Loading...
Creator
Russell, Arthur
Call number
JPB 24-4
Physical description
7 audio recordings
Language
English
Preferred Citation
Arthur Russell tapes from Rough Trade Records, JPB 24-4. Music Division, The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts
Repository
Music Division
Access to materials
Request an in-person research appointment.Restrictions apply

Arthur Russell (1951-1992) was a multi-genre singer-songwriter, cellist, and record producer. Rough Trade Records is an independent record label based in London, England, formed by Geoff Travis in 1976. The Arthur Russell tapes from Rough Trade Records collection consists of seven cassette tapes sent by Russell to the label documenting works-in-progress and various mixes of songs.

Biographical/historical information

Arthur Russell (1951-1992) was a multi-genre singer-songwriter, musician, and producer associated with the avant-garde music scene in New York City throughout the 1970s and 1980s. His instrument of choice was the cello, which he began playing as a child in Oskaloosa, Iowa. His music has been described as new wave, folk, disco, and experimental. Arthur Russell died of AIDS-related complications in 1992.

Rough Trade Records is an independent record label based in London, England, formed by Geoff Travis in 1976. The label was at the forefront of the punk movement before branching off into other genres including post-punk, alternative rock, indie pop, and electronic. During his lifetime, Arthur Russell releases on the label included the single "Lets Go Swimming" (1986) and the World of Echo LP (1986). Posthumous releases by Russell on Rough Trade include Calling Out Of Context (2004), Love Is Overtaking Me (2008), Corn (2015), Iowa Dream (2019), and Picture of Bunny Rabbit (2023).

Scope and arrangement

The Arthur Russell tapes from Rough Trade Records are comprised of seven cassette tapes assembled by Russell and sent to Geoff Travis, founder of Rough Trade Records. The tapes were works-in-progress, meant to demonstrate to the label what Russell was working on, with various mixes of songs.

The tapes are undated, but are from the late 1980s to early 1990s and represent in-progress work for an uncompleted album. Also present are recordings from World of Echo, Corn, 24>24 Music by Dinosaur L, The Necessaries, and various singles. Some recordings would eventually be released on posthumous albums and compilations.

The tapes are arranged in alphabetical order.

Administrative information

Source of acquisition

Donated by Steve Knutson in 2022.

Processing information

Processed by Christopher Arena in 2024.

Related Material

Arthur Russell papers, JPB 16-14. Music Division, The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts

Using the collection

Location

Music Division
New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center
40 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023-7498
Third Floor

Access restrictions

Inquiries regarding audio and video materials in the collection may be directed to the Rodgers and Hammerstein Archives of Recorded Sound (recordedsound@nypl.org). Audio and video materials will be subject to preservation evaluation and migration prior to access.