Roland Hayes Papers
Collection — Container: MS 5064
Call Number: MS 5064
Scope and Contents
This collection contains nine letters dating from 1922-1971 that document Roland Hayes’s friendship and business relationship with Kate Seaman and several other correspondents. Hayes was one of the first African-American singers to gain national and international fame, specializing in classical songs as well African-American spirituals. Topics include his public performances and plans for production and distribution of recordings. Also included are two photographs.
Five letters are addressed to Kate Seaman, singer and president of Record Hunter retail chain. These letters discuss performances given by both Seaman and Hayes, as well as an offer from Record Hunter to produce and distribute recordings of Hayes’ music. Other recipients include Mr. Bull, Mr. Marshall, Arthur Knight, and Jerome Maggid, Record Hunter’s General Manager. These letters discuss programs for his concerts, mentioning songs such as Douglas Stewart’s “West Wind,” and “O Sleep Why Dost Thou Leave Me” from Handel’s Semele, in addition to the dates and locations of these performances. Also included are further discussions of his recordings for Record Hunter.
Five letters are addressed to Kate Seaman, singer and president of Record Hunter retail chain. These letters discuss performances given by both Seaman and Hayes, as well as an offer from Record Hunter to produce and distribute recordings of Hayes’ music. Other recipients include Mr. Bull, Mr. Marshall, Arthur Knight, and Jerome Maggid, Record Hunter’s General Manager. These letters discuss programs for his concerts, mentioning songs such as Douglas Stewart’s “West Wind,” and “O Sleep Why Dost Thou Leave Me” from Handel’s Semele, in addition to the dates and locations of these performances. Also included are further discussions of his recordings for Record Hunter.
Dates
- 1922-1971
Creator
- Hayes, Roland (Person)
Conditions Governing Access
Collection is open for research.
Conditions Governing Use
Items in this collection may be subject to copyright restrictions. The Boston Public Library does not hold copyright on the material in this collection. Researchers are responsible for identifying and contacting the persons or organizations that hold copyright.
When reproducing material from this collection please include the credit line "Courtesy of the Trustees of the Boston Public Library/ Rare Books."
When reproducing material from this collection please include the credit line "Courtesy of the Trustees of the Boston Public Library/ Rare Books."
Extent
11.00 Items (9 letters and 2 photographs)
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
This collection contains nine letters dating from 1922-1971 that document Roland Hayes’s (1887-1977) friendship and business relationship with Kate Seaman and several other correspondents. Hayes was one of the first African-American singers to gain national and international fame, specializing in classical songs as well African- American spirituals. Topics include his public performances and plans for production and distribution of recordings. Also included are two photographs.
Arrangement Note
Arranged chronologically, with photographs at the end.
Method of Acquisition
Purchased from J & J Lubrano Music Antiquarians, November 2010.
Processing Information
Finding aid written by Lauren Pey, November 2010.
Creator
- Hayes, Roland (Person)
- Title
- Roland Hayes Papers
- Date
- 10/21/2011
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
About this library
Part of the Boston Public Library Archives & Special Collections Repository
