44 linear feet (100 boxes)

The papers are arranged in six series, the first of which contains seven subseries.

Series 1: Personal Papers, 1934-1998

- Subseries 1: Correspondence, 1937-1997 (arranged chronologically)

- Subseries 2: Writings, 1969-1994 (arranged by format)

- Subseries 3: Performances, 1944-1995 (arranged chronologically)

- Subseries 4: Subject Files, circa 1960-1994 (arranged alphabetically within subject type)

- Subseries 5: Concerts and Programs, 1961-1998 (arranged alphabetically by name of venue or group)

- Subseries 6: Media Publications, 1934-1997 (arranged chronologically within organization)

- Subseries 7: Personal, undated

Series 2: National Association of Negro Musicians, 1929-1997 (arranged by type of materials)

Series 3: Chicago Music Association, 1942-2001 (arranged by type of materials)

Series 4: Photographs, undated (arranged alphabetically by surname)

Series 5: Sheet Music, undated (arranged alphabetically by composer)

Series 6: Realia, undated

Theodore Charles Stone (1912-1998) was a Chicago-based opera singer and journalist who served as president of both the National Association of Negro Musicians and Chicago Music Association. The Theodore Charles Stone papers span from 1929-2001 and provide insight into the African American operatic music scene throughout the 20^th century. Material includes programs, flyers, invitations to concerts and performances, subject and research files on musicians and organizations, funeral programs and obituaries for Chicago musicians, articles written by Stone, material originating from the National Association of Negro Musicians and the Chicago Music Association, photographs and sheet music.

Stone, Theodore Charles (1912-1998)

Theodore Charles Stone (1912-1998) was a Chicago-based performer and journalist who worked with the National Association of Negro Musicians and Chicago Music Association to provide opportunities for African American musicians to perform. Stone was born on November 18, 1912 in Gainsville, Texas, and attended Samuel Huston College in Houston, Texas, before relocating to Chicago to attend the Chicago Musical College. Stone was awarded a scholarship to the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, Finland, and as the first African American to study there, he earned a certificate in Performing Arts and Opera, Concert Repertoire. Stone spent much of the 1940s and 1950s giving recitals across the United States before beginning a career as a music journalist. He wrote for the Chicago Bee, the Pittsburg Courier, the Chicago Defender, the Metropolitan Post, and the Chicago Crusader. Stone served as president of the Chicago Music Association, the first branch of the NANM, from 1954-1996.