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Creator
Irving, Val
Call number
*T-Mss 2006-030
Physical description
.5 linear feet (2 boxes)
Preferred Citation

Val Irving papers, *T-Mss 2006-030. Billy Rose Theatre Division, The New York Public Library

Repository
Billy Rose Theatre Division
Access to materials
Request an in-person research appointment.

Val Irving (circa 1909-1995) was a vocalist and artist manager. The Val Irving papers, dating from 1928 to 1987, document Irving's performance and management careers through photographs and clippings.

Biographical/historical information

Val Irving (circa 1909-1995) was a vocalist and vaudeville performer from childhood. He was part of the trio of Clayton, Jackson and Irving before Jimmy Durante replaced him. After retiring from performing, Irving became an artist manager; his best-known clients were Audrey Meadows, Robert Merrill, Peggy Lee, and Eddie Fisher. Irving's brother was Jack Kelly, a pianist.

Scope and arrangement

The Val Irving papers, dating from 1928 to 1987, document Irving's performance and management careers through photographs and clippings.

Photographs comprise the bulk of the collection. They include prints of Irving with Lou Clayton and Eddie Jackson; Audrey Meadows; Jack Kelly; Rocky Marciano; Ed Sullivan, Robert Merrill; Jack E. Leonard; and Johnny Desmond. Also present are autographed prints of Bob Hope and Steve Allen. Later photographs (1970s – 1987) are informal shots of Irving with his family, and include prints with the pianist Bill Charlap. The photographs also contain publicity prints from the Associated Booking Corporation. These include images of Little Richard, Jackie "Moms" Mabley, Dr. John, David Peel, Pierre Lorenzi, and the bands Golden Earring, Spooky Tooth, and NRBQ.

The clippings date from 1928-1971 and mostly cover Irving's managerial career.

Arrangement

The collection is arranged by format.

Administrative information

Source of acquisition

Donated by Carole Blum.

Processing information

Compiled by Matthew Snyder, 2015

Using the collection

Location

Billy Rose Theatre 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

Conditions Governing Use

The author/creator retains copyright of materials. For information on obtaining permission to publish, contact the Theatre Division at theatre@nypl.org.