Benny Carter Collection, 1928-2000, Archives Center, National Museum of American History.
Reproduction restricted due to copyright.
Collection processed by Austin Arminio (intern), Will Crafton, Sara Cromwell, Courtney Egan, Thomas Espe (intern), Alexandra Henry (intern), Lesley Hill (intern), Pam Kirby, Nic Netzel, Ben Pubols, Scott Schwartz (archivist), Evelyn Strope (intern), and Charissa Threat.
Bennett Lester Carter, better known as "Benny," was born on August 8, 1907 in New York City. The Carter's were quite a musical family - - Benny's father played guitar, his mother played piano, and a cousin, Theodore ("Cuban") Bennett, played the trumpet professionally - - so it was no surprise that Benny also became a musician, beginning his musical training at the age of ten. He first played the trumpet and then C-melody saxophone before changing to alto saxophone, which became his chief instrument.
Benny Carter began his professional career around the young age of seventeen, when he joined a local group as an alto saxophonist. He subsequently played with various other groups, including Billy Paige and Louis Deppe, until attending Wilberforce College in Ohio to study seminary in 1925. Finding music more enticing than theology, Carter left college and instead toured with Horace Henderson's Wilberforce Collegians intermittently between 1925 and 1928.
Carter's musical talents began attracting widespread attention in 1930 during a year-long stint with Fletcher Henderson's orchestra, to which he contributed many important arrangements. As word of his talent continued to spread, Carter played with such notables as William "Chick" Webb (1931) and served as musical director of William McKinney's Cotton Pickers (1931-1932) in Detroit. Upon returning to New York in 1932, Carter formed his own highly-respected orchestra. In its two years of existence, the Benny Carter Orchestra included several major pioneers in early swing style, such as Bill Coleman, Dicky Wells, Ben Webster, Chu Berry, Teddy Wilson, and Sid Catlett. Months after playing the inaugural show in New York City at Harlem's Apollo Theater in 1934, Carter disbanded the orchestra and, one year later, sailed to Europe to spread jazz across the globe.
After arriving in Europe, Carter first performed with Willie Lewis in Paris, France, and then, during 1936 -1938, served as staff arranger for the BBC Dance Orchestra in London, England. As he continued to tour throughout his stay in Europe (even leading his own interracial band in the Netherlands in 1937), he met with even greater success than in the United States. By this point, Carter was well-known for his arrangements and for his alto saxophone and clarinet playing. He was also recognized for his talented singing and tenor saxophone, trumpet, and piano playing.
In 1938, Carter sailed back to the United States and formed a new orchestra which regularly played at Harlem's Savoy Theater until 1940. He toured the United States during the next few years, both with small groups and with his big band, finally settling in Los Angeles in 1945. There he continued to lead his band (band members included modern jazz greats such as Miles Davis and J. J. Johnson), but turned increasingly to writing and arranging music for films and television productions. His film scores include Stormy Weather (1943), A Man Called Adam (1966), Red Sky at Morning(1970), and Buck and the Preacher (1972). "Ironside," "Bob Hope Presents," and the Alfred Hitchcock show were among the television programs for which he wrote music.
Carter had stopped performing with a regular orchestra by 1946, but he remained active up through the 1960s both by playing at Norman Granz's Jazz at the Philharmonic shows and with Duke Ellington, among others. He also continued to arrange music for various singers, including Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Charles, Peggy Lee, and Louis Armstrong. During the 1970s he began performing again, touring in Europe, Asia and Australia; in 1976 he toured the Middle East under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of State. Carter also became involved with academia, serving as visiting professor or workshop consultant at universities such as Yale, Cornell, Princeton, and Duke. He remained active in the music business well into the 1990s and still resides in California.
Benny Carter is regarded as "one of the most versatile musicians of his time." As a musician, he made major contributions to several areas of jazz and, as an arranger, he helped to construct the big-band swing style. He has received many awards throughout his career. The more prestigious honors included a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences and a 1994 Grammy Award for the album "Elegy in Blue."
[2] J. Bradford Robinson, "John Kirby," The New Grove Dictionary of Jazz, vol 1, 1986: 653-54.
The collection is organized into six series
Series 1: Music Manuscripts, 1928-1990s
Series 2: Newspaper Clippings and Magazine Clippings, 1928-2000
Series 3: Photographs, 1928-1998
Series 4: Awards and Proclamations, 1961-1999
Series 5: Sound Recordings, 1958-1989
Series 6: Ephemera, 1952-2000
Series 7: 2004 Photographs Addenda
Series 8: 2004 Ephemera Addenda
Series 9: 2004 Magazine and Newsclippings Addenda
Series 10: 2004 Awards and Proclamations Addenda
The majority of the material in the Benny Carter Collection is dated from the late 1920s through the later half of the 1990s. Donated to the Smithsonian Institution in December, 2000, the bulk of the collection is comprised of original music manuscripts (full scores and parts), band books, and published sheet music from Benny Carter's prolific career as a jazz composer and musician. The collection also contains newspaper clippings, correspondence, photographs, scrapbooks, awards, posters, commercial sound recordings, a few jazz related journals and some personal ephemera documenting Benny Carter's personal life and career as a composer, arranger, bandleader, trumpeter and alto saxophonist.
The Benny Carter Collection was donated by Bennett Carter in December 2000.
Collection is open for research.
Approximately 26 cubic feet of material was received in 2004 by Hilma Carter.
This series consists of original music scores and parts and published music either created or used by Benny Carter during his career as a jazz musician, composer, arranger and band leader.
Subseries 1.1 includes Full scores, piano scores and parts arranged and composed by Benny Carter and others, including Bob Graettinger, Frank Comstock, Frank Nelson, and Dave Appell. Music is arranged alphabetically by tune title. The exceptions are sets of music written for specific musicians: Irma Curry, Lou Rawls, and Sarah Vaughan. These are filed by the musician's last name. Included in bold is the material we have for each tune: FS-Full Score, PS-Piano Score, and P-Parts. "See also" denotes a cross-reference with another subseries.
Body and Soul (P)
Crazy Rhythm (P)
Honeysuckle Rose (FS)
Stormy Weather (P)
Sweet Georgia Brown (Arr. by Frank Comstock, PS & P)
Subseries 1.2 contains scores Benny Carter composed for television and film productions, including The Mod Squad,The Chrysler Theatre, Ironside,a Louis Armstrong biography and Buck and the Preacher. Arranged alphabetically by title, and by production number within each title. When the title for a television or film production could not be identified, it was labeled as Untitled. When several pieces for a single television production number were originally foldered together and labeled with that number the arrangement was maintained. Otherwise individual pieces for the same production number were foldered separately. Buck and the Preacher folder labels include initials as they appeared on the outside of their original folders
Mood Music, Keith Prowse Library
Subseries 1.3 consists of three different Carter Band Books. Arranged by instrument and alphabetically within each band book.
Subseries 1.4 includes materials arranged by instrument and alphabetically within each band book. Born in 1908, Kirby began his musical career in New York playing the trombone. After this instrument was stolen he settled on the tuba and soon afterwards played the string bass. In 1930 he joined Fletcher Henderson and later joined Chick Webb. In 1937 he formed his own band and earned residency at New York's Onyx Club. At a time when the Big Band Orchestra dominated the swing scene, Kirby settled on a six-piece band. The popularity of his Sextet, known as The Biggest Little Band In The Land, later became the measurement for all future sextets. Kirby's group disbanded at the onset of World War II and was reformed after the war but never achieved the popularity of the pre-war period. While planning his comeback in June 1952, John Kirby died at age 44.
Subseries 1.5 contains published music, including a personal library of various tune titles and individual pieces of published music. Arranged by title after the listing of the library.
When Lights Are Low (book - various songs)
Subseries 1.6 includes a short biography of Pierre de Caillaux, accompanied by a set of his own tunes that he gave to Benny Carter.
All through the Night; Anything Goes; Buddie Beware, Waltz Down the Aisle, You're the Top
Take a Walk; Echoes?
Bright Future
The Clyde; A Little at a Time
D.N.
Vine Street Rumble; Katy Do; Sunset Glow
Clippings from national and international publications document Carter=s life through the eye of the mass media. In addition, the series contains three scrapbooks. The material is arranged into three subseries. Subseries 2.2 consists of newspaper clippings, reviews and profiles of Benny Carter. Subseries 2.2 consists of programs, brochures and advertisements. There is also extensive information about Benny Carter=s State Department and Middle East tours. Subseries 2.3 contains national and international publications about Benny Carter.
1934
1935
1945
1951
1968
1977
Undated
1936
1940
1952
1960
Jazz at the Philharmonic / ...19 November 19 1960 - Scheveningen - Amsterdam [Netherlands] [Black & white concert progrram.]
AC0757-0000007.tif (AC Scan No.: front cover)
Box No. 122.
Unrestricted research access on site by appointment. Gloves required with unprotected photographs.
Cover lists performers: Carter, Cannonball Adderly, Dizzy Gillespie, J.J. Johnson, Coleman Hawkins, Stan Getz, Roy Eldridge.
Included in Archives Center Jazz Appreciation Month display, April 1-May 31, 2010, "Jazz at the Philharmonic--Bringing Jazz to the World," curated by Wendy Shay.
Jazz at the Philharmonic [in Japan], [single-sheet undated program].
AC0757-0000009.tif (AC Scan No.)
Unrestricted research access on site by appointment. Gloves required with unprotected photographs.
Prnted in red, black and white.
Included in Archives Center Jazz Appreciation Month display, April 1-May 31, 2010, "Jazz at the Philharmonic--Bringing Jazz to the World," curated by Wendy Shay.
1983
Kyocera presents Norman Granz' J.A.T.P. '83. [color program booklet].
AC0757-0000008.tif (AC Scan No.: front cover)
Unrestricted research access on site by appointment. Gloves required with unprotected photographs.
1983.
Included in Archives Center Jazz Appreciation Month display, April 1-May 31, 2010, "Jazz at the Philharmonic--Bringing Jazz to the World," curated by Wendy Shay.
Photographs spanning Benny Carter's professional career from 1928 to 1998. The photographs are arranged by the categories: Band Performing, Benny Performing, Benny with Presidents, Candids of Benny Alone, Candids with Friends and Family, Dizzy Gillespie and Benny, Domestic Festivals and Events, International Tours and Festivals, Movie Scenes, Photobook B Family, Publicity Photos of Friends, Photobook B 1928-1949, Photobook B 1950-1970, Photobook B 1970-1975, Photobook 1975 B 1980, Photocopies of Photographs, Portraits of Benny, Pro-shots and Autographs of Celebrities, Recording Sessions and Rehearsals, and Sketches. The photobooks were originally assembled by Mr. and Mrs. Carter, but they have been re-housed in mylar sleeves to insure their long-term preservation. The original order of these images is maintained.
1939-1987
undated
[Group photograph, Jazz at the Philharmonic concert tour, Amsterdam, Netherlands, November 18, 1966.] [Black-and-white photoprint].
AC0757-0000010.tif (AC Scan No.)
Unrestricted research access on site by appointment. Gloves required with unprotected photographs.
Musicians standing together at airport with luggage, instruments, etc. Left to right: Webster, Dizzy Gillespie, Bob Cranshaw, James Moody, T. Wilson, second row: Sims, Benny Carter, Louis Bellson, Coleman Hawkins, Don Byas?, T. Bone Walker. Sitting: Clark Terry.Photographer unidentified.
Included in Archives Center Jazz Appreciation Month display, April 1-May 31, 2010, "Jazz at the Philharmonic--Bringing Jazz to the World," curated by Wendy Shay.
1986-1993
c.1975-1993
Benny with Presidents 1978
[Benny Carter shaking hands with President Jimmy Carter on the White House grounds : color photoprint, autographed].
01075721.tif (AC Scan)
Dye on paper.
In Series 3, Box 1, Folder 8.
Unrestricted research use on site by appointment. Photographs must be handled with cotton gloves unless protected by sleeves.
Inscription on photograph is "To Benny Carter" and signed "Jimmy Carter"; photographer unidentified.
Candids - Benny with Friends and Family c.1945-1998
1990
1984-1989
1990-1991
undated
[Dizzy Gillespie and Benny Carter aboard SS Norway: color photoprint,] 1988.
AC0757.0000001.tif (AC Scan, Front)
Dye on paper.
Handwritten note on verso: "Oct. 88 on SS Norway." Verso also contains text: "Photograph by Hank O'Neal 830 Broadway New York, New York 10003."
Shown in exhibition "Jazz Photographs: Composed and Improvised," Archives Center display cases, National Museum of American History, March 28-May 10, 2005.
Awards 1974-1988
United Kingdom 1936
Australia 1960
France 1976
State Dept. Mid-East Tour 1976 (photobook pgs. 1-15)
State Dept. Mid-East Tour 1976 (photobook pgs. 32-47)
Brazil 1978
Japan 1980
Switzerland 1980
Japan 1981
Netherlands 1989
Movie Scenes 1943
Photobook Family, Publicity Photos of Friends (pgs. 1-10)
Photobook Family, Publicity Photos of Friends (pgs. 11-21)
Photobook Family, Publicity Photos of Friends (pgs. 33-43)
Photobook 1928-1949 (pgs. 1-15)
Photobook 1928-1949 (pgs. 16-31)
Photobook 1928-1949 (pgs. 32-47)
Photobook 1928-1949 (pgs. 48-63)
Photobook 1928-1949 (pgs. 64-79)
Photobook 1950-1970 (pgs. 16-31)
Photobook 1950-1970 (pgs. 32-47)
Jazz at the Philharmonic in Japan, 1953. [Black-and-white photoprint.]
AC0757-0000005.tif (AC Scan No.)
Unrestricted research access on site by appointment. Gloves required with unprotected photographs.
Many of the JATP members are carrying flowers.
Included in Archives Center Jazz Appreciation Month display, April 1-May 31, 2010, "Jazz at the Philharmonic--Bringing Jazz to the World," curated by Wendy Shay.
Arrival in Tokyo, Japan for Jazz at the Philharmonic tour, 1953. In the rear seat of the car, Benny Carter and Charlie Shavers. In the front middle seat, Ray Brown. [Black-and-white photoprint.]
AC0757-0000006.tif (AC Scan No.)
Unrestricted research access on site by appointment. Gloves required with unprotected photographs.
High view into convertible car, showing occupants and surrounding crowd.
Included in Archives Center Jazz Appreciation Month display, April 1-May 31, 2010, "Jazz at the Philharmonic--Bringing Jazz to the World," curated by Wendy Shay.
Photobook 1950-1970 (pgs. 75-90)
Benny Carter, Coleman Hawkins, and John Levy in camera shop, Frankfurt, Germany, 1961 [black and white photoprint].
AC0757-0000011.tif (AC Scan No.)
Unrestricted research access on site by appointment. Gloves required with unprotected photographs.
Musicians all wear hats and overcoats, 1961.
Included in Archives Center Jazz Appreciation Month display, April 1-May 31, 2010, "Jazz at the Philharmonic--Bringing Jazz to the World," curated by Wendy Shay.
Benny Carter, 1961 [black-and-white photoprint].
AC0757-0000012.tif (AC Scan No.)
Unrestricted research access on site by appointment. Gloves required with unprotected photographs.
Closeup of subject, wearing hat, seated in vehicle, 1961.
Included in Archives Center Jazz Appreciation Month display, April 1-May 31, 2010, "Jazz at the Philharmonic--Bringing Jazz to the World," curated by Wendy Shay.
Benny Carter and Ray Brown, Jazz at the Philharmonic tour, Rome, 1961 [black and white photoprint].
AC0757-0000013.tif (AC Scan No.)
Unrestricted research access on site by appointment. Gloves required with unprotected photographs.
1961. Both wear hats and overcoats. Deckle-edged print.
Included in Archives Center Jazz Appreciation Month display, April 1-May 31, 2010, "Jazz at the Philharmonic--Bringing Jazz to the World," curated by Wendy Shay.
c.1950-1991
Pro-shots and Autographs of Celebrities c.1935-1994
1985-1986
1988-1989
1991-1996
1997
Lois Peterman Recording Sessions: undated
Sketches 1977-1993
This series consists of three boxes of framed and unframed awards and proclamations presented to Benny Carter in honor of his accomplishments, as well as correspondence regarding awards and proclamations. Among them are the James Smithson award, achievement awards from the National Academy of the Recording Arts and Sciences, several proclamations from the City of Los Angeles and the City of New York, and Grammy nominations. Arranged chronologically by date.Series 4: Awards and Proclamations, 1949-1999Boxes 132- 135
Smithsonian Institution: James Smithson Medal, 11/30/90
Osaka Blue Note Award: Warmest Appreciation, framed, 09/09-16/91
Charlin Jazz Society: Satchmo Award, 10/31/92
NARAS: President's Merit Award, 02/23/96
This series consists of eighteen LPs, three multi-disc sets and fourteen 45rpm (four of which are duplicates) recordings of Benny Carter's music. The recorded material includes Carter=s music from the 1940s to the 1980s. It also documents the jazz greats, such as Dizzy Gillespie, Red Norvo and Nat Adderly, with whom Carter recorded. They include commercially available recordings and compilations, as well as recordings that were not produced for commercial publication (e.g., the 1973 rough-dub copy of Satin Latin). Arranged Alphabetically by title. Finding aid notes date, record label and format of recording.
Access to original recordings is restricted.
This series consists of four boxes and one oversized folder containing correspondence, postcards, and a guest book from Carter's 80th birthday party. Also includes Posters and Printed Publications. Arranged alphabetically by type of material and then chronologically.
General correspondence
Correspondence regarding awards
Business records
Benny Carter and Jon Hendricks at the Meadows Playhouse, Las Vegas, NV, undated (3 copies)
80th birthday congratulatory booklet
Ella Fitzgerald tributes
Dye on paper.
Verso contains handwritten notes: "B.C.--Dizzy--Louis" and "Paul Blair--Photos--VDA."
Shown in exhibition "Jazz Photographs: Composed and Improvised," Archives Center display cases, National Museum of American History, March 28-May 10, 2005.
Dye on paper.
Verso contains handwritten notes: "B.C.--Dizzy--Louis--Tommy--J.J.J." and "Paul Blair--Photos--VDA."
Shown in exhibition "Jazz Photographs: Composed and Improvised," Archives Center display cases, National Museum of American History, March 28-May 10, 2005.