Harmonizing the Legacy: Challenges and Strategies in Processing the Ella Fitzgerald Collection

Abstract

The Ella Fitzgerald Collection at Indiana University represents a vital repository of materials that document the life and career of one of the most iconic jazz vocalists of the 20th century. However, the collection's potential has been historically undermined by its fragmented nature, split and dispersed among multiple archives within the university. Over the years, various departments and archives within the university independently acquired portions of the collection, resulting in a lack of cohesion and comprehensive documentation. The absence of a centralized catalog exacerbated the problem, making it arduous to locate and integrate related materials. Additionally, inconsistencies in preservation practices and metadata standards across the different archives further complicated the processing task. This presentation will delve into the challenges encountered during the processing of this incomplete collection and detail our approach for enhancing its usability and accessibility. Additionally, it will examine the critical issues of representation of creative output related to Ella Fitzgerald and various other jazz composers, lyricists, and musicians within United States cataloging practices. By investigating how historical and systemic biases have influenced cataloging practices, the presentation will reveal the marginalization and misrepresentation of key jazz figures. Through specific case studies, including Fitzgerald's underrecognized contributions as a composer and lyricist, as well as the works of lesser-known jazz artists, the presentation highlights discrepancies in recognition and documentation. Furthermore, it critiques the methodologies used in categorizing jazz works, proposing more inclusive and accurate approaches. Ultimately, this discussion aims to shed light on the cultural and scholarly implications of these practices and advocate for reforms that honor the rich and diverse legacy of American jazz.