Research Catalog

Oral history interview with Phoebe Jacobs.

Title
Oral history interview with Phoebe Jacobs.
Publication
New York : Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, 1994.

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Disc 2Moving imageUse in library Sc Visual DVD-1078 Disc 2Schomburg Center - Moving Image & Recorded Sound
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Disc 1Moving imageUse in library Sc Visual DVD-1078 Disc 1Schomburg Center - Moving Image & Recorded Sound

Details

Additional Authors
  • Jacobs, Phoebe
  • Murray, James Briggs
  • Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.
  • Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. Louis Armstrong Jazz Oral History Project.
Description
2 videodiscs (92 min.) : sound, color; 4 3/4 in.
Summary
The oral history interview with Phoebe Jacobs briefly documents her life as a jazz enthusiast, and career as a publicist and public relations consultant in the world of jazz. Phoebe Jacobs was born in the Bronx, New York City, June 21, 1918, into a family of music lovers and musicians. She recalls her first impressions of jazz and her early exposure to the music through her family's involvement in clubs. A relative, Ralph Watkins, introduced her to musicians and helped her land her first paid jobs in the clubs. One of her first jobs was working for Sy Oliver in a record company, although the pay was meager she describes the experiences in these earlier years as intoxicating. Jacobs describes some of the musicians she worked closely with in her career: Benny Goodman and his genuine love for the music and lack of prejudice; Eubie Blake whom she calls the ultimate role model; Louis Armstrong and his dedication to making people feel happy, his advocacy of music therapy and music education for the young (Jacobs helped him establish the Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation and later became it's vice-president); Ella Fitzgerald and her love of music, performing, baseball, and her founding of the Society of Singers, Jacobs calls her perhaps the greatest song stylist and musician. Jacobs elaborates on working with Sarah Vaughan for two years intermittedly and describes her as having been an uncomplicated person and dedicated to her music; on Mercer Ellington and his devotion to his father, (and compares their styles); on her husband Ian and how they met; her admiration for Wynton Marsalis and the role model he is today for young people; Jacob's trip with Lucille Armstrong after Louis' death to the Soviet Union sponsored by the Voice of America and the U.S. Dept. of States to broadcast reminiscenses of Louis; Lil' Hardin and her relationship with Lucille and Louis Armstrong; on Peggy Lee and her singing style and Lee's admiration for Ella and Sarah. Jacobs concludes the interview by saying she feels blessed to have worked for so many musical geniuses and to have promoted an appreciation for the music.
Donor/Sponsor
The Louis Amrstrong Jazz Oral History Project was funded by the Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation, Inc.
Subjects
Genre/Form
  • Oral histories.
  • Interviews.
Note
  • The Louis Armstrong Jazz Oral History Project was funded by the Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation, Inc.
Terms of Use (note)
  • Permission required to cite, quote and reproduce; contact repository for information.
Biography (note)
  • Phoebe Jacobs, jazz enthusiast, led an active career as a publicist and public relations consultant in the world of jazz. Born June 21, 1918 in the Bronx, New York, Jacobs grew up in a family devoted to jazz music. She has worked closely with numerous prominent jazz figures including Eubie Blake, Louis Armtrong, and Ella Fitzgerald. She is currently, as of 1996, vice-president of the Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation and continues to promote the appreciation of jazz music.
Linking Entry (note)
  • Forms part of: Louis Armstrong Jazz Oral History Project.
Call Number
Sc Visual DVD-1078
OCLC
1122791364
Title
Oral history interview with Phoebe Jacobs.
Production
New York : Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, 1994.
Type of Content
two-dimensional moving image
Type of Medium
video
Type of Carrier
videodisc
Digital File Characteristics
video file DVD
Performer
Interviewer, James Briggs Murray.
Event
Recorded September 11, 1996, at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.
Terms Of Use
Permission required to cite, quote and reproduce; contact repository for information.
Biography
Phoebe Jacobs, jazz enthusiast, led an active career as a publicist and public relations consultant in the world of jazz. Born June 21, 1918 in the Bronx, New York, Jacobs grew up in a family devoted to jazz music. She has worked closely with numerous prominent jazz figures including Eubie Blake, Louis Armtrong, and Ella Fitzgerald. She is currently, as of 1996, vice-president of the Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation and continues to promote the appreciation of jazz music.
Linking Entry
Forms part of: Louis Armstrong Jazz Oral History Project.
Connect to:
Request Access to Schomburg Moving Images and Recorded Sound
Added Author
Jacobs, Phoebe, interviewee.
Murray, James Briggs, director.
Murray, James Briggs, interviewer.
Murray, James Briggs, producer.
Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.
Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. Louis Armstrong Jazz Oral History Project.
Research Call Number
Sc Visual DVD-1078
Sc Visual VRA-197 VHS
Sc Visual VRC-20 MII videocassette
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