Center for Black Music Research
In-house project documentat... Collection on National Asso... Finding Aid, or Guide to the CollectionBy Laurie Lee Moses
Title: Collection on National Association of Negro Musicians (NANM), 1919-2004
Predominant Dates:1920-1994
ID: 8000/NANM_8002
Primary Creator: McGinty, Doris Evans (1924-2005)
Other Creators: Center for Black Music Research (1983-), Southern, Eileen (1920-2002)
Extent: 5.7 Linear Feet. More info below.
Arrangement: Follows the order of the book itself, then by type of material.
Date Acquired: 01/01/2004. More info below under Accruals.
Subjects: Musicians, Black, National Association of Negro Musicians (U.S.)
Forms of Material: Concert music, Minutes, Programs (documents)
Languages: English
The present collection is the result of a ten year effort to create a documentary history of the National Association of Negro Musicians, begun by Eileen Southern and completed after her death by Doris Evans McGinty.
The collection falls into four series, the first of which contains many of the documents used in the book, including newspaper and magazine articles, letters, reports, minutes and speeches. Each folder in this section contains the original document or closest extant example of the original, and at least one typescript transcript of the material. The materials are organized according to their order in the book with a section of unused materials at the end. There is also a typescript of the book at the end of the collection.
The second series contains papers relating to the production and publication of the book. Included in this section are: correspondence, grant proposals, receipts, interviews and questionnaires.
The third series contains other documents from NANM. These documents include programs from concerts, national convention programs, board reports, correspondence, outside articles on NANM functions, biographies and obituaries of NANM members, and assorted administrative materials.
The fourth series is dedicated to general research materials which include photographs, obituaries and memorial programs, newsletters, clippings, audio tapes of interviews, and assorted articles on NANM members and related topics.
The National Association of Negro Musicians (NANM) was founded in Chicago in 1919 by a group of African-American professional musicians and composers to advance the education and careers of African-American musicians. Among the founders of the organization were Nora Douglas Holt, Henry Lee Grant, Gregoria Fraser Goins, R. Nathaniel Dett, Clarence Cameron White, Carl Diton, and Kemper Harreld, among others. During its history, the NANM has sponsored a scholarship contest for performers since 1919, and administered the Wanamaker Prize for composition (offered between 1927 and 1932). There are local branches of NANM in many large cities, as well as student chapters and regional organizations. Annual conferences are held each summer in a major city.
Further history of NANM can be found in A Documentary History of the National Association of Negro Musicians, edited by Doris Evans McGinty (Chicago: Center for Black Music Research, 2004) and in Willis Patterson’s dissertation “A history of the National Association of Negro Musicians (NANM): The first quarter century” (Wayne State University, 1993).
Repository: Center for Black Music Research
Accruals: None expected. Related to book published in 2004. Miscellaneous materials on NANM accepted as part of general collection if acquired later.
Alternate Extent Statement: 9 boxes, including 15 audio cassette tapes and 8 floppy discs.
Access Restrictions: Open for research.
Use Restrictions: Available for use on location for research and study purposes. Copies may be requested according to Fair Use principles, Section 108, U.S. Copyright law. For additional permissions, contact the Center for Black Music Research.
Physical Access Note: None.
Technical Access Note: None.
Acquisition Source: McGinty, Doris Evans
Acquisition Method: In person.
Original/Copies Note: Many documents are photocopies used for research. Original program books and other materials are extant.
Related Materials: R. Nathaniel Dett Club records
Related Publications: A Documentary History of the National Association of Negro Musicians
Preferred Citation: Collection of materials on NANM, Center for Black Music Research, Columbia College Chicago.
Finding Aid Revision History: Revised from inventory and scope/content notes by Laurie Lee Moses in 2010.
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