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Archive: July 2025 (2 Posts)

Dr. I. Augustus Durham delivers his lecture "Marvin Gaye: Melancholy and Genius in Black Culture and Media" in the Whittall Pavilion.

Marvin Gaye: Melancholy and Genius in Black Culture and Media

Posted by: Nicholas A. Brown-Cáceres

Music Reference Specialist Morgan Davis recaps a lecture delivered by Dr. I Augustus Durham at the Library on June 5, 2025. His lecture, entitled “Marvin Gaye: Melancholy and Genius in Black Culture and Media,” explored the influence of creators such as George and Ira Gershwin, Marian Anderson and Mahalia Jackson, on music from the crime thriller “Trouble Man” scored by Marvin Gaye. This blog includes the video of the lecture.

Posted in: African American History, American history, Concerts and Events, Musical Theater, Musicians

Photo of Civil War-era snare drum with sling and eagle depiction painted on the drum.

A Bugle, a Drum, and the Joy of Discovery

Posted by: Nicholas A. Brown-Cáceres

Former Stanford University Liljenquist Fellow Ben Limric discusses his experience creating two StoryMaps for the Music Division. The StoryMaps are interactive digital webpages that share the stories of several Civil War instruments and the soldiers they belonged too. The instruments were generously donated to the Library by James Madison Council member Tom Liljenquist and provide insights into the life of Union musicians during the Civil War.

Posted in: American history, Digital Collections, Instrumentalists, Musical Instruments, Special Collections