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Archive: 2015 (7 Posts)

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Santa Claus Speaks!

Posted by: Karen Fishman

This blog post was co-written with Bryan Cornell, Reference Librarian, Recorded Sound Section, Library of Congress.   Tis the season for Christmas carols and familiar holiday favorites, but did you know Santa Claus recorded for Victor Records? Well, not really. Gilbert Girard was a talented performer who frequently recorded children’s records with popular recording artist Len Spencer.  He also …

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What We’re Reading Now – Part 2

Posted by: Karen Fishman

This blog post was co-written with Jan McKee, Reference Librarian, Recorded Sound Section, Library of Congress. In addition to providing access to the Library’s recorded sound collection, the Recorded Sound Research CenterĀ  also maintains a collection of reference books. These books include discographies, bio-discographies, directories, histories, and technical works about sound recording and radio broadcasting. …

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National Recording Registry Adds New Titles!

Posted by: Karen Fishman

This blog post was co-written with Matt Barton, Curator, Recorded Sound Section, Library of Congress Each year, the National Recording Registry at the Library of Congress chooses 25 recordings showcasing the range and diversity of American recorded sound heritage in order to increase preservation awareness. The diversity of nominations received highlights the richness of the …

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Where the River Shannon Flows

Posted by: Karen Fishman

This blog post was co-written with Jan McKee, Reference Librarian, Recorded Sound Section, Library of Congress It wouldn’t be St. Patrick’s Day without some sentimental Irish ballads to listen to with our green beer, and the name that is most synonymous with Irish ballads is John McCormack. John McCormack (1884-1945) was an Irish born American …

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Believe Me, Happy Valentine’s Day!

Posted by: Karen Fishman

With only two days until Valentine’s Day, we thought we’d look at one of the sweetest and most popular love songs, “They Didn’t Believe Me.” Composer Jerome Kern wrote the music for a 1914 American adaptation of a British musical. Don Tyler writes in his book, Hit Songs, 1900-1915: The Girl from Utah was brought …

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What We’re Reading Now: Recent Additions to the Reference Collection in RSRC

Posted by: Karen Fishman

This blog post was co-written with Jan McKee, Reference Librarian, Recorded Sound Section, Library of Congress. The Recorded Sound Research Center not only provides access to the Library’s sound recordings but it also maintains a collection of reference books that support materials in the collection. These books include discographies, bio-discographies, directories, histories, and technical works …

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Scrap for Victory!

Posted by: Karen Fishman

This blog post was co-written with Jan McKee, Reference Librarian, Recorded Sound Section, Library of Congress. During World War II scrap drives were a popular way for everyone to contribute to the war effort. By recycling unused or unwanted metal for example, the government could build ships, airplanes and other equipment needed to fight the …