The collection focuses primarily on artists associated with mainstream jazz and the swing era. The interviews, which range from 30 to 120 minutes, reveal the learning processes employed by musicians prior to the establishment of jazz education programs and the realities of making a career in the jazz world. Those interviewed discuss stories of life on the road and in the New York City recording scene as well as race relations, past and present, in the jazz world and beyond. Anecdotes are woven throughout the interviews.
In addition to the jazz lore, there is a wealth of material illuminating American society in the 20th century," states Monk Rowe, the Joe Williams director of the Jazz Archive who has overseen the the collection since its 1995 inception. Stories about the Depression, World War II, spirituality and commitment to an art form aboundall first-hand accounts."
The Hamilton Jazz Archive was established by jazz fan and Hamilton alumnus Milt Fillius '44 who recognized the need to document the life stories of notable jazz figures. It is physically located on Hamilton College's campus and includes thousands of vintage recordings and scores of historic photos in addition to the audio and extended video interviews.
Interviews with Oscar Peterson, George Shearing, Clark Terry and Milt Hinton were conducted by jazz vocalist Joe Williams who was instrumental in establishing the reputation of the oral history project. Approximately one-third of those interviewed are now deceased.
The interview transcripts and audio recordings are online as part of the Hamilton College Library Digital Collection which is comprised of several other notable holdings including those related to the Civil War and to communal societies.
Hamilton College, a liberal arts college located four hours away from New York City in Upstate New York, is one of the nation's top liberal arts colleges. It is independent, highly selective, coeducational and residential. Originally founded in 1793 as the Hamilton-Oneida Academy, Hamilton is today comprised of approximately 1,800 diverse and talented students from nearly all 50 states and approximately 40 countries. More information can be found at www.hamilton.edu/about.