Scope and arrangement
This collection consists, for the most part, of biographical material, Hayward's writings, memorabilia from his acting career, and partitions for various songs arranged by or for the artist.
Leonard Hayward was a stage actor and a dramatic baritone who sang in operas, nightclubs, religious choirs, musicals, and television shows. This collection consists, for the most part, of biographical material, Hayward's writings, memorabilia from his acting career, and partitions for various songs arranged by or for the artist.
Born of humble circumstances in Alexandria, Louisiana, in 1934, Leonard Hayward was a stage actor and a dramatic baritone who sang in operas (Aida, La Traviata), nightclubs, and religious choirs. Theater Inc. in Houston cast him as Joe in a 1957 production of the musical Show Boat, a part that he continued to play in various venues until 1974. He appeared on Broadway in Porgy and Bess, House Party, and Lost in the Stars. He was featured in television and radio commercials, and among other occupations was a voice teacher, an inventor, a private detective, and a writer. In 1974, he patented a cigarette holder he invented to help people quit smoking. His writing efforts include: a how-to book, An Easy Step-by-Step Guide to Singing with Your Eyes Open (1974); a playscript, Forty-Eight Plus Two (1984); a screenplay, Breaking Bread with the Devil (n.d.); and an unfinished novel, "White No More". He also owned and operated a laundromat, a fish store, and a building maintenance business. He died in 2001.
This collection consists, for the most part, of biographical material, Hayward's writings, memorabilia from his acting career, and partitions for various songs arranged by or for the artist.
Salvaged from apartment following Hayward's death by Jonathan Brahms, Ocotober 2001.
Accessioned by Andre Elizee, October 2001.
Transferred to the Art and Artifacts Division: advertising panel
Transferred to the Moving Image and Recorded Sound Division: audio material. For more information, please contact the division at schomburgaudiovisual@nypl.org or 212-491-2270.
Transferred to the Photographs and Prints Divison: photographs