photos, 4 negatives, 1 placard): Promotional
images of the group circa 1950s. The photos are photographic copies of the
original images (negatives are included). There is one original cardboard
promotional photo of the group. Singers are identified on the backside of the
photos. Sunset Travelers (3 photos, 1 negative): Promotional
images of the group circa 1950s. Two photos are photographic copies of the
original images and one 8x10 appears to be an original copy. (Negative is of
this image) M.N. Gospel Singers of Memphis (1 photo): Contains
one photographic copy of original image of promotional photo circa late 1940s.
Singer’s names are listed on photo. Total of 15 images in this folder.
Folder
#16 “Photos:
Memphis Gospel Groups-Brewsteraires, Dixie Nightingales, Harps of Melody/Golden
Stars, Pattersonaires, Silvertone Gospel Singers, Southern Wonders, Zion Hill
Spirituals”
Brewsteraires (1 photo, 1 negative): Promotional photo of the
group (circa 1965) with names of members on back. Negative is for this image. Dixie
Nightingales (1 photocopy of image on negative for which photo print does not
exist): Promotional photo of the group (circa 1960s) with names of
members on front. Zion Hill Spirituals (1 cardboard image): Appears
to be an original (circa 1950s-1960s) cardboard promotional photo of the group.
No names are included. Southern Wonders Religious Singers
(2 negatives, 1 performance poster, 4 photographs, 1 photocopy of image on
negative for which photo print does not exist): Folder contains
original performance poster (1979), four (circa 1940s-1950s) promotional
photos, one photocopy of promotional photograph and two negatives for included
images. Silvertone Gospel Singers female group (1 photograph):
Includes one photographic copy of original promotional photo of the singers. Harps
of Melody (2 photographs): Photographic copies of promotional photos of
the group (circa 1945) with names of members on back. Pattersonaires (1
negative, 2 photographs): One photo is a group shot circa 1957 the
second photo shows two men in radio studio. Negative is for group image. Names
included on back of images. Total of 18 images in this folder.
Folder
# 17 “Photos:
Tennessee Gospel Groups-Dixieland Singers of Jackson, Dixie Travelers of
Dickson, Harps of Zion Quartet of Murfreesboro, Major Harmonizers of
Springfield, Southernaires Gospel Singers of Murfreesboro, Swan Silvertones of
Knoxville”
Various Tennessee Gospel Groups (3 photos): Photographic copies
of originals held in the John Phillips collection. Subjects are the Major
Harmonizers, Dixie-Land Singers of Jackson, TN, and the Dixie Travelers of
Dickson, TN. Southernaires Gospel Singers of Murfreesboro, TN female
group (1 cardboard placard): Folder contains one original placard for
the group with singer’s
names and
contact information included. Swan Silvertones (1 photocopy, 1
promotional sheet, 3 photographs): Folder contains one photocopy of
early (1930s-1940s) photo of the group, Specialty Records promotional handout
with photo and biographical information, performance photo, promo photo and
informal shot of Rev Dewey Young. Harps of Zion Quartet of Murfreesboro,
TN female group (1 image): Contains one image of the quartet (circa
1940) Total of 9 images
in this folder.
Folder
# 18 “Fisk Photos
also Mrs. James A. Myers’ Famous Jubilee Singers”
Envelope Mrs. James A Myers photos #1 (3 photos, 1 4x5 negative): Personal photos featuring Mrs. James
A Myers and others in Germany circa 1920s-1930s. Individuals are named on the
back with post-it notes and the photos also have original pencil captions on
back. Also contains 1 4x5 negative. Envelope Mrs. James A Myers and
Famous Jubilee Singers #2 (30 photos): Photo set (circa 1919-1980s) of
Mrs. James A Myers and the Famous Jubilee Singers. Contains promotional,
performance, travel (trip to India) related images. Many photos have captions
and identification on back sides. Folder Mrs. James A Myers and Famous
Jubilee Singers #3 (13 photos): Wide variety of large photos (circa
1871-1980s) and original promotional photos that feature the Original Fisk
Jubilee Singers/Club, The Jubilee Singers, and various offshoots. Also contains
photo reproductions of performance posters from the U.S. and Swedish tour
(1895) and various images of Dr. Rawn Spearman. Total of 47 images in this folder.
Folder
#19 “Fairfield
Four-photos and placards”
Envelope Fairfield Four Photo Negatives (31 negatives-14@ 4x5, 17@ 35mm):
Envelope contains negative images of the Fairfield Four (circa 1930s-1980s).
Envelope Fairfield Four Photos #1 (11 photos): Contains snapshots
of the Fairfield Four (circa 1980s-1990s). Mostly casual images but also
contains Grammy Award ceremony and history conference shots. Names of singers
and photographer credits included on back sides of photos. Envelope Fairfield Four Photos #2 (17
photos): Photo set of the Fairfield Four (circa 1980s) with singers
names and photo credits on the back sides of photos. Majority of shots are of
performances but also contains photo of John Battle’s gravesite, Fairfield
Church, early Fairfield Four record. Folder Fairfield Four Photos #3 (2
photos): Two large promotional photos of the Fairfield Four. Folder Fairfield
Four Photos # 4 (24 photos, 4 placards): Collection of historic
placards (with photos, song lyrics, contact information, singer’s names,
advertising etc) promotional materials/photos, performance photos (circa
1930s-1980s). One contact sheet with photos of singers, 1980s era performance
photos. Most images have information about singers, events, photographer
credits and locations on the back. Total of 106 images in this folder.
Box
3
Box
3: VHS Video tapes
“Clips for Doug” T-120
VHS Cassette. Contains various video clips of The Fireside Singers (featuring
Willie Frank Lewis circa 1970s), Jordanaires, Phil Harris and Jubilee 4,
outdoor meeting/baptizing etc.
Box 3: Song/scene list:
Phil Harris and Jubilee Four, children tap
dancing, Daddy Grace Baptizing, children singing, unidentified male quartet
skit, outdoor meeting and baptizing
Fireside Singers-Before This Time
Another Year, Out Of The Depths (lead W.F. Lewis, I Shall Not Be Moved (Ben
Vaughn-lead)
Deep River Boys with Kate Smith
Jordanaires-Something Within
Me, Shadrack, My Journey to the Sky, Clancy Lowered the Boom, Joshua Fit The
Battle of Jericho, Dig A Little Deeper
“Canaan Band
Pre Anniversary 1992”
HQ-120 VHS video cassette. Voices of Love w/Margaret Spence. “The Lord Loves
Me” around 1:40
“Interview
with John Phillips by Tony Ward c. 2003” HQ-120 VHS video cassette. Interview with John
Phillips.
Box
3: Cassette Audio Tapes
1-Interview with Gordon
Stoker-Brentwood, TN. Nov 19, 2008. 60min
2-Willie
Love’s 50th Anniversary at St. Mark’s M.B.C. March 20, 1989.
90min
Song list side A:
Congregational singing-Swing Low
Sweet Chariot/My Lord’s Getting us Ready
Gospel Lights-Lord, You’ve Been
So Good
Sister Mattie Lloyd-You Must Be
Born Again/How I got Over
Billie Joe and the Gospel Jubilees-Just
Like He Said He Would/Sending up my Timber (short portion only) Low Down
Chariot
Song list side B:
Van Trees Family-Lord Show Me the
Way
Sons of Glory (lead, Rev.
Shannon)-He Looked Beyond My Faults/Glory, Glory (lead, Frank Newsome)
Parran (?) Choir-Stumbling Over
Me
Chosen Five (of Mobile)-I’ll Fly
Away
Willie Love and Voices of Nashville-The
Lord Loves Me
3-Fireside Singers 45th
Anniversary program 11/13/88 (also features the Fairfield Four). 90min
Song list side A:
Fireside Singers-I Want to Rest,
Noah, My Heavenly Father Watches over Me, Dr. Jesus, He’s So Good To Me
Fairfield Four-Jesus, Hallelujah
Song list side B:
Fairfield Four-(in progress) Dig
A Little Deeper
Gospel Jubilees(Rutherford, TN)-Just Like He Said He Would, Stand By
Me, See About Me, When the Gates Swing Open
4-Isaac Freeman interview
8/25/06. 90min
5-Earl Malone interview.
60min
6-Interview w/Isaac “Dickie”
Freeman. Nashville, September, 29th 2006. 90min
7-The Fairfield Four (with
unknown guitar accompaniment circa 1983-84. Unknown source. Short recording
(demo?)
Song list:
Be What You Are (Richardson)
Sign Me Up For the Christian Jubilee
(Freeman)
Dig A Little Deeper (Hill Freeman,
Richardson)
Don’t Let Nobody Turn You Around
(McCrary)
Love Like a River (McCrary)
8-The Fairfield Four-WRLT
2/7/93. 90min (no song list with tape)
9-Side A: Harps of Melody
practice in December, 1983. At the Memphis, TN home of Clara Anderson.
Song list side A:
Harps of Melody-Lord Bless the
Weary Soldier in Vietnam, He’s My Everything, I’m a Soldier, Old Time Religion,
Job, Remember Me
Pattersonaires-I Need Thee, I
Don’t Feel No Way Tired, I Shall See Him Face to Face (lead, Al Davis), How
Great Thou Art (lead, James Shelton)
Side B: Pattersonaires program at the New Salem Baptist Church, Memphis,
TN. Detailed performance notes included on separate sheet in cassette case.
90min.
Song list side B:
Holding On (Willie Neal-lead), He’s
Worthy, He Took the Time To Save My Soul, The Old Landmark, Amazing Grace
10-Princely Players at St.
Paul’s Episcopal Church 3/20/93. Recorded for the “Wade in the Water”
series. Contains detailed performance notes on separate sheet in cassette case.
Song list:
Ride on King Jesus, Go Down Moses, We
Shall Walk Through the Valley, I’m A-Rollin’, Go In The Wilderness, Rise Shine, Ain’t That Good
News, I’ve Been Buked and Scorned, Roll Jordan
Roll, “Slave Auction”, “Slave Sermon”
w/There’s A Meeting Here Today, Amazing Grace
12-Smithsonian
Field Tape (1986). This cassette contains field recordings made by Doug
Seroff in preparation for the Festival of American Folklife in 1986. Contains
Fireside Singers rehearsal and performances by Rev. Morgan Babb and the Voices
of Nashville. Detailed notes enclosed in cassette case. 90 min.
Song list side A:
Fireside Singers-Lift Every Voice
and Sing, Shepherd Feed My Sheep, Run On, Everybody Ought to Love Their Soul,
In My Savior’s Care, Wade In the Water, Just A Closer Walk With Thee, The Lord
Will Make A Way Somehow, Gonna Live By Your Word, Couldn’t Hear Nobody Pray
Rev. Morgan Babb-What A Friend We
Have In Jesus, Soon Will Be Done, Pray for Me, Move On Up A Little Higher
Song list side B:
Voices of Nashville-Cool Down
Yonder (lead: John Phillips), I Shall Know Him (lead: Willie Love), Let It Be
Me (lead: Love), Peace In the Heaven Above (lead: Huey Brown), Release Me
(lead: Love), The Lord Loves Me (lead: Love)
13-Label title information crossed out.
Detailed liner notes enclosed in cassette case. Side A: California
Jubilee Singers (not TN group). This is a dub of an East German LP recorded in
1964. No song list for side A. Side B: Famous Jubilee Singers under
the direction of Mrs. James A. Myers. Recorded during South American tour circa
1956. Personnel includes Starling Hatchett (tenor). 90 min.
Song list side B:
Famous Jubilee Singers-Live
A-Humble, Good News, Climbing Up the Mountain Children, Unknown Title, Deep
River, Swing Low Sweet Chariot, I Got A Robe, Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho,
Unknown, Unknown, King Jesus is A-Listening, Every Time I Feel the Spirit,
Little David, Soon Will Be Done,
Remaining tracks are by unidentified
mixed group-Live A-Humble, Couldn’t Hear Nobody Pray, Oh Mary Don’t You
Weep.
14-Princely
Players at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, March 20th, 1993.
Detailed liner notes with song titles and orders enclosed in cassette case.
Songs recorded for the “Wade in the Water” radio series.
Song list:
Princely Players-Oh Freedom (Odessa Settles), Roll Jordan Roll, Steal
Away, Heaven, We Shall Walk Through the Valley, Get On Board, Swing Low Sweet
Chariot, Ride On King Jesus
15-Fisk
University Jubilee Singers-10/6/91. Performance tape of the group recorded
at Meharry Medical College. Card insert has song list and order of performance.
60min.
Song list side A:
Rise Shine, Fare the Well Everybody (at
City Cemetery), Gonna Journey Away, Done Opened My Mouth to the Lord.
16-Doug
Seroff 1-27-93 2nd Quartet Interview
No track listing or details included.
17-Doug
Seroff on the Fisk Jubilee Singers, 5-11-93
Wade In The Water. Bernice Johnson Reagon interviews. Doug Seroff on the Fisk
Jubilee Singers, 5-11-93
18-Princely
Players Sing Spirituals for WADE IN THE WATER
Performance recording of the Princely Players.
Song list:
Ride on King Jesus, Go Down Moses, Go In The Wilderness, Rise, Shine Light is a
Coming, Ain’t That Good News, I’ve Been Buked, Roll, Jordan Roll, Slave
Auction, Amazing Grace, Oh Freedom, I Got Shoes, Gospel Train.
19-Doug
Seroff Golden Gates/Fisk 10-14-92
Cassette insert has the note “Transcribers-Doug Seroff ends this interview by
identifying himself after his chat with Bernice. Chat is not related to
interview. We need this final I.D. Please transcribe all”. 60 min.
20-Gospel
Harmonettes Anniversary Concert. December 13, 1992
Cassette of Gospel Harmonettes performance. Copyright, National Public
Radio. No track listing. Side 3 and 4.
21-Gospel
Harmonettes Anniversary Concert. December 12, 1992
Cassette of Gospel Harmonettes performance. Copyright, National Public
Radio. No track listing. Side 5 and 6.
22-Gospel
Harmonettes Anniversary Concert. December 13, 1992
Cassette of Gospel Harmonettes performance. Copyright, National Public
Radio. No track listing. Side 7 and 8.
Box 3: Compact
Disc Recordings
1-CD-R
recording of two groups, Fairfield Four and Harps of Melody. Fairfield Four
recorded by Bruce Nemerov at the 8th Annual TN Grassroots Days
Festival, 9/25/83 and Harps of Melody recorded at home of Clara Anderson during
rehearsal, 8/20/84. Detailed song list in case. Volume and audio condition is
good.
Song list:
Fairfield Four-God Shall Wipe All Tears Away (lead McCrary), Roll Jordan
Roll (Freeman), I’ll Rise Again (Freeman), Don’t Let Nobody Turn You Around
(McCrary and Hill), Jesus is a Rock in a Weary Land (Freeman), I Know the Lord
Will Make a Way (Richardson)
Harps of Melody-I’m Going to Sing and Make Melody, I Need Thee, The Lord
Knows What I Need, I’m In His Care, Who Is That Knocking, What A Time, Jesus
Will Roll All Burdens Away, Tonight, Roll Jordan Roll, Old Time Religion, I’m A
Soldier.
2-CD-R of
various field recordings by Doug Seroff. Recording features the Harps of
Melody rehearsal (8/20/84), Nashville Jubilee Singers in concert at John Wesley
Church in Nashville (3/23/83) and the Fisk University Jubilee Singers sound
check and convocation performance for Jubilee Day Commemoration at the Fisk
University Chapel (10/6/88). Sound quality and volume is good. Detailed song
list in case.
Song list:
Harps of Melody-He’s My
Everything, Two Little Fishes and Five Loaves of Bread, Walk in Jerusalem
Nashville Jubilee Singers-They
Led My Lord Away, Were You There, He Never Said a Mumbling Word, God So Loved
the World.
Fisk University Jubilee Singers-Steal
Away, Great Day, Rise Shine, Steal Away, I Couldn’t Hear Nobody Pray, The Gold
and the Blue, Steal Away, Every Time I Feel The Spirit, Couldn’t Hear Nobody
Pray, Rock My Soul.
3-CD-R of
live recordings of the Fairfield Four. Performances include “Home of the
Heroes” concert in Bessemer, AL Civic Center Auditorium (9/30/90), Nashville
Summer Lights Festival (6/3/83) and a rehearsal recording in Brighton, AL
(early 1984) for the “On the Battlefield” film. Sound quality and volume is
good. Detailed song list in case.
Song list:
Today, Hallelujah, Shadrach, Dig A
Little Deeper, Remember Me, Hallelujah, Swing Low Sweet Chariot, Jesus Is
Ready, I’ll Rise Again, Don’t Let Nobody Turn You Around, Be What You Are,
Remember Me, Hallelujah, Roll Jordan Roll, Don’t You Let Nobody Turn You
Around, Be What You Are.
4-CD-R
re-recording of cassette of “The Fairfield Four…Expanded” Dig A Little
Deeper/Back to Basics (Vortex #101, 1989). CD case has photocopy of
original cassette insert card with song list and names of singers. Volume is
good. Sound quality varies. Detailed song list in case.
Song list:
Hallelujah, I Couldn’t Hear Nobody Pray,
His Love Is Like a River, Talk to the Man Above, Noah, Walk This Road to Glory, Dig A Little
Deeper, Don’t Let Nobody Turn You Around, Leaning and Depending, You Can’t Beat
God Giving, Swing Low Sweet Chariot, I Thank You Jesus, Shadrach Meshach and
Abednego, Roll Jordan.
5- CD-R of
various field recordings by Doug Seroff. Recording features performances of
The Voices of Nashville (2/16/86), Way Plain Travelers of Knoxville (3/1/86),
The Fairfield Four rehearsal (4/30/88) and Spirit of Memphis rehearsal
(7/30/83). Volume and sound quality good. Detailed song list in case.
Song list:
Way Plain Travelers-God Is Coming
Back, Your Tears, Don’t Forget to Remember, God Rode in a Windstorm, The Lord
Will Make a Way, Jesus Will Fix It, Lord I Just Want to Thank You, Please Be
Patient, Lord Help Me to be Strong.
Fairfield Four-My Life Will Be
Sweeter Someday, I Know I’ve Been Changed, What Could I Do.
Spirit of Memphis-You Better Run,
Happy in the Service of the Lord, Jesus Traveled This Road Before.
6-CD-R
recording contains air checks of performances by the Fireside Singers from
radio station WAMB-Donelson circa 1982-83. Also contains two recordings of
the Fireside Singers from WLAC-Nashville (circa 1950s). Tracks 8, 9 are of good
quality and volume. Detailed song
list in case.
Song list:
Nearer My God to Thee, Closing Theme,
Theme, Daniel Saw the Stone, Have You Got Good Religion, Everybody Ought to
Love Their Soul, Wade in the Water (incomplete) Gospel Train, When the Roll is
Called.
7-CD-R
recordings of air checks of performances by the Fireside Singers on
WAMB-Donelson Sunday morning radio shows 1982-85. Tracks 17-24 are of good
quality and volume. Detailed song list in case.
Song list:
Theme, In My Saviors Care, Does Jesus
Care, On My Way to Heaven Anyhow, Theme, Jesus Met the Woman at the Well, Steal
Away, Theme, Before This Time Another Year, Everybody Ought to Love Their Soul,
I’ve Got a Witness in Heaven, Closing Theme, Does Jesus Care, Run On, Shadrach,
Gonna Live By Your Word, I Made a Vow To The Lord, Lift Every Voice and Sing,
Noah, Everybody Ought to Love Their Soul, I Made a Vow To The Lord, Anyhow, In
My Saviors Care.
8-CD-R
recordings of air checks of performances by the Fireside Singers on
WAMB-Donelson Sunday morning radio shows 1982-85. Detailed song list in
case.
Song list:
Theme (When I’ve Sung My Last Song),
Daniel Saw the Stone, I Couldn’t Hear Nobody Pray, Nearer My God to Thee,
Theme, Lord, I’ve Tried, Shepherd Feed My Sheep, I Shall Not Be Moved, Theme,
Daniel Saw The Stone, I Trust in God, Come in the Room, Nearer My God to Thee,
Theme, Daniel Saw the Stone, I Shall Not Be Moved, Theme, Packing Up Getting
Ready, I’ll Rise Again, Farther Along, Theme.
9-CD-R
re-recording of 78rpm acetates that were originally recorded for airplay on WDIA-Memphis
circa 1950s. Performers include the Dixie Nightingales, Spirit of Memphis,
Queen C. Anderson and Brewster Singers, Southern Wonders, Sons of Jehovah,
Songbirds of the South and the Brewsteraires. Detailed song list in case. Mr.
Seroff mentioned that some of the recordings in this set are available on a
reissue LP of gospel music titled Bless My Bones: Memphis Gospel Radio.
One is on the P-Vine label (#9051) and the second on Rounder (#2063)
Song list:
Dixie Nightingales-Music in the
Air, In My Saviors Care, Living For Jesus
Spirit of Memphis-Two Little
Fishes and Five Loaves of Bread, Blessed Are The Poor In Spirit, Sending Up
Material, Walk of Life, The Lord Will Make a Way, Milky White Way, Savior Don’t
Pass Me By, I Don’t Know Why.
Queen C. Anderson & Brewster
Singers-Bank in the Sky, Walk Thru the Water
Southern Wonders-Anyhow, Lord
Stand By Me
Sons of Jehovah-John the
Revelator, On Calvary
Songbirds of the South-He is Able
Brewsteraires-So Glad
10-CD-R
“Unissued Material (Tennessee Gospel Artists)” Disc features recordings by
Rev. W.M. Anderson and the Jordan River Singers, RCA Victor test pressing of
Pattersonaires, Famous Jubilee Singers, Sun test pressing of Southern Jubilees,
Sun test pressing of Prisonaires, and air check recording of the Fairfield
Four. Recordings circa late 1940s. Recordings are of good quality and volume.
Detailed song list in case.
Song list:
Rev. W.M. Anderson and the Jordan
River Singers-Jesus on the Mainline, When We Get Over
Pattersonaires-I Found the
Answer, The Old Landmark
Famous Jubilee Singers (Dir. Mrs.
James A. Myers)-Walkin’ on the Green Grass
Southern Jubilees-There’s A Man
In Jerusalem
Prisonaires-Frank Clement, My God
Is Real
Fairfield Four-Lord I’ve Tried,
What Could I Do
Box 3: Paper/correspondence etc.
Folder #1 “Souvenir Books”
Folder contains four souvenir booklets.
Two are from the Nashville Gospel Arts Day (1988, 1989) one copy of the
Birmingham Quartet Scrapbook from the Jefferson County quartet reunion in
Birmingham, AL on October 12, 1980 and one copy of the booklet for the Program
in Black American Culture presented by the Smithsonian in 1981. Booklet
articles about the quartets were researched and written by Doug Seroff. Each
has detailed information on the groups, individual singers, histories and many
historic and current photographs of the quartets and their personnel.
Folder # 2 “The Tennesseans”
This folder contains information
pertaining to The Tennesseans (aka Donavin’s Famous Tennesseans/The Original
Tennesseans. Materials include: Photo copy of contents of “Selections of
Plantation Songs” (circa 1880s) with song lyrics, melody notation, description
of group etc. Includes photo copy of an account of the first commencement of
Meharry Medical College (circa 1876-79) at which the Tennesseans performed.
There are two pages from the Walden College Catalog (1921-22) with a history of
the Tennesseans fund raising tour to raise money for a school building. One
page from the Nashville Daily American (Feb. 23rd, 1883) describes a
performance of the Tennesseans. Two pages of a performance review of the
Tennesseans from the Chicago Evening Journal, February 17th 1874
(reprint is from February of 1941). Photocopy of Donavin’s Original Tennesseans
performance ad from 11/13/1880. There is also a small set of correspondence to
and from Mr. Seroff regarding the history of the Tennesseans. All reprints have
been highlighted to emphasize the text related to the Tennesseans.
Folder #3 “Additions to Prior Delivery”
Miscellaneous items that were delivered
after initial consignment of items from Mr. Seroff. Folder contains: John
Phillips funeral program/obituary (January 8, 2011), NEA Folk Arts Program Site
Visit Report for the 1988 and 1989 Gospel Arts Day at Fisk University,
transcript of interview of Gordon Stoker by Doug Seroff and Alan Stoker
(November, 2008) about the Jordanaires, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Golden Gate
Gospel Quartet and Elvis Presley. Also contains Mr. Seroff’s draft for the
notes included with the booklet for the 1989 Gospel Arts Day.
Folder
# 4 “Negatives,
Archival Information”
Negatives: Envelope
contains five negatives of promotional images of the Dixie Nightingales, Gospel
Writers, Gospel Writers/Elijah Jones, James Darling and the Southern Wonders.
Also contains a collection of papers describing other gospel quartet related
papers, photos etc that Mr. Seroff donated to the Nashville Public Library
special collections. Also contains cover letter explaining contents of this
folder. Total of 5 images in this folder.
Box
4
Envelope #1 “John Battle Datebook”
Envelope contains John Battle’s datebook
for 1947 with names, addresses and performance dates and locations.
Folder #2 “Fairfield Four Notebook/Bylaws”
Official notebook of the Fairfield Four
(circa 1940s) Containing detailed notes about song arrangements, bylaws, fines
for member’s infractions, song lyrics, finances/treasury numbers, early
histories, stage introductions, minutes of meetings and news clippings on a
variety of subjects (The Fairfield Four, current news, sports-boxing, poetry
etc. )
Folder
#3 “John Battle
Notebook”
John Battle’s personal notebook
containing song lyrics, “thoughts for the day”, Ten Commandments, poems etc.
Box
5 (restricted
Fisk Jubilee Singers material)
Folder
#1 “Mrs. James A
Myers/Louise Davis-Fisk Jubilee Singers Misc”.
Materials related to the Fisk Jubilee Singers spanning 1940s-1990s. Contains
newspaper announcements and reviews, thank-you letters to Myers from a variety
of sources, Mr. Seroff’s detailed notes about performances, programs, singers,
speeches etc. 1980s-90s Fisk Jubilee Convocation and Jubilee Day program sheets
(Mr. Seroff’s reviews on some events enclosed in the individual programs). Also
contains letter of introduction of Myers to General Eisenhower from Cordell
Hull.
Folder
#2 “from Ms Louise
Davis-Original documentation from Mrs. James A. Myers”
Materials related to the Fisk Jubilee Singers spanning 1920s-1950s. Includes
newspaper and magazine stories about performances, tours abroad,
correspondence, performance programs, Press Book with history etc of Fisk
Jubilee Singers. Contains some acidic papers (newsprint etc)
Folder
#3 “Fisk
University Quartet Interviews”
Detailed transcripts of interviews (many from included cassettes) spanning the
1980s-2000s with Fisk University Quartet singers conducted by Doug Seroff in
the 1980s. Also included are some detailed biographies of some of the
interviewees as well as 1950s Fisk Singers tour itineraries and newspaper
report from the Tennessee Tribune about Matthew Kennedy’s 90th
birthday.
Folder
#4 “Nashville
Princely Players file/Nashville Jubilee Singers file”
Subfolder 1-Princely
Players File: Papers spanning 1970s-2000s relating to the Princely Players
group that used a capella singing and drama to trace the history and experience
of African Americans. Originally formed by former Fisk graduate and Jubilee
singer German Wilson. File contains programs (and Doug’s review/notes of the
performance), press releases, correspondence to Doug Seroff, group member
biographies, recording log.
Subfolder 2-Nashville
Jubilee Singers: Papers relating to the group formed by former Fisk singer W.
A. Collier. File spans the 1970s-1980s and contains programs with performance
and biographical information, names and addresses of members.
Folder
#11
“Nashville/Tennessee miscellaneous”
Folder contains material relating to gospel groups in Nashville, Knoxville and
other areas in Tennessee. Mostly newsprint or copies of newspaper articles
spanning 1880s-2000s on gospel music, African American gospel/popular/country
music in Nashville, 1880s era copies of news articles about Jubilee singers
(Fisk, Excelsior), performance announcements (Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Fairfield
Four), prison gospel singing, sacred steel guitar etc. Also contains
performance performance/event announcements.
Folder
#19 “Obituaries
and Obsequies-Nashville (various)”
Folder contains material spanning 1990s-2000s. Includes funeral programs and
newspaper obituary clippings for former members of the Fireside Singers,
Jubilee Singers, Fisk Jubilee Singers, Singing Tornados, bluegrass/gospel
producer Jim Stanton (Rich-R-Tone/Champ) and R&B singer Gene Allison.
Cassette
Tapes:
1-Starling
Hatchett (tape 2) 60min
2-Starling Hatchett
6/10/83 90min
8-Nathaniel
Dickerson 6/19/89 Tape #1 90min
9-Nathaniel Dickerson
6/19/89 Tape #2 90min
10-Matthew Kennedy
interview 1/25/89 60min
11-(Side B)Matthew
Kennedy part two 1/25/89 (Side A) Tom Lacy’s porch 90min (with noise reduction checked)
14-Jerome
J Wright tape #1 3/22/83 60min
15-Rev.
Jerome Wright tape #2 3/22/83 60min
22-Interview w/Wm. A
Collier 3/28/83 90min
27-Dr. Rawn Spearman
6/19/89 90min
29-Herbert
Rutherford 6/9/83 90min
33-JW
Whittaker interview 5/21/91 90min
34-Daniel Andrews
interview June 15th, 1989 90min
11-The Nashville Jubilee Singers-Fisk University Chapel-1979. Cassette
with 10 songs and introduction to performance. Contains a list of songs and
order of performance.
Song list:
Introduction, Steal Away, Shepherd Feed My Sheep, Down By The Riverside, Wade
in the Water, The Lord’s Prayer, Mandy Lou, Go Down Moses, Shout All Over God’s
Heaven, Lift Every Voice and Sing, Climbing Up the Mountain
Folder Nashville
Jubilee Singers (3 photos):
Series of photographs taken by Robert Cogswell of singers performing at the
1989 Gospel Arts Day. Singers are NOT identified in this series.
VHS Videos
“Gospel Arts Day location shoot. July, 23rd, 1988 Don’t Let
Nobody Turn You Around (WSM-TV)” T-120 VHS video cassette. Features
raw footage and location shots of Fisk University Jubilee Hall, Helen Hebb
interview, Fairfield Four rehearsal, CBS Singers rehearsal, Mrs. Essie Battle
at her home in Nashville, Beth Howse at Ella Sheppard’s gravestone, location
shots of City Cemetery, Nashville, TN.
List of clips:
Fisk University Jubilee Hall
exterior/interior, Interior of Appleton Room, Helen Hebb interview, Fairfield
Four rehearsal, CBS Singers rehearsal, Exterior of St Mark M.B. Church, Mrs.
Essie Battle at her home in Nashville, Beth Howse at Ella Sheppard’s
gravestone, City Cemetery-Nashville, TN.
“Components
for Gospel Arts Day 1988 Video Documentary /Voices of Nashville-Fairfield Four
4/5/88” ES/T-120
VHS video cassette. Video of “Nashville Gospel” show aired on WSM TV. Featuring
Voices of Nashville circa mid 1980s (with Willie Love and John Phillips) and
circa early 1990s (with Willie Love), comedian J.T.Stewart, and Fairfield Four
and interviews with singers Willie Love and Rev. Samuel McCrary.
WSM Nashville Gospel TV show:
Voices of Nashville-Lord I Want
You to Help Me
Tommy Lewis interview with Willie
Love
Voices of Nashville-The Lord
Loves Me (lead, Willie Love)
J.T. Stewart (comedian)
Tommie Lewis interviews-Deborah Talley, Willie Love
Voices of Nashville-Stay With Me
Jesus
Components
for Gospel Arts Day 1988 Video Documentary
Fairfield Four-Have I Given Anything Today, Don’t Let Nobody Turn You
Around, Be What You Are, Dig A Little Deeper, Hallelujah, Couldn’t HEAR Nobody
Pray, Roll Jordan Roll, I’ve Got Jesus That’s Enough,
Teresa Hannah-Interviews Rev.
Samuel McCrary
“Components
for Gospel Arts Day 1988 Video Documentary filmed at WSM-TV studio, Nashville” T-120 VHS video cassette. Video
tape of interviews conducted by Doug Seroff and Tommie Lewis. Interviews with:
Members of the Fireside Singers (seated L to R: Albert Phillips, Thomas Gilbert,
Edward Hall), Rev. James McCord of the Fireside Singers and Harold Carruthers
(original member of the Fairfield Four). Also features performance by the
Fireside Singers.
List of Clips:
Interviews-With members of
Fireside Singers, Harold Carruthers (of Fairfield Four)
Fireside Singers performance-Run
On, He’s So Good To Me, Dr. Jesus, Live By Your Word
“1988 Gospel
Arts Day video (w/o credits) ‘Don’t Let Nobody Turn You Around” T-120 VHS video cassette. No
accompanying notes or details beyond cassette label.
No clip list.
“Fairfield
Four ‘Saturday Night Sing’ 1993 Chicago WCF TV-note gaps for commercials” Official VHS cassette from TV 38 in
Chicago, Il from the show “Saturday Night Sing” (program #421) featuring the
Fairfield Four.
No clip list.
Materials Cataloged Separately:
The
photographs contained in this collection have been digitized and as of August
2011 are awaiting cataloging in the CPM InMagic database.
Arrangement: The collection maintains the
original order as presented by the creator, Doug Seroff.
Location:
All of the
materials are currently stored in the 5 boxes that comprise the entire
collection and are housed with other manuscript collections by accession number.
Related
Materials:
The
recording “Bless My Bones-Memphis Gospel Radio in the 1950s” (Rounder 2063) is
held in the LP collection.
Doug Seroff Country Music Collection 10-034
Doug
Seroff collection of Negro harmony singing 89-031
Doug
Seroff Film Collection 95-055
Doug
Seroff black gospel disc collection 89-009
Audio recordings located in X:\AudioVisualFiles\Doug
Seroff
Bruce Nemerov 1989 Gospel Arts Day recording
Finding
aid written by John Fabke, April 2011
Updated by
Lucinda Cockrell August 2011