Photographs
name: label: Collection Creator
content: Norvo, Red, 1908-1999
setName: label: See more items in
content: Red Norvo Papers
unitdate: label: Date
content: 1989, undated
dataSource: label: Archival Repository
content: Archives Center, National Museum of American History
identifier: label: Identifier
content: NMAH.AC.0858, Series 7
objectType: label: Type
content: Archival materials
scopecontent: label: Scope and Contents
content: Most of the photographs are 10 x 8 in. and are housed in one flat box (12.5 x 10.5 x 3 in.). The photographs are arranged into three subseries:  Norvo with friends and associates, performance photos, and publicity photos.  The folders are arranged alphabetically by folder name.  The oversize photograph measures 13.5 x 11 in.  Most of the photographs have suffered extensive water and mold damage and a great deal of curling due to dryness.

The photographic files have been divided into three subseries:  Red Norvo with friends and associates, Red Norvo on the performance stage and/or identifiable concert stage tours, and Publicity Photographs (of Red Norvo and of various accompanists and associates).

Regarding the photographs of Norvo with friends and associates, these images depict candid gatherings, jam sessions, radio appearances, and the Red Norvo Quintet during a recording session.  (These latter photographs of the recording session are blocked along one edge by severe water damage and will need to be handled by a conservator.)

The performance photographs contain images of a number of Norvo bands:  Red Norvo King of the Vibes and his All Star Band, the Red Norvo Quintet, the Red Norvo Trio (some with accompanists).  The subseries also includes Norvo with other bands:  the Benny Goodman Orchestra, the Benny Goodman Sextet, and the Woody Herman's First Herd.  (Regarding the file on Red Norvo King of Vibes and his All Star Band, these photographs have been blocked by severe water and mold damage and will need to be handled by a conservator.  Also, one of the blocked photographs is from a later date and does not belong here.)        

The publicity photographs consist mainly of undated portraits of Red Norvo alone; however there are a few known bands (the Collegiate Harmonators and Red Norvo and his Vagabond Tars.)  The collection also includes a folder of publicity shots of different artists including Benny Goodman and Nora Evans.  Another singer and an ensemble remain unidentified.