Finding Aid of the Brubeck Collection

ca. 1890-

Descriptive Summary

Title: Finding Aid of the Brubeck Collection

Dates: ca. 1890-

Collection Number: MSS 004

Creator/Collector: Brubeck, Dave - 1920-2012 Brubeck, Iola - 1923-

Extent: 220+ linear feet

Online items available

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Repository: University of the Pacific

Abstract: The Brubeck Collection consists of a broad range of materials created and accumulated by Dave and Iola Brubeck throughout their lives. It not only documents Brubeck's musical career, but also the history of jazz and related topics. Items date from the 1920s to the present as the collection continues to grow. Note: The creation of the Brubeck Collection Finding Aid and the conversion of selected audio to a digital format was supported in whole or in part with funds provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian.

Language of Material: English

Access

Collection open for research.

Publication Rights

Permission for publication is given on behalf of Special Collections as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained by the researcher.

Preferred Citation

Finding Aid of the Brubeck Collection. University of the Pacific

Biography/Administrative History

Dave Brubeck (1920-2012) was a world-renowned pianist and composer of jazz and classical music. Brubeck performed professionally since the 1930s. The Brubeck Quartet embodied the sound of "West Coast jazz" and was one of the most popular bands in the world during the 1950s and 1960s. In 1959 the Quartet released the groundbreaking album Time Out, which featured jazz performed in unusual time signatures. One of the tunes from this album, "Take Five," became the best selling jazz single in history. Throughout his career, Brubeck had been a pioneer in exploring musical approaches such as polytonality (playing multiple keys within the same tune) and polyrhythms (playing multiple rhythms within the same tune). Although best known as a jazz musician, Brubeck's compositions include large-scale choral and orchestral works in a classical tradition. In addition to his musical achievements, Brubeck is also known for his life-long support of human rights and social justice.

Scope and Content of Collection

Series I: Papers contain business contracts, correspondence and royalty statements, personal correspondence, clippings, itineraries, biographies and writings of Dave Brubeck, programs, promotional materials (including magazine advertising and posters), and memorabilia relating to the career and interests of Dave Brubeck. Series II: Photographs contain promotional and personal photographs of Dave Brubeck, his family, colleagues and acquaintances. Series III: Music contains sketches, manuscript and printed scores by Dave Brubeck, his sons and colleagues. Series IV: Audio materials contain rehearsal and performance tapes made by Dave Brubeck and colleagues; commercial recordings made by Dave Brubeck ensembles; and interviews with Dave Brubeck. Series V: Visual materials consist of video and film performances by Dave Brubeck ensembles.

Indexing Terms

Composers - United States

United States - Race relations

Brubeck, Howard - 1916-1993

Milhaud, Darius - 1892-1974

Desmond, Paul - 1924-1977

Wright, Eugene - 1923-

Morello, Joe - 1929-2011

Fantasy Records

Associated Booking Co.

Sutton Artists Corp.

Shawnee Press, Inc.

Derry Music Co.

Additional collection guides

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