Inventory of the Yusuf Salim Collection, circa 1982-1987 and undated

Abstract

Yusuf Salim (1929-2008) was a jazz musician and composer who began his career in Baltimore in the 1940s. He moved to Durham, North Carolina in the 1970s where he taught jazz workshops through the Salaam Cultural Center and hosted a series on WUNC-TV.

The collection contains manuscripts of 36 lead sheets for Salim's jazz compositions, a piece of prose by Salim, and a photocopy of an article about him from the Raleigh News and Observer.

Descriptive Summary

Repository: David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University
Creator: Salim, Yusuf, 1929-2008.
Title: Yusuf Salim Collection, circa 1982-1987 and undated
Language of Material: English
Extent: 0.6 Linear Feet Linear Feet, 41 Items
Location: For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the Library's online catalog.

Series Quick Links

Yusuf Salim Collection, circa 1982-1987 and undated

Collection Overview

The Yusuf Salim Collection (chiefly undated, but some dated between 1982 and 1987) has as its focal point manuscripts of 36 lead sheets for Salim's jazz compositions. One additional folder contains a piece of writing by Salim and a photocopy of an article on him from the Raleigh News and Observer from 1987. Acquired as part of the Jazz Archive at Duke University.

Administrative Information

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Access Restrictions

Collection is open for research.

However, collection may contain materials to which the Acknowledgment of Legal Responsibilities and Privacy Rights form applies. Patrons must sign this form before using this collection.

Also, all or portions of this collection may be housed off-site in Duke University's Library Service Center. Consequently, there may be a 24-hour delay in obtaining these materials.

Please contact Research Services staff before visiting the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library to use this collection.

Use Restrictions

The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to Duke University. For more information, consult the copyright section of the Regulations and Procedures of the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library.

Contents of the Collection

Browse List of Series

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Yusuf Salim Collection, circa 1982-1987 and undated

(1 box)

Abdul's Lament

Box 1

Ali

Box 1

Black But Comely

Box 1

Creole

Box 1

False Pretense

Box 1

Follow T.H.E.M. and Live

Box 1

Gift of Allah

Box 1

Golden Years

Box 1

Hello Love

Box 1

High Brown

Box 1

I Won't Cry (I Can't Take It)

Box 1

Jubilation Day

Box 1

Lil Bit, Not Much

Box 1

Low Brown

Box 1

Mine Beloved

Box 1

Moon Child

Box 1

My Friend Taurus

Box 1

My In-Laws Are Outlaws

Box 1

My Man

Box 1

Ramon

Box 1

Requiem for Dad

Box 1

Safari Afrique

Box 1

Salaam

Box 1

Salat N Rebot

Box 1

Samuel

Box 1

Son of Venus

Box 1

Teardrops On My Letter

Box 1

The Chant

Box 1

The Chosen Ones

Box 1

The Day That Yusuf Cried

Box 1

The Saracens

Box 1

The Witness

Box 1

To Baby With Love

Box 1

To My Lady

Box 1

Venus and Mars

Box 1

Viva Shabazz

Box 1

Additional Folder: piece of prose by Salim, photocopy of an article on Salim from the Raleigh News and Observer from 1987.

Box 1

Historical Note

Yusuf Salim (aka Joseph Blair) (1929-2008) was born in Baltimore, Maryland and began his musical career there at age 14 as a pianist with the Ken Murray Sextet. Salim was hired at age 17 as the house pianist with the Royal Theatre, where he stayed for seven years with a band headed by Tracy McClair, who had played with the Bama Collegians and Erskine Hawkins. While he worked at the Royal Theatre, he performed with entertainers such as Sammy Davis, Jr., Moms Mabley, and Redd Foxx. In the late 1940s and early 1950s, he travelled to New York City with The Bill Swindell Band and performed at the Braddock Bar in Harlem. He also witnessed and participated in jam sessions at Minton's Playhouse in Harlem and Birdland in Manhattan. In 1974, Salim moved to Durham, North Carolina. He opened a club called The Salaam Cultural Center which offered music workshops to train and further the careers of North Carolina jazz musicians, including vocalists Eve Cornelius and Nnenna Freelon. He also hosted a thirteen-part WUNC-TV (PBS) series called "Yusuf and Friends." Salim received the North Carolina Arts Council Jazz Fellowship in 1999. He has written over 53 compositions which have been recorded by Gary Bartz, Mongo Santamaria, Cannonball Adderley, and others.