Homer Simmons papers, 1908-1986

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Summary

Creators:
Simmons, Homer
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.
Extent:
1.2 linear ft. (2 document boxes and 1 flat box)
Language:
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Homer Simmons Papers (Collection PASC-M 73). UCLA Library Special Collections, Charles E. Young Research Library, University of California, Los Angeles.

Background

Scope and content:

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There is also a significant amount of material about Polish pianist and composer Ignacy Paderewski, including Simmons' unpublished biography of him.

Biographical / historical:

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.

Arrangement:

This collection is arranged into the following series:

  • Series 1. Musical compositions
  • Series 2. Personal material
  • Series 3. Material regarding Ignacy Jan Paderewski

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.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

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.

Terms of access:

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.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Homer Simmons Papers (Collection PASC-M 73). UCLA Library Special Collections, Charles E. Young Research Library, University of California, Los Angeles.

Location of this collection:
A1713 Charles E. Young Research Library
Box 951575
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1575, US
Contact:
(310) 825-4988
AskLSC@library.ucla.edu
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