Today’s post is by David Sager, Research Assistant in the Recorded Sound Research Center. Marty Alexander, a chemist, collected rare 17th Century French furniture and art and also amassed one of the world’s most comprehensive and exotic collections of pre-WWII 78 rpm jazz recordings. After his death in 2009, the Library of Congress acquired the …
This blog post is by David Sager, Research Assistant in the Recorded Sound Research Center. This post celebrates the Centennial of the signing of the Armistice and makes use of recordings in the Library of Congress’s National Jukebox and images found in the Library’s Recorded Sound Research Center. These mementos are a stirring reminder of the …
This is a guest post by Tenesha Hare and Jasmyne Post, 2018 summer interns with the Junior Fellows Program in the Library’s Recorded Sound Section. Tenesha is a senior at the University of South Carolina, Aiken, studying Political Science with a concentration in Government and Public Relations. Jasmyne is a sophomore at the University of Louisville, majoring …
The following is a guest post by Cary O’Dell, Boards Assistant to the National Recording Preservation Board. Achieving excellent recorded sound quality is not only a matter of personnel and equipment but also the environment. At the Library of Congress’s Packard Campus for Audio Visual Conservation there are eight rooms specifically designed for optimal sound recording. …
Last night, Wednesday, November 16, Smokey Robinson, a rhythm and blues icon whose career has spanned more than 50 years, received the Library’s Gershwin Prize for American Song. The gala award event, featuring prominent performers and musicians was held at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C. Librarian of Congress Dr. Carla Hayden presented the award. …
The following is a guest post by David Jackson, Archivist, Bob Hope Collection, and Matt Barton, Curator, Recorded Sound. “This chronicle of suffering and destruction is not presented in defense of an enemy. It is broadcast as a warning that what happened to the people of Hiroshima, a year ago, could next happen anywhere.” So …
The following is a guest post by David Jackson, Archivist, Bob Hope Collection, Packard Campus for Audio Visual Conservation. Recently I began the task of processing the papers for the Bob Hope Collection, held in the Recorded Sound Section, at the Packard Campus for Audio Visual Conservation in Culpeper, Virginia. The papers complement the moving …
February 14 is the traditional day Americans celebrate love and romance with chocolates, cards and flowers. But telling someone you love them is risky. Love and romance can be capricious and changeable. Does she love me? Should I tell him I love him? Do I take a chance? Love, Here is My Heart, written in …
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 …