Research Catalog

Details

Description

1. (1 portfolio)

Summary

1. The Lew White papers consist mostly of correspondence concerning White's career as a touring performer in the mid-1930s.

Subject

1. Organists > United States
2. White, Lew
3. Correspondence
4. Performing arts > United States

Genre/Form

1. Correspondence.

Call number

1. *T-Mss 2003-032

Access (note)

1. Collection is open to the public. Library policy on photography and photocopying will apply. Advance notice may be required.

Source (note)

1. found in cage file

Biography (note)

1. Lew White (1902?-1955) was a keyboard musician who specialized as an organist, touring theaters and college campuses across the United States, performing on radio, in short films, and recording for various companies.

Processing action (note)

1. Cataloged

Author

1. White, Lew.

Title

1. Lew White papers, 1931-1936.

Restricted access

1. Collection is open to the public. Library policy on photography and photocopying will apply. Advance notice may be required.

Biography

1. Lew White (1902?-1955) was a keyboard musician who specialized as an organist, touring theaters and college campuses across the United States, performing on radio, in short films, and recording for various companies. Born in Philadelphia, Lew White studied violin as a boy with his father, a prominent music teacher, and later graduated from the Philadelphia Conservatory of Music. In the silent movie era White provided accompaniment for films, and for a time was in charge of the 'Mighty Wurlitzer' organ at New York's Roxy Theatre, accompanying live stage shows. During the period when talkies were replacing live entertainment White continued to tour the United States as a successful attraction. In addition to his performing, White also maintained a studio in New York, the White Institute of Organ, Inc., where he gave music lessons and sold organs. Lew White was also active in the development of new electrical keyboard instruments such as the Electrovox. Lew White died in New York in March of 1955 at the age of 52.

Connect to:

1. Request Access to Theatre Division Special Collections material

Research call number

1. *T-Mss 2003-032