Subseries III.A. Scrapbooks

id
1676756
level (num)
2
level (text)
subseries
identifier (local_mss)
3363983
max depth
1
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created
2022-06-14 15:52:42 UTC
updated
2024-09-20 16:45:59 UTC

Description data TOP

unitid
{"value"=>"3363983", "type"=>"local_mss"}
unitdate
{"value"=>"1927-1979", "type"=>"inclusive", "normal"=>"1927/1979"}
unittitle
{"value"=>"Subseries III.A. Scrapbooks"}
scopecontent
{"value"=>"<p>Subseries III.A. contains twenty-five scrapbooks of news clippings that extensively document Belafonte's life and career from 1946 to 1979, with emphasis on the 1950s and 1960s. Scrapbooks are compiled by year (or years), and cover such milestones as Belafonte's tenure at the American Negro Theatre; his breakthrough <span class=\"title\">Calypso</span> album; <span class=\"title\">Tonight with Belafonte</span>; his close involvement with the Civil Rights Movement; and national and international concert tours. There is also a scrapbook containing an issue of <span class=\"title\">The New York Times</span> from March 1, 1927, Belafonte's date of birth. The scrapbooks are complemented by clippings in Subseries III.B., which chiefly focus on Belafonte's career from the 1980s forward.</p> <p>The scrapbooks hold clippings of news articles, reviews, profiles, announcements, and advertisements from a wide variety of publications. Occasional programs, photographs, and telegrams are also included. Each scrapbook typically contains a chronological index on the first page, listing the topics covered therein.</p> <p>Scrapbooks cover every year from 1946 to 1979, with the exception of 1975. Nearly all of Belafonte's public activity during these years, from live performances and album releases, to acting and television appearances, to political engagement and speeches, are documented by clippings. A few scrapbooks are organized by subject; these include two Japan tours, a benefit concert for Martin Luther King, Jr. in Sweden, and Belafonte Folk Singers coverage.</p> <p>Of special note is the 1946 to 1955 scrapbook, which documents Belafonte's early acting career at the American Negro Theatre, his Broadway debut, recording for the Royal Roost label, subsequent signing to RCA, and first film roles in <span class=\"title\">Bright Road</span> and <span class=\"title\">Carmen Jones</span>. The 1956 and 1957 to 1958 scrapbooks detail the popularity of Belafonte's <span class=\"title\">Calypso</span> album and the subsequent \"calypso craze.\"</p> <p>Belafonte's continued career as an internationally recognized entertainer, as well as his close involvement with the Civil Rights Movement, is revealed in the 1960s scrapbooks. The 1961 to 1962 scrapbook documents Belafonte's performance at President John F. Kennedy's inauguration gala and appointment as a cultural advisor to the Peace Corps. The 1963 to 1964 scrapbook illustrates his role in helping organize the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. In the 1966 and 1967 scrapbooks, Belafonte's engagement with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and fundraising for Martin Luther King, Jr. is detailed. The 1968 scrapbook contains extensive clippings about Belafonte's week hosting <span class=\"title\">The Tonight Show</span> and the Petula Clark special, the latter of which caused controversy for Clark touching Belafonte's arm on live television.</p> <p>The 1970s scrapbooks are less comprehensive than those of the 1950s and 1960s. They largely chronicle Belafonte's North American tours.</p>"}
note
{"value"=>"Some of the scrapbooks are fragile with loose, brittle clippings and damaged binding. In addition, pages in some scrapbooks are visibly missing clippings. It is encouraged that scrapbooks be handled with extra care."}
date_start
1927
keydate
1927
date_end
1979
date_inclusive_start
1927
date_inclusive_end
1979

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  1. The New York Times
  2. 1946-1955
  3. 1955 May-December
  4. 1956
  5. 1956 February-June
  6. 1957 January-April
  7. 1957-1958
  8. 1958
  9. 1959
  10. Tonight with Belafonte
  11. Japan
  12. 1960-1961
  13. The Belafonte Folk Singers
  14. 1961-1962
  15. 1963-1964
  16. 1965
  17. 1966
  18. Sweden
  19. 1967
  20. 1968
  21. 1969-1972
  22. 1976
  23. 1977-1978
  24. Japan
  25. Treasures Collected