![double necked guitar [public domain]](../graphics/doubleneckedguitar.gif)
The Jerry Wexler Collection, a group of nearly 2000 recordings in the Morse
Department of Special Collections of the Kansas State University Libraries,
was donated in 1986 by alumnus Jerry Wexler, co-owner of Atlantic Records in
the 1950s. Wexler proposed using the now universal term "Rhythm and Blues" to
take the place of "race music."
![alto sax [public domain]](../graphics/altosaxophone.gif)
The core of the Wexler Collection consists of recordings from the mid-1960s
through the 1970s and into the mid-1980s and reflects the professional interests
of the donor. Predominant labels are Atlantic, Atco, ECM, ESP and Island and
include such notable performers as Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett, Ray Charles,
Big Joe Turner, Clyde McPhatter and the Drifters, and Bob Marley & the Wailers.
Along with the usual "Best of ..." and "Live ..." recordings, are other discs
with titles such as "Fluid Rustle" by Eberhard Weber; "Emerald Tears" by Dave
Holland; "Decay Music" of Michael Nyman; and "Gnu High" by Kenny Wheeler. Jazz
is represented by early recordings of the Modern Jazz Quartet and the Byron
Allen Trio as well as reissues of artists such as Charlie "Yardbird" Parker,
Freddie Keppart, Big Bill Broonzy and Joe "King" Oliver. Spoken recordings include
a conversation with H. L. Mencken and the legendary Lenny Bruce Berkeley Concert.
Altogether the Jerry Wexler Collection represents a panorama of sound that illuminates an important corner of American popular music and culture.
Related Articles
- Jerry Wexler [There]
- A Man and a Half [The Austin Chronicle]
- Jerry Wexler [Salon]
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Please do not contact Rare Books for book values or appraisals. Visit the RBMS Guide: Your Old Books.
Information presented for research or promotional purposes and may be reproduced without permission provided proper credit is given.
All illustrative images, unless otherwise stated, are the property of Morse Dept. of Special Collections and may not be used without prior written permission from the Rare Books Librarian.
Rare Books, Richard L. D. & Marjorie J. Morse Dept. of Special Collections, K-State Libraries
