Collection on De Paur Chorus, 1951-1969 | Center for Black Music Research

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Collection Overview

Title: Collection on De Paur Chorus, 1951-1969

ID: 7000/DEPA_7002

Primary Creator: Center for Black Music Research (1983-)

Extent: 0.42 Linear Feet. More info below.

Arrangement:

Series 1: Photographs, programs and clippings

Series 2: Sound recordings

Date Acquired: 00/00/2004. More info below under Accruals.

Subjects: Choral music

Forms of Material: Spirituals (Songs)

Abstract

Sound recordings, photographs and ephemera documenting the De Paur Chorus and its activities, primarily during the early 1950s.

Scope and Contents of the Materials

The collection includes two concert programs (with several autographs) and one clipping, and photographs of 12 individuals (10 identified) and 5 group poses. The De Paur Chorus sound recordings reflect the variety found in their repertoire.This collection complements other archival holdings highlighting African American concert composers and arrangers, choral music, military music directors (see the Alton Augustus Adams Sr. papers) and the study of spirituals and work songs (see the Dena Epstein papers, among others).

Collection Historical Note

Leonard de Paur (1914–1998) received his musical education at Columbia University and the Institute of Musical Arts. In 1932, he became the associate conductor of the Hall Johnson Choir, and in 1936 he became the director of the New York City Negro Unit of the Federal Theatre. In 1942, de Paur joined the armed forces and was soon assigned as the musical director of the Army Air Force show, “Winged Victory.”

In the meantime, four members of the 372nd Regiment—Charles Ernie, Tommy Harris, Allen Ferguson, and Sidney Greenard—began singing together, and this group soon expanded into a glee club that provided entertainment for fellow GIs. In 1944, de Paur was assigned to direct the group, which took part in war bond rallies and radio programs. The group continued after the war and was renamed the De Paur Infantry Chorus (and subsequently, the De Paur Chorus). Touring the globe, the Chorus went on to become one of the leading choral groups in the United States and throughout the world until its disbandment in 1957.

The group’s repertoire included spirituals, songs of World War II, folk songs of other countries, and religious choral works. De Paur reorganized the De Paur Chorus again in 1963, and this group toured extensively until 1969.

Subject/Index Terms

Choral music

Administrative Information

Repository: Center for Black Music Research

Accruals: 2006, 2008

Alternate Extent Statement: 0.42 linear feet (2 boxes)

Access Restrictions: None

Use Restrictions: None

Physical Access Note: Includes seven analog sound recordings

Related Materials:

Alton Augustus Adams Sr. papers

Dena Epstein papers

Finding Aid Revision History: minor edits by Adam Melville, March 6, 2018.

Box and Folder Listing

Browse by Series:

[Series 1: Photographs, programs and clippings],
[Series 2: Sound recordings],
[All]

Series 2: Sound recordings: 7 analog sound discs