Scope and arrangement
The Joe Reisman Scores consist of 84.4 linear feet of material dating from 1945 to 1986. Most of the collection consists of scores and parts Reisman (and occasionally others) arranged and sometimes composed for recording artists on the RCA Victor and Roulette record labels, and in a few cases for outside contractors. The collection most thoroughly documents the work done for Henry Mancini, Patti Page and Reisman himself, but arrangements for many other artists are also present, including those for Sarah Vaughan, Perry Como, Sam Donahue, John Gary, Lorne Greene, Lena Horne, Jack Jones, Julius La Rosa, Ann Margret, Lou Monte, Rouvaun, Andre Previn, Doc Severinsen, Ralph Seijo, Billy Sherrill, Claude Thornhill, June Valli and Bobby Vinton. The collection also contains a small amount of correspondence, biographical material and photographs.
The Joe Reisman scores are arranged in three series:
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1951 - 1986 and undated118 boxes
This series contains lead sheets, sketches, scores, and parts that Reisman and other arrangers and composers produced for recording artists on the RCA and Roulette record labels, the Reader’s Digest magazine label, and for various publishing, television and theatrical projects undertaken by Reisman or his clients. Almost all of the arrangements are unpublished. Portions of this series have sustained varying degrees of water damage. Within the container list, “sketches” refers to a basic map Reisman tended to make for his arrangements. “Conductor scores” refers to reduction scores that were used by the conductor on the studio floor and by the producer in the control booth. Instrumentation of the arrangements are noted only when full scores are present. Within instrumentation lists, “rhythm section” denotes piano, bass and drums (and, sometimes, guitar as well), and “jazz big band” denotes an ensemble of 4 or 5 saxophones, 4 trumpets, 4 trombones and rhythm section. “Full orchestra” denotes an ensemble with at least complete string, woodwind and brass sections; further added instruments are noted. Unless noted otherwise, all arrangements are by (or presumed to be by) Reisman. Composers are noted when determinable.
Sub-series 1: Reisman Clients, 1951 - 1986 and undated Sub-series 2: Special Recording Projects, 1963 and undated Sub-series 3: Reisman Personal Projects, 1956 - 1976 and undated Sub-series 4: Unspecified Projects, 1959 - 1976 and undated Sub-series 5: Oversized Scores, 1957 - 1981 and undated -
1945 - 1986 and undated2 boxes
This series contains all non-score material, with the exception of photographs. It includes paperwork regarding individual artists and projects, inter-office and personal correspondence, Reisman biographical material and ephemera.
Sub-series 1: Recording Project/Artist documentation, 1953 - 1986 and undated Sub-series 2: Correspondence, 1945 - 1986 and undated Sub-series 3: Biographical Material, ca. 1949 - 1983 and undated -
ca. 1949 - 1982 and undated1 box
This series contains photographs of Joe Reisman, in both portraits and in candid pictures at work with various artists, and of recording artists and industry executives. Some photos are autographed or contain identifying notes on the back.
Sub-series 1: Joe Reisman, ca. 1949 - 1982 and undated Sub-series 2: Musicians and Entertainers, ca. 1955 - 1977 and undated