Jazz Records at the National Archives

From posters and photographs to film and sound recordings, the National Archives has a remarkable collection of jazz-related records that trace its influence throughout American history.

The records here are a small sampling from this incredible collection. As federal records held at the National Archives, they are all in the public domain and free to use with attribution to the National Archives. Discover more records using the Archives’ Online Public Access catalog.

“Washington, D.C.: American jazz notables perform during a recent charity concert sponsored by Mrs. Dwight D. Eisenhower, wife of the President of the U.S. and the Congressional Wives Circle of Friendship House, a children’s neighborhood recreation center in Southwest Washington. Left to right: Harvey Phillips tuba; Bob Wilbur, clarinet; Lou McGarity, trombone; Dick Carey, trumpet, and Charlie Byrd, guitar.” January 14, 1960. From the records of the U.S. Information Agency.

“Louis (Satchmo) Armstrong performs in African countries under the President’s Special International Program for Cultural Presentations.” Undated. From the records of the U.S. Information Agency.

Poster promoting a Louis Armstrong appearance, distributed in Beirut., 03/24/1959. From the records of the U.S. Information Agency.

“The King of Thailand joins in a ‘jam session’ with American jazz greats during his visit to the U.S. in 1960. Left to right: King Bhumibol Adulyadej, saxophone; Urbie Green, trombone; Benny Goodman, clarinet, Jonah Jones, trumpet and Gene Krupa, drums.” From the records of the U.S. Information Agency.

“New Delhi, India–Duke Ellington (right) mimics for photographers as he strikes a theatrical pose in the lobby of the USIS headquarters following his arrival in New Delhi. At left is Barry Zorthian, Deputy Director of USIS/India.” Undated. From the records of the U.S. Information Agency.

“Ghana, Accra – Wilbur de Paris and New Orleans Jazz Band give out with a fox trot at the Lido.” Undated. From the Records of the U.S. Information Agency.

“‘Somewhere in England one of the hottest bands in the European Theater of Operations belongs to a Special United States Naval Construction Battalion…’ The band leader and trumpeter is Coxswain Thomas J. Lindsey (left), and the drummer is S1c. Edward A. Grant, 12/14/1944.” From the records of the Office of War Information.

“Photograph of President William J. Clinton Playing the Saxophone at the 40th Anniversary of the Newport Jazz Festival, 06/18/1993.” From the William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum.

“Jazz at the National Archives” was made possible in part by the National Archives Foundation through the generous support of Natixis Global Asset Management.