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Portia K. Maultsby Collection, 1981-1986

Scope and Content

Collection consists of 168 audiocassette recordings of interviews; complete or partial transcripts are available for many. The bulk of the interviews (137 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.