Description
The Burt Bales
Collection consists of unpublished recordings on audiocassettes, open reel tapes, and
transcription discs featuring the jazz pianist, Burt Bales (1917-1989). Also included are
correspondence, photographs, festival and concert programs, logbooks, and newspaper
clippings pertaining to Burt Bales from the late 1930's to after his death in
1989.
Background
Burt Bales was a jazz solo and band pianist. Bales was born April 20, 1917 in Stevensville,
Montana. In 1925 he and his family moved Marin County, California. Bales began playing
professional jazz piano while in high school. He played with Lu Watters' Yerba Buena Jazz
Band, he also played with Bunk Johnson, Turk Murphy, Bob Scobey, Paul Lingle, Dick Oxtot,
Bob Mielke, Vince Cattolica, and others. Burt Bales enlisted in the army in 1943 but was
soon discharged due to myopia. In 1954 Bales started playing a semi-regular appearance at
Pier 23 in San Francisco. From that point on he performed primarily as a soloist. Bales died
October 26, 1989 in San Francisco.
Extent
4.25 Linear Feet
(4) box(es)
Restrictions
All requests to reproduce, publish, quote from, or otherwise use collection materials must
be submitted in writing to the Head Librarian, Archive of Recorded Sound, Braun Music
Center, Stanford, California 94305. Consent is given on behalf of the Archive of Recorded
Sound as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission
from the copyright owner. Such permission must be obtained from the copyright owner, heir(s)
or assigns.
Availability
Open for research; material must be requested at least two business days in advance of
intended use. Contact the Archive of Recorded Sound for assistance.