Collection Guide
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Homer Simmons papers,
1900-1982
PASC-M 73
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Title: Homer Simmons papers
Collection number: PASC-M 73
Contributing Institution:
UCLA Library Special Collections
Language of Material:
English
Physical Description:
1.2 linear ft.
(2 document boxes and 1 flat box)
Date (inclusive): 1908-1986
Abstract: The collection consists of musical compositions and other writings, concert programs, a scrapbook, and audiotapes originally
belonging to the noted California pianist, Homer Simmons.
Physical Location: Stored off-site at SRLF. Advance notice is required for access to the collection. Please contact the UCLA Library Special
Collections Reference Desk for paging information.
Creator:
Simmons, Homer
Restrictions on Use and Reproduction
Property rights to the physical object belong to the UCLA Library Special Collections. Literary rights, including copyright,
are retained by the creators and their heirs. It is the responsibility of the researcher to determine who holds the copyright
and pursue the copyright owner or his or her heir for permission to publish where The UC Regents do not hold the copyright.
COLLECTION STORED OFF-SITE AT SRLF: Open for research. Advance notice required for access. Contact the UCLA Library Special
Collections Reference Desk for paging information.
[Identification of item], Homer Simmons Papers (Collection PASC-M 73). UCLA Library Special Collections, Charles E. Young
Research Library, University of California, Los Angeles.
Homer Simmons was born on August 6, 1900 in Evansville, Indiana and began playing piano at the age of four. His family moved
to Los Angeles when he was about ten years old. He studied music with Homer Grunn and attended USC, playing concerts and composing
music. In 1927 he premiered his piano concerto "Phantasmania" at the Hollywood Bowl. In the 1930s he traveled to Europe and
studied with Ottorino Respighi and Ignacy Paderewski, among others.
Returning to Los Angeles in 1938, he partnered with the pianist George Scharl (died 1975), and the two would remain together
for the rest of Simmons' life, touring together and playing Simmons' compositions for two pianos. In later life the two men
became important fixtures in the cultural life of Inglewood and Tujunga. Homer Simmons died on August 21, 1971 in Sunland,
California.
The collection consists of musical compositions, other writings, biographical material, a scrapbook, and audio recordings.
There is also a significant amount of material about Polish pianist and composer Ignacy Paderewski, including Simmons' unpublished
biography of him.
This collection is arranged into the following series:
- Series 1. Musical compositions
- Series 2. Personal material
- Series 3. Material regarding Ignacy Jan Paderewski
UCLA Catalog Record ID:
4233784
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Paderewski, Ignace Jan, 1860-1941
Composers--California--Los Angeles--Archives.