Les Brown Scores collection, circa 1944-1953 and undated

Using These Materials Teaser

Using These Materials Links:

Using These Materials

Restrictions:
Collection is open for research. Researchers must register and agree to copyright and privacy laws before using this collection. All or portions of this collection may be housed off-site in Duke...
More about accessing and using these materials...

Summary

Creator:
Brown, Les, 1912-2001
Abstract:
Les Brown (1912-2001) was a 1936 graduate of Duke University, where he led the dance band the Duke Blue Devils. Under the name Les Brown and His Band of Renown, the band would achieve professional success in the 1940s and beyond, including a long tenure as Bob Hope's band. The Les Brown Scores Collection chiefly contains manuscripts of 329 jazz big band charts composed and/or arranged for Brown's band, the majority of which are undated, but with some dated between 1944 and 1953. While some charts comprise both a score and complete parts, most are either the score only or incomplete parts only. One additional folder contains a concert program and press clippings related to Brown's performance at Duke University in 1985.
Extent:
12.5 Linear Feet
9000 Items
Language:
Material in English
Collection ID:
RL.00164

Background

Scope and content:

The Les Brown Scores Collection (chiefly undated, but some dated between 1944 and 1953) has as its focal point manuscripts of 329 jazz big band charts composed and/or arranged for Brown's band. While some charts comprise both a score and complete parts, most are either the score only or incomplete parts only. One additional folder contains a concert program and press clippings related to Brown's performance at Duke University in 1985. The collection is arranged alphabetically by chart title.

Biographical / historical:

Les (Lester Raymond) Brown (born Reinerton, Penn., 14 March 1912; died Los Angeles, 4 Jan 2001) was a 1936 graduate of Duke University. There he led his first dance band, the Duke Blue Devils, for which he also played clarinet and saxophone. The band would go on to professional fame in the 1940s under the name Les Brown and His Band of Renown. During that decade Brown had several hit songs, most notably "Sentimental Journey" (1944) and "I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm" (1946). He performed extensively with Bob Hope and led the house bands for "The Steve Allen Show" (1959-1961) and "The Dean Martin Show" (1963-1972). In 1993-1994 Brown received a Distinguished Alumni Award from Duke University.

Acquisition information:
The Les Brown Scores Collection was received by the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book Manuscript Library as a gift in 1977.
Processing information:

Processed by Jeremy Smith, September 2008

Encoded by Jeremy Smith, September 2008

Accession from 1977 is described in this finding aid.

Physical location:
For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the Library's online catalog.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Contents

Using These Materials

Using These Materials Links:

Using These Materials

Restrictions:

Collection is open for research.

Researchers must register and agree to copyright and privacy laws before using this collection.

All or portions of this collection may be housed off-site in Duke University's Library Service Center. The library may require up to 48 hours to retrieve these materials for research use.

Please contact Research Services staff before visiting the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library to use this collection.

Terms of access:

The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to Duke University. For more information, consult the copyright section of the Regulations and Procedures of the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library.

Before you visit:
Please consult our up-to-date information for visitors page, as our services and guidelines periodically change.
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Les Brown Scores Collection, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University