Alfred Lewis collection of Al Jolson recordings
Collection
0348-SCPA
The Alfred Lewis collection on Al Jolson consists of 41 recordings (LPs and 78s) created by or featuring Al Jolson (26 May 1886 – 23 October 1950) from between 1929 and 1983. The collection includes compilations relased following his death. Also included are papers pertaining to various Jolson-focused societies that Lewis had collected. Jolson was a Russian-born American singer, comedian, and actor, with a reputation for performing material that is racist while in blackface. For the ethos of Jolson's time, this was acceptable performance practice and programming.
Numerous album covers contain minor damaged to corners; three other album covers show evidence of varying environment conditions; some records have evidence of high use and attendant wear; most are in prime condition.
Users of this collection should be prepared to see racist imagery and hear racist content. A considerable portion of the collection is overtly racist.
Materials from this collection must be used in the Michelle Smith Performing Arts Library's Irving and Margery Morgan Lowens Special Collections Room, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Contact the curator for an appointment: http://www.lib.umd.edu/scpa/contact
54 Sound Discs (41 albums (including duplicates)) : 12" LPs and one four-disc set of 10" 78s
The collection consists of 41 recordings (LPs and 78s) created by or featuring Al Jolson (26 May 1886 – 23 October 1950) from between 1929 and 1983. The collection includes compilations released following Jolson's death. Also included are papers pertaining to various Jolson-focused societies that Lewis had collected. Biographical information on Jolson is readily available online.
Alfred Lewis was a Maryland-based private collector and enthusiast of Jolson.
Gift made on 11 May 2018 by Bea Hammeroff, Alfred Lewis's sister, in the years after his death.
Numerous album covers contain minor damaged to corners; three other album covers show evidence of varying environment conditions; some records have evidence of high use and attendant wear; most are in prime condition.
Part of the Michelle Smith Performing Arts Library