The Whitesell Collection consists of discs tracing the development of black music in America as well as other genres of music. Included in the collection are several issues of "Goldmine" magazine, a music magazine where Rick worked as editor and feature writer, as well as audio and videotapes containing interviews and performances.
The Whitesell family donated the collection to Marist College.
The Rick Whitesell Record Collection has been characterized as one of the most comprehensive private collections of its type in the country. Tracing the development of black music from the turn of the century to the late 1950s, the collection consists of seven, ten, and twelve inch discs whose numbers span into the thousands. Early artists such as the Mills Brothers, the Southernaires, and the Charioteers are all represented in the collection. The Whitesell Collection also contains a broad cross-section of works by such premier groups as the Delta Rhythm Boys, Fred Astaire, Les Paul, Ella Fitzgerald, and the most successful of the jubilee groups, the Golden Gate Quartet.
It is important to remember that Rick Whitesell was more than just a record collector. Rick became a music historian. His talents were fully utilized at "Goldmine" magazine, a publication for record collectors. As editor and feature writer, Rick was able to formalize his studies and knowledge into insightful articles about important areas of America's cultural growth. "Gold mine" is also a part of this collection as issues can be found dating from the mid 1970s to late 1980s. Rick's expertise served as an important resource to many. Collectors, musicians, filmmakers, independent writers, and other music publications that needed small or substantial amounts of information would contact Rick for assistance. Any special consideration Rick received was used to further explore America's musical growth, correct historical inaccuracy ies he uncovered, or help those in the business. When he learned of older musicians who had never received royalty payments, he directed them to the proper songwriting associations for assistance. Rick's selfless giving lives on by the donation of his collection to Marist College for the purpose of providing future scholars with the resources to continue his work.
No Restrictions
Individuals requesting reproductions expressly assume the responsibility for compliance with all pertinent provisions of the Copyright Act, 17 U.S.C. ss101 et seq. Patrons further agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Marist College Archives Special Collections and its staff in connection with any disputes arising from the Copyright Act, over the reproduction of material at the request of patrons. For more information please visit the following website:
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