More episodes of Jazz From the Archives will be published here as they become available, with additional recordings added on a continuing basis."
Jazz from the Archives radio program (1978–2014), was co-produced by Newark’s WBGO-FM and the Institute of Jazz Studies. Hosted by leading jazz scholars, the series explored the evolution of jazz through recordings, historical analysis, and cultural context. Designed as both an educational resource and an engaging listening experience, the program examined the lives and artistry of major jazz figures while situating their work within broader developments in American history and culture.
A defining feature of the program is its extensive, in-depth interviews with influential musicians and industry figures, many of whom are no longer living. These recordings capture firsthand accounts from artists such as Benny Carter, Marian McPartland, Milt Hinton, and Joe Wilder, alongside conversations that illuminate the careers of figures like Mary Lou Williams. These interviews provide rare insight into the artistic, professional, and social challenges faced by jazz musicians.
The digitization and description of the Jazz from the Archives radio program was supported by a Recordings at Risk grant from the Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR). The grant program is made possible by funding from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. The Project team included Vincent Pelote (Principal Investigator), Diane Biunno (Co-Principal Investigator), and George Blood, LP.
Photographs in the banner taken by Ed Berger.
Contact Us
Diane Biunno
Metadata Archivist, Institute of Jazz Studies
dbiunno@libraries.rutgers.edu
Vincent Pelote
Senior Archivist and Digital Preservation Strategist, Institute of Jazz Studies
pelote@libraries.rutgers.edu