Portia K. Maultsby Collection, 1981-1986

Summary

Creator:
Maultsby, Portia K.
Abstract:
Series G, "Music Industry Interviews," consists of transcripts and audiocassettes of interviews primarily conducted by Portia K. Maultsby between 1981-1986 as part of her research on the Black music industry. The remainder of the series in this collection are still in the process of being accessioned and are unavailable for general research and public use.
Extent:
169 audiocassettes
Language:
Materials are in English.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection consists of 168 audiocassette recordings of interviews; complete or partial transcripts are available for many. The bulk of the interviews (138 cassettes) were conducted in person by Maultsby between 1981-1986 as part of her research on the Black music industry. The interviews provide an aural documentation of the history and development of rhythm and blues music through the personal narratives of musicians, composers, producers, deejays, and record company executives. In particular, Maultsby's interviews trace the emergence of Black music divisions and the promotion of Black artists by major record labels. Other significant issues emphasized in the discussions are cultural identity, gender, appropriation, aesthetics, and the racially defined politics and marketing practices of the industry. Of equal importance are the stories told by musicians who profoundly shaped the development of rhythm and blues while redefining the direction of American popular music.

All interviews were conducted by Maultsby unless otherwise indicated.

Biographical / historical:

Portia K. Maultsby received a Ph.D. degree in Ethnomusicology from the University of Wisconsin--Madison, and is a professor emeritus in the Department of Folklore and Ethnomusicology, the former director of the Archives of African American Music and Culture, and a former adjunct professor of African American and African Diaspora Studies at Indiana University. She teaches historical and theoretical courses on African American music and culture in ethnomusicology. Her research topics have centered on Black religious and popular music and she has lectured and conducted workshops throughout the United States, as well as in England, The Netherlands, Russia, Cuba, Zimbabwe, and Malawi. She is co-editor of African American Music : An Introduction, (Routledge Press, 2006). She also has served as consulting scholar for PBS, BBC, and NPR productions on African American music. In addition to her scholarly work, Professor Maultsby is a keyboard player and the founding director of the IU Soul Revue, a touring ensemble specializing in the performance of African American popular music.

Acquisition information:
Donated by Portia K. Maultsby in 2008.
Arrangement:

Currently organized into one series and the following subseries:

  • Subseries 1. Interviews by Maultsby, 1979-1989
  • Subseries 2. Interviews by Various Interviewers and Miscellaneous Recordings, 1979-1989

Each subseries is arranged alphabetically by interviewee's last name or the title in the case of non-interviews.

Physical facet:
: analog, stereo + 5 document cases

Access and use

Restrictions:

Reference copies and transcripts for most, but not all, of the audiocassettes in Series G, "Music Industry Interviews," are available for in-house use at the Archives of African American Music and Culture, Indiana University. Please refer to the information included under each interview for details. If you would like to access an item without a reference copy and/or transcript, please contact our staff well in advance of your visit for details.

Location of this collection:
Smith Research Center, Rooms 180-181
2805 E. 10th St.
Bloomington, IN 47408-2601
Contact:
812-855-8547
aaamc@indiana.edu