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Sy Oliver papers

Title

Sy Oliver papers, [ca. 1933-1990].

Author

Oliver, Sy.

Collection information

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Status	Container	Format	Access	Call number	Item location
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 1769 - 1805 ( )	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 1676 - 1768	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 1656 - 1675	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 1633 - 1655	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 1613 - 1632	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 1595 - 1612	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 22—38 oversize	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 1485—1500	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 1450—1469	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 1439—1449	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 1422—1438	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 1406—1421	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 1392—1405	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 61—80 oversize	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 1371—1391	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 1329—1347	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 1312—1328	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Not available - Please contact a librarian for assistance.	ContainerFolder 1298—1311	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 1279—1297	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 1240—1259	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 1223—1239	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 1208—1222	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 1187—1207	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 1154—1168	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 1139—1153	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 1124—1138	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 1108—1123	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 1089—1107	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 1081—1088	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 1068—1080	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 1047—1067	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 1031—1046	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 1014—1030	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 999—1013	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 987—998	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 949—967	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 926—948	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 913—925	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 893—912	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 859—874	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 841—858	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 824—840	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 802—823	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 785—801	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 761—784	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 740—760	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 704—724	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 687—703	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 673—686	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 647—659	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 630—646	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 617—629	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 605—616	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 581—592	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 565—580	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 550—564	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 514—533	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 497—513	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 464—476	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 445—463	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 433—444	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 404—414	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 370—391	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 356—369	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 317—336 oversize	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 296—316 oversize	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 274—295 oversize	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 254—273 oversize	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 234—253 oversize	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 217—233 oversize	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 196—216 oversize	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 171—195 oversize	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 151—170 oversize	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 128—150 oversize	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 104—127 oversize	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 81—103 oversize	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 39—60 oversize	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 1—21 (oversize)	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 1575 - 1594	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 1556 - 1574	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 1540 - 1555	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 1518 - 1539	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 1501 - 1517	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 1470—1484	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 968—986	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 660—672	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 593—604	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 534—549	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 477—496	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 415—432	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 337—355	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 1260—1278	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 875—892	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 725—739	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 392—403	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 1348—1370	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music
Status Request appointment Available by appointment at Performing Arts Research Collections - Music.	ContainerFolder 1169—1186	FormatArchival Mix	AccessSupervised use	Call numberJPB 96-23	Item locationPerforming Arts Research Collections - Music

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Description

24.5 linear ft. (97 boxes).

Summary

The bulk of the Sy Oliver papers contain musical scores and parts for works which Oliver composed or arranged. Numerous arrangements exist for the Jimmy Lunceford orchestra and Tommy Dorsey band, as well as recording projects of the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s (among them the album "Sy Oliver Backstage"). There are several arrangements Oliver did for other bands, such as Fletcher Henderson, Erskine Hawkins, and Jimmy Webb. Sy Oliver's own compositions are well represented, including unpublished and little-known works. Also included are arrangements made for or used for the 1974 performances of the New York Jazz Repertory Company, as well as many arrangements used on European tours of the 1970s and those used at the Rainbow Room in New York City.
Composers with at least 10 entries include Irving Berlin, Duke Ellington, Sy Oliver, Cole Porter, Harold Rome, and Jule Styne.

Subject

Call number

JPB 96-23

Additional formats (note)

Also available on microform from this collection;

Source (note)

Lillian Clark Oliver (Mrs. Sy Oliver)

Location of other archival materials (note)

Smithsonian Institution.

Biography (note)

Sy Oliver was an arranger, composer, singer, trumpet player, and band leader. He was born Melvin James Oliver on December 17, 1910 in Battle Creek, Michigan, but moved to Zanesville, Ohio in his youth. Both parents were music teachers and Oliver learned trumpet at a young age. He took up arranging as a way to prove his harmonic theories. By 1932 he was associated with Alphonso Trent's territory band. From 1933 through 1939 he was associated with Jimmie Lunceford and his orchestra, working as sideman on trumpet, arranger, vocalist on novelties, and performing with the Lunceford Trio. He is responsible for creating not only that band's unique sound during its heyday in the 1930s, but is also credited with forming the swing sound.
In 1939 he began an association with the Tommy Dorsey Band, where he composed and arranged many of that band's famous numbers. In 1943 he left the Dorsey band for two years of U.S. Army service, where he served as bandmaster, receiving an honorable discharge in 1945. He led his own orchestra between 1946-47. Thereafter he continued arrranging for many groups, and soloists, including the Mills Brothers and Frank Sinatra. He published a small book in 1949, "Sy Oliver's self-instructor arranging course." In the 1950s and 60s he was involved in numerous recordings, not only stereo re-recordings of his Lunceford and Dorsey arrangements, but also new arrangements.
In the 1960's and 1970's he toured with his own band in Paris (once again playing trumpet after many years, as well as flugelhorn and vibraphone), and appeared at several clubs in New York. He first began to perform at the Rainbow Room with his own ensemble during this time. It was an association that was to last until 1984. Sy Oliver died on May 28, 1988.
Sy Oliver met his wife, vocalist Lillian Clark (born Autilia Ventimiglia, December 19, 1925) while they were both appearing with the Tommy Dorsey Band in the early 1940s. Many of his arrangements included vocal groups for which Lillian was a member. Lillian Clark Oliver died on August 20, 1996.

Indexes/finding aids (note)

Finding aid available in repository.

Processing action (note)

Cataloged

Author

Oliver, Sy.

Title

Sy Oliver papers, [ca. 1933-1990].

Additional formats

Folders 50, 67, 271, 1322 Also available on microform from this collection; service copy number: *ZB-4323
Folders 13, 26, 64, 98, 126, 599, 1053, 1072, 1269, 1353, 1373 Also available on microform from this collection; service copy number: *ZB-4326

Biography

Sy Oliver was an arranger, composer, singer, trumpet player, and band leader. He was born Melvin James Oliver on December 17, 1910 in Battle Creek, Michigan, but moved to Zanesville, Ohio in his youth. Both parents were music teachers and Oliver learned trumpet at a young age. He took up arranging as a way to prove his harmonic theories. By 1932 he was associated with Alphonso Trent's territory band. From 1933 through 1939 he was associated with Jimmie Lunceford and his orchestra, working as sideman on trumpet, arranger, vocalist on novelties, and performing with the Lunceford Trio. He is responsible for creating not only that band's unique sound during its heyday in the 1930s, but is also credited with forming the swing sound.
In 1939 he began an association with the Tommy Dorsey Band, where he composed and arranged many of that band's famous numbers. In 1943 he left the Dorsey band for two years of U.S. Army service, where he served as bandmaster, receiving an honorable discharge in 1945. He led his own orchestra between 1946-47. Thereafter he continued arrranging for many groups, and soloists, including the Mills Brothers and Frank Sinatra. He published a small book in 1949, "Sy Oliver's self-instructor arranging course." In the 1950s and 60s he was involved in numerous recordings, not only stereo re-recordings of his Lunceford and Dorsey arrangements, but also new arrangements.
In the 1960's and 1970's he toured with his own band in Paris (once again playing trumpet after many years, as well as flugelhorn and vibraphone), and appeared at several clubs in New York. He first began to perform at the Rainbow Room with his own ensemble during this time. It was an association that was to last until 1984. Sy Oliver died on May 28, 1988.
Sy Oliver met his wife, vocalist Lillian Clark (born Autilia Ventimiglia, December 19, 1925) while they were both appearing with the Tommy Dorsey Band in the early 1940s. Many of his arrangements included vocal groups for which Lillian was a member. Lillian Clark Oliver died on August 20, 1996.

Location of other archival materials

Sy Oliver Collection; another portion located at: Smithsonian Institution.

Indexes

Finding aid available in repository.

Connect to:

Added author

Berlin, Irving, 1888-1989.
Clark, Lillian, -1996.
Dorsey, Tommy, 1905-1956.
Ellington, Duke, 1899-1974.
Lunceford, Jimmie.
Porter, Cole, 1891-1964.
Rome, Harold, 1908-1993.
Styne, Jule, 1905-1994.
Tommy Dorsey Band.
New York Jazz Repertory Company.

Research call number

JPB 96-23

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