This collection includes journals, diaries, legal files, recorded sound, music scores, clippings, photographs, correspondence and personal notes dating 1940–2020. Elayne Jones created and amassed the materials as a timpanist and percussionist with ensembles primarily in New York City and San Francisco. Included are detailed personal datebooks in which Jones chronicled her daily activities, thoughts and experiences over most of her adult life, including extensive commentary on the proceedings surrounding a lawsuit she brought against the San Francisco Symphony in 1974.

Elayne Viola Jones (January 30, 1928 – December 17, 2022) was an American timpanist, music teacher, activist, and author. Jones was a pioneer in breaking through institutional racial and gender barriers within the American symphonic and orchestral profession. She became the first Black opera orchestra member in a major American orchestra in 1949, the first documented Black musician to play with the New York Philharmonic in 1958, and the first Black principal in a major American orchestra in 1972.

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All requests to reproduce, publish, broadcast, 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.

Open for research; material must be requested at least five business days in advance of intended use. Contact the Archive of Recorded Sound for assistance.