Describing Archives: A Content Standard

http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.mbrsrs/eadmbrs.rs012001 Joe Smith Collection Author: Carla Arton, with contributions from Bryan Cornell Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division, Library of Congress

Washington, D.C.

2012

Contact information: http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.mbrsrs/mbrsrs.contact

Catalog Record: http://lccn.loc.gov/2012618556

Finding aid encoded by Marsha Maguire, 2012 Finding aid written in English Finding aid prepared using DACS (Describing Archives: A Content Standard) december 2012 Links to Joe Smith Collection web page and digital audio added to finding aid. M. Maguire Collection Summary Joe Smith collection 1986-1988 Smith, Joe, 1928- 263 sound cassettes 3.6 linear feet (9 boxes, approximately 3,150 items) Collection materials are in English Recorded Sound Reference Center, Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division Library of Congress

Washington, D.C.

Oral history interviews conducted by recording industry executive Joe Smith with more than two hundred recording artists and executives from 1986 through 1988. Printed transcripts accompany most of the recorded interviews. RYM 9903-9999; RYN 0001-0166 RPA 00461-00469 Selected Search Terms

The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in the Library's online catalog. They are grouped by name of person or organization, by subject or location, and by occupation and listed alphabetically therein.

People Smith, Joe, 1928- Subjects Musicians--United States--Interviews. Popular music. Rock music. Sound recording industry. Titles Off the record: an oral history of popular music. Form/Genre Interviews (Sound recordings) Oral histories. Sound recordings. Transcripts. Occupations Sound recording executives and producers--United States. Administrative Information Collection Acquisition

The audiocassettes and transcripts were donated to the Library of Congress by Joe Smith in April 2010.

263 recordable compact discs, which often duplicated the content of the audiocassettes, were on loan from Joe Smith for copying. Following preservation duplication, they were returned to the donor.

Additions

No further additions to the collection are expected.

Processing Information

The collection was processed by Carla Arton in 2011.

Use Restrictions

Restrictions may exist on copying, quoting, or publishing materials included in the collection. For additional information, contact a reference librarian in the Recorded Sound Reference Center, Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division, Library of Congress, Washington, DC, 20540-4690; (202) 707-7833.

Access Restrictions

The Joe Smith Collection is open for research. Advance notice is required; contact a reference librarian in the Recorded Sound Reference Center, Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division, Library of Congress, Washington, DC, 20540-4690; (202) 707-7833.

Digital Format

A digital version of the audiocassettes is available for listening in the Recorded Sound Reference Center, Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division, Library of Congress, Washington, DC, 20540-4690; (202) 707-7833.

Interview excerpts and some complete interviews are also available at the Recorded Sound Reference Center's online presentation about the collection: http://www.loc.gov/rr/record/joesmith/index.html

Preferred Citation

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [Container number, eg., RPA 00461], or [Audio tape number, eg., RYN 0159], Joe Smith Collection, Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division, Library of Congress.

Biographical Note

Born in Chelsea, Massachusetts, and educated at Yale University, Joe Smith worked as a sportscaster and disc jockey in Virginia and Pennsylvania before becoming a top-rated and pioneering rock ‘n’ roll disc jockey at WMEX and WBZ in Boston. In 1961 he moved to California and was hired as a national promotion manager for Warner Bros. Records. Over the next three decades, until his retirement in 1993, he rose to legendary status as president of three major labels: Warner Bros./Reprise, Electra/Asylum/Nonesuch and Capitol/EMI. He signed and guided the careers of such artists as Peter, Paul, and Mary; Bill Cosby; Rod Stewart; James Taylor; the Grateful Dead; Linda Ronstadt; the Eagles; Bonnie Raitt; Van Morrison; the Doobie Brothers; and Black Sabbath.

During his career Joe Smith was heavily involved in various industry associations, acting as the first full-time president of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS), vice president of the Country Music Association, president of the Record Industry for Community Relations, and a board member of the Recording Industry Association (RIAA) and Black Music Association. Smith was a leading music industry spokesman in Washington and overseas, advocating for copyright protection and testifying against piracy before several congressional committees.

Scope and Content Note

During 1986-1988, Joe Smith, then president of Capitol Records/EMI, managed to get more than two hundred celebrated singers, musicians, and industry icons to talk about their lives, music, experiences, and contemporaries. Excerpts from the 238 hours of interviews were then compiled and presented in his groundbreaking book, Off the Record, published by Warner Books in 1988.

The list of 243 noted artists and executives who were interviewed by Smith includes Artie Shaw, Woody Herman, Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Charles, Barbra Streisand, Little Richard, Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Elton John, Paul Simon, David Bowie, Billy Joel, Sting, Tony Bennett, Joan Baez, James Taylor, Dick Clark, Tina Turner, Tom Jones, B.B. King, Quincy Jones, David Geffen, Mickey Hart, Harry Belafonte, and many others. All types of popular music are represented — from rock ‘n’ roll, jazz, rhythm & blues, and pop to big-band, heavy metal, folk, and country-western.

The Joe Smith Collection (also known as the Off the Record Collection) consists of 263 audiocassettes and 225 accompanying paper transcripts. The donated audiocassettes and transcripts are permanently held at the Library of Congress (Joe Smith also temporarily loaned CD-R copies of the interviews for digital transfer). Most of these candid and unabridged interviews were conducted by Joe Smith informally in a home, hotel, restaurant, or over the phone, while a handful were recorded for radio programs such as Westwood One and View from the Top.

The accompanying transcripts are housed in boxes RPA 00461 to RPA 00469. For availability and location of individual transcripts, see the inventory section of this finding aid.

Collection Arrangement

The collection is arranged alphabetically by name of interviewee or band.

http://lccn.loc.gov/2012618556 Container List

Unless otherwise noted, the interviews were conducted by Joe Smith.

Original audiocassettes were not available for several of the interviews. For those interviews, digital preservation and listening copies were made from CD-Rs on loan from Joe Smith and subsequently returned to him.

RYN 0059 Off the record interview with Lou Adler, [between 1986 and 1988?]-02-25 1 analog audiocassette 1835986

Transcript available in box RPA 00461.

RYM 9904 Off the record interview with Aerosmith, [between 1986 and 1988] 1 analog audiocassette 1833036

Steven Tyler and Joe Perry from the band Aerosmith.

Transcript available in box RPA 00461.

Full interview online, part 1 (duration 30:51).

Full interview online, part 2 (duration 15:43).

RYM 9915 Off the record interview with the Allman Brothers Band, undated 1 analog audiocassette 1833100 RYN 0004 Off the record interview with Herb Alpert, 1987-02-12 1 analog audiocassette 1835754

Transcript available in box RPA 00461.

RYM 9979 Off the record interview with Ed Ames, [between 1986 and 1988?]-05-30 1 analog audiocassette 1835712

Transcript available in box RPA 00461.

RYN 0008 Off the record interview with Ian Anderson, 1986-10-17 1 analog audiocassette 1835757

Transcript available in box RPA 00461.

RYN 0037 Off the record interview with Jon Anderson, 1986-10-07 1 analog audiocassette 1835854

Transcript available in box RPA 00461.

RYN 0072 Off the record interview with Maxene Andrews, 1986-07-03 1 analog audiocassette 1836022

Transcript available in box RPA 00461.

RYM 9916 Off the record interview with the Animals, 1988-09-08 1 analog audiocassette 1833110

John Steel and Hilton Valentine.

Transcript available in box RPA 00461.

RYN 0119 Off the record interview with Ray Anthony, [between 1986 and 1988?]-05-28 1 analog audiocassette 1836109

Transcript available in box RPA 00461.

RYM 9947 Off the record interview with Brooks Arthur, [between 1986 and 1988?]-03-25 1 analog audiocassette 1835607

Transcript available in box RPA 00461.

RYN 0105 Off the record interview with Pete Asher, 1986-05-22 1 analog audiocassette 1836094

Transcript available in box RPA 00461.

RYM 9920 Off the record interview with Ashford and Simpson, [between 1986 and 1988]-08-04 1 analog audiocassette 1833128

Nick Asford and Valerie Simpson.

Transcript available in box RPA 00461.

RYM 9949 Off the record interview with Burt Bacharach, 1986-03-21 1 analog audiocassette 1835629

Transcript available in box RPA 00461.

Full interview online, part 1 (duration 46:30).

Full interview online, part 2 (duration 15:09).

RYM 9921 Off the record interview with Badfinger, [between 1986 and 1988] 1 analog audiocassette 1833219 RYN 0027 Off the record interview with Joan Baez, 1988-02-14 1 analog audiocassette 1835796

Transcript available in box RPA 00461.

RYN 0069 Off the record interview with Marty Balin, 1981-04-18 1 analog audiocassette 1836004

Interviewer unidentified.

RYN 0070 Westwood One interview with Marty Balin, 1981-07-27 1 analog audiocassette 1836006

Interviewer unidentified.

RYM 9996-9997 Off the record interview with Hank Ballard, 1986-11-24 2 analog audiocassettes 1835747

An interview with Hank Ballard. Billy Davis is present in the background and provides occasional commentary.

Transcript available in box RPA 00461.

RYM 9952-9953 Off the record interview with Charlie Barnet, 1986-11-24 2 analog audiocassettes 1835633

Transcript available in box RPA 00461.

RYN 0017 Off the record interview with Jeff Barry, [between 1986 and 1988?]-03-14 1 analog audiocassette 1835780

Transcript available in box RPA 00461.

RYN 0046 Off the record interview with Les Baxter, [between 1986 and 1988?]-05-20 1 analog audiocassette 1835869

Transcript available in box RPA 00461.

[digital audio only] Earth News Radio. [1980?]-12-22, The Beatles, [approximately 1980] 1835659

A revised program on the Beatles from Earth News Radio, following the death of John Lennon.

Original audiocassette not available; contact the Recorded Sound Reference Center for digital listening copy.

RYM 9999-0002 Off the record interview with Harry Belafonte, 1987-08-22 3 analog audiocassettes 1835752

Transcript available in box RPA 00461.

RYN 0091 Off the record interview with Pat Benatar, 1987-10-02 1 analog audiocassette 1836066

Transcript available in box RPA 00461.

RYN 0154 Off the record interview with Tex Beneke, [between 1986 and 1988]-04-16 1 analog audiocassette 1836241

Transcript available in box RPA 00461.

RYM 9906 Off the record interview with Al Bennett, [between 1986 and 1988]-06-03 1 analog audiocassette 1833050

Transcript available in box RPA 00461.

RYN 0159 Off the record interview with Tony Bennett, 1987-09-27 1 analog audiocassette 1836250

Transcript available in box RPA 00461.

Full interview online (duration 45:00).

[digital audio only] Off the record interview with George Benson, 1986-07-08 1836271

Original audiocassette not available; contact the Recorded Sound Reference Center for digital listening copy.

Transcript available in box RPA 00461.

RYM 9989 Westwood One interview with George Benson, undated 1 analog audiocassette 1836272

Interviewer unidentified.

RYM 9987 Westwood One interview with Gary U.S. Bonds, 1984-10-18 1 analog audiocassette 1835733 RYN 0092-0093 Off the record interview with Pat Boone, [between 1986 and 1988?]-04-21 2 analog audiocassettes 1836068

Transcript available in box RPA 00461.

RYN 0150 Off the record interview with Steve Boone, undated 1 analog audiocassette 1836236

Interviewer unidentified.

Steve Boone is interviewed about the Lovin' Spoonful.

RYM 9964 Off the record interview with David Bowie, 1988-04-19 1 analog audiocassette 1835678

Transcript available in box RPA 00461.

Full interview online (duration 39:30).

Online interview, preview 1 (duration 02:34).

Online interview, preview 2 (duration 02:36).

RYN 0123 Off the record interview with Richard Branson, 1986-10-20 1 analog audiocassette 1836128

Transcript available in box RPA 00461.

RYN 0014 Off the record interview with James Brown, 1988-05-19 1 analog audiocassette 1835777

Transcript available in box RPA 00461.

RYN 0047-0048 Off the record interview with Les Brown, [between 1986 and 1988?]-06-03 2 analog audiocassettes 1835897

Transcript available in box RPA 00462.

RYN 0138-0139 Off the record interview with Ruth Brown, 1988-01-29 2 analog audiocassettes 1836209

Transcript available in box RPA 00462.

Full interview online (duration 36:25).

Online interview preview (duration 02:31).

RYN 0012-0013 Off the record interview with Jackson Browne, 1986-09-04 2 analog audiocassettes 1835776

Transcript available in box RPA 00462.

RYM 9962 Off the record interview with Dave Brubeck, 1986-08-07 1 analog audiocassette 1835675

Transcript available in box RPA 00462.

Full interview online, part 1 (duration 46:33).

Full interview online, part 2 (duration 31:29).

RYN 0054 Off the record interview with Lindsey Buckingham, 1986-09-09 1 analog audiocassette 1835927

Transcript available in box RPA 00462.

RYM 9983 Westwood One interview with Eric Burdon, 1984-08-17 1 analog audiocassette 1835723

Interviewer unidentified.

RYN 0141 Off the record interview with Sammy Cahn, 1986-06-02 1 analog audiocassette 1836225

Transcript available in box RPA 00462.

RYN 0124 Off the record interview with Richard Carpenter, [between 1986 and 1988?]-05-16 1 analog audiocassette 1836131

Transcript available in box RPA 00462.

RYN 0080 Off the record interview with Mike Chapman, [between 1986 and 1988?]-05-02 1 analog audiocassette 1836045

Transcript available in box RPA 00462.

RYN 0120-0121 Off the record interview with Ray Charles, 1987-06-03 2 analog audiocassettes 1836119

Transcript available in box RPA 00462.

Full interview online, part 1 (duration 29:10).

Full interview online, part 2 (duration 02:40).

RYM 9957 Off the record interview with Chubby Checker, 1986-11-06 1 analog audiocassette 1835670

Transcript available in box RPA 00462.

RYN 0067 Off the record interview with Marshall Chess, 1986-07-24 1 analog audiocassette 1835999

Transcript available in box RPA 00462.

RYM 9963 Off the record interview with Dave Clark, 1986-10-16 1 analog audiocassette 1835677

Transcript available in box RPA 00462.

RYM 9972 Off the record interview with Dick Clark, 1986-02-14 1 analog audiocassette 1835698

Transcript available in box RPA 00462.

Full interview online, part 1 (duration 41:56).

Full interview online, part 2 (duration 07:08).

Online interview, preview 1 (duration 02:33).

Online interview, preview 2 (duration 01:43).

RYN 0136 Off the record interview with Rosemary Clooney, 1986-07-28 1 analog audiocassette 1836207

Transcript available in box RPA 00462.

RYN 0028 Off the record interview with Joe Cocker, 1986-09-29 1 analog audiocassette 1835797

Transcript available in box RPA 00462.

RYN 0088 Off the record interview with Natalie Cole, 1987-08-21 1 analog audiocassette 1836059

Transcript available in box RPA 00462.

Full interview online (duration 46:07).

RYN 0039 Off the record interview with Judy Collins, 1986-10-06 1 analog audiocassette 1835857

Transcript available in box RPA 00462.

RYN 0110 Off the record interview with Phil Collins, 1988-02-13 1 analog audiocassette 1836100

Transcript available in box RPA 00462.

RYN 0140 Off the record interview with Ry Cooder, 1986-05-13 1 analog audiocassette 1836210

Transcript available in box RPA 00462.

RYM 9914 Off the record interview with Alice Cooper, [between 1986 and 1988]-04-25 1 analog audiocassette 1833078

Transcript available in box RPA 00462.

RYM 9935 Off the record interview with Bob Crewe, [between 1986 and 1988?]-03-11 1 analog audiocassette 1833756

Transcript available in box RPA 00462.

RYN 0134 Off the record interview with Roger Daltrey, 1986-10-21 1 analog audiocassette 1836204

Transcript available in box RPA 00462.

RYM 9959 Off the record interview with Clive Davis, 1986-06-11 1 analog audiocassette 1835672

Transcript available in box RPA 00462.

RYN 0089 Off the record interview with Neil Diamond, 1986-06-25 1 analog audiocassette 1836062

Transcript available in box RPA 00462.

RYM 9934 Off the record interview with Bo Diddley, [between 1986 and 1988?]-04-28 1 analog audiocassette 1833760

Transcript available in box RPA 00463.

Full interview online (duration 08:06).

Online interview, preview 1 (duration 02:07).

Online interview, preview 2 (duration 01:35).

RYM 9973 Off the record interview with Dion, 1987-03 1 analog audiocassette 1835699

Transcript available in box RPA 00463.

RYM 9977 Off the record interview with Donovan, [between 1986 and 1988?]-08-15 1 analog audiocassette 1835709

Transcript available in box RPA 00463.

RYN 0043-0044 Off the record interview with Lamont Dozier, 1986-05-20 2 analog audiocassettes 1835866

Transcript available in box RPA 00463.

RYM 9936-9937 Off the record interview with Bob Dylan, 1988-06-23 2 analog audiocassettes 1833761

Transcript available in box RPA 00463.

RYM 9978 Off the record interview with Duane Eddy, 1987-08-18 1 analog audiocassette 1835711

Transcript available in box RPA 00463.

RYN 0122 Off the record interview with Ray Ellis, [between 1986 and 1988?]-05-14 1 analog audiocassette 1836125

Transcript available in box RPA 00463.

RYM 9905 Off the record interview with Ahmet Ertegun, [between 1986 and 1988]-12-04 1 analog audiocassette 1833049

Transcript available in box RPA 00463.

Full interview online, part 1 (duration 46:38).

Full interview online, part 2 (duration 30:04).

RYN 0111 Off the record interview with Phil Everly, 1987-02-24 1 analog audiocassette 1836101

Transcript available in box RPA 00463.

RYM 9984 Off the record interview with Fabian, [between 1986 and 1988?]-05-22 1 analog audiocassette 1835726

Transcript available in box RPA 00463.

RYN 0142 Off the record interview with Sammy Fain, 1986-08-25 1 analog audiocassette 1836227

Transcript available in box RPA 00463.

RYN 0065 Interview with Marianne Faithful, 1981-10-08 1 analog audiocassette 1835992

Interviewer unidentified.

Transcript of an interview with Ella Fitzgerald, undated

Transcript stored in box RPA 00463.

No sound recording of the interview is included in the collection.

RYM 9961 Off the record interview with Dan Fogelberg, 1986-12-04 1 analog audiocassette 1835674

Transcript available in box RPA 00463.

RYN 0031 Off the record interview with John Fogerty, [between 1986 and 1988?]-02-13 1 analog audiocassette 1835823

Transcript available in box RPA 00463.

RYN 0106 Off the record interview with Peter Frampton, [between 1986 and 1988?]-10-15 1 analog audiocassette 1836095

Transcript available in box RPA 00463.

Full interview online, part 1 (duration 46:30).

Full interview online, part 2 (duration 03:45).

Online interview preview (duration 01:54).

RYM 9994 Off the record interview with Glenn Frey, [between 1986 and 1988?]-01-29 1 analog audiocassette 1835744

Transcript available in box RPA 00463.

RYN 0083-0084 Off the record interview with Milt Gabler, [between 1986 and 1988?]-06-09 2 analog audiocassettes 1836054

Transcript available in box RPA 00463.

Full interview online, part 1 (duration 00:29).

Full interview online, part 2 (duration 46:39).

Full interview online, part 3 (duration 28:53).

Full interview online, part 4 (duration 03:05).

Online interview, preview 1 (duration 04:04).

Online interview, preview 2 (duration 03:24).

RYN 0107 Off the record interview with Peter Gabriel, 1980-06-20 1 analog audiocassette 1836096 RYM 9907 Off the record interview with Al Gallico, [between 1986 and 1988]-02-13 1 analog audiocassette 1833056

Transcript available in box RPA 00463.

RYM 9969 Westwood One interview with Dee Dee Sharp Gamble, 1981-04-14 1 analog audiocassette 1835684

Interviewer unidentified.

RYN 0041 Off the record interview with Kenny Gamble, 1987-08-20 1 analog audiocassette 1835863

Transcript available in box RPA 00463.

RYN 0018 Off the record interview with Jerry Garcia, 1988-05-23 1 analog audiocassette 1835782

Transcript available in box RPA 00463.

RYM 9965 Off the record interview with David Gates, 1986-10-05 1 analog audiocassette 1835679

Transcript available in box RPA 00463.

RYM 9966 Off the record interview with David Geffen, [between 1986 and 1988?]-02-13 1 analog audiocassette 1835680

Transcript available in box RPA 00463.

RYN 0147 Off the record interview with Stan Getz, 1986-08-07 1 analog audiocassette 1836233

Transcript available in box RPA 00463.

RYM 9993 Off the record interview with Gerry Goffin, 1986-03-21 1 analog audiocassette 1835743

Transcript available in box RPA 00463.

RYM 9927 Off the record interview with Bill Graham, 1988-05-09 1 analog audiocassette 1833718

Transcript available in box RPA 00463.

RYM 9908 Off the record interview with Al Green, [between 1986 and 1988]-08-19 1 analog audiocassette 1833053

Transcript available in box RPA 00463.

RYM 9981 Off the record interview with Ellie Greenwich, 1986-04-02 1 analog audiocassette 1835721

Transcript available in box RPA 00463.

Full interview online, part 1 (duration 46:48).

Full interview online, part 2 (duration 12:40).

Online interview, preview 1 (duration 01:50).

Online interview, preview 2 (duration 01:22).

RYN 0055 Off the record interview with Lionel Hampton, [between 1986 and 1988?]-04-03 1 analog audiocassette 1835932

Transcript available in box RPA 00463.

RYN 0006-0007 Off the record interview with Herbie Hancock, [between 1986 and 1988?]-04-17 2 analog audiocassettes 1835756

Transcript available in box RPA 00464.

Full interview online, part 1 (duration 46:27).

Full interview online, part 2 (duration 46:40).

Full interview online, part 3 (duration 18:15).

RYM 9990 Off the record interview with George Harrison, 1988-02-12 1 analog audiocassette 1835740

Transcript available in box RPA 00464.

Full interview online (duration 25:50).

RYN 0078 Off the record interview with Mickey Hart, 1986-08-14 1 analog audiocassette 1836039

Transcript available in box RPA 00464.

Full interview online, part 1 (duration 46:28).

Full interview online, part 2 (duration 13:22).

RYN 0024 Off the record interview with Jimmie Haskell, [between 1986 and 1988?]-07-02 1 analog audiocassette 1835792

Transcript available in box RPA 00464.

RYN 0009 Off the record interview with Isaac Hayes, 1987-08-19 1 analog audiocassette 1835758

Transcript available in box RPA 00464.

RYN 0040 Off the record interview with Justin Hayward, 1988-01-15 1 analog audiocassette 1835858

Transcript available in box RPA 00464.

RYM 9975 Off the record interview with Don Henley, undated 1 analog audiocassette 1836319 RYM 9974 Off the record interview with Don Henley, [between 1986 and 1988?]-04-11 1 analog audiocassette 1835703

Transcript available in box RPA 00464.

[digital audio only] View from the Top. 1985-01-30, Interview with Don Henley Scott, Roger 1835701

Original audiocassette not available; contact the Recorded Sound Reference Center for digital listening copy.

Radio host Roger Scott interviews Don Henley on the program View from the Top.

RYN 0164-0165 Off the record interview with Woody Herman, [between 1986 and 1988?]-06-17 2 analog audiocassettes 1836267

Transcript available in box RPA 00464.

Transcript of an interview with Robert Hilburn, undated

Transcript stored in box RPA 00464.

No sound recording of the interview is included in the collection.

RYN 0010 Off the record interview with Jac Holzman, [between 1986 and 1988?]-05-13 1 analog audiocassette 1835759

Transcript available in box RPA 00464.

RYM 9942-9943 Off the record interview with Bones Howe, [between 1986 and 1988?]-02-26 2 analog audiocassettes 1833823

Transcript available in box RPA 00464.

RYN 0076-0077 Off the record interview with Mick Jagger, 1986-07-18 2 analog audiocassettes 1836037

Transcript available in box RPA 00464.

Full interview online, part 1 (duration 41:28).

Full interview online, part 2 (duration 08:07).

RYM 9909 Off the record interview with Al Jarreau, [between 1986 and 1988]-05-29 1 analog audiocassette 1833063

Transcript available in box RPA 00464.

RYN 0005 Off the record interview with Herb Jeffries, [between 1986 and 1988?]-05-15 1 analog audiocassette 1835755

Transcript available in box RPA 00464.

RYM 9931 Off the record interview with Billy Joel, 1988-03-03 1 analog audiocassette 1833751

Transcript available in box RPA 00464.

RYM 9982 Off the record interview with Elton John, 1986-10-19 1 analog audiocassette 1835722

Transcript available in box RPA 00464.

RYM 9944 Off the record interview with Booker T. Jones, [between 1986 and 1988?]-09-02 1 analog audiocassette 1835600

Transcript available in box RPA 00464.

RYN 0115-0117 Off the record interview with Quincy Jones, 1988-02-01 3 analog audiocassettes 1836106

Transcript available in box RPA 00464.

RYN 0156 Off the record interview with Tom Jones, 1986-09-25 1 analog audiocassette 1836243

Transcript available in box RPA 00464.

RYN 0095 Off the record interview with Paul Kantner, 1986-08-14 1 analog audiocassette 1836074

Transcript available in box RPA 00464.

RYN 0143 Off the record interview with Sammy Kaye, [between 1986 and 1988?]-06-10 1 analog audiocassette 1836228 RYM 9980 Off the record interview with Eddie Kendricks, 1987-06-30 1 analog audiocassette 1835719 RYM 9925 Off the record interview with B.B. King, [between 1986 and 1988]-09-05 1 analog audiocassette 1833707

Transcript available in box RPA 00464.

Full interview online, part 1 (duration 46:24).

Full interview online, part 2 (duration 31:37).

RYM 9926 Off the record interview with Ben E. King, [between 1986 and 1988]-08-09 1 analog audiocassette 1833712

Transcript available in box RPA 00464.

RYM 9910-9911 Off the record interview with Al Kooper, [between 1986 and 1988]-02-20 2 analog audiocassettes 1833066

Transcript available in box RPA 00465.

RYM 9912 Off the record interview with Al Kooper, [between 1986 and 1988]-03-07 1 analog audiocassette 1833071 RYN 0127 Off the record interview with Robby Krieger, 1986-03-07 1 analog audiocassette 1836157

Transcript available in box RPA 00465.

RYM 9985 Off the record interview with Frankie Laine, [between 1986 and 1988?]-05-19 1 analog audiocassette 1835727

Transcript available in box RPA 00465.

RYN 0129 Off the record interview with Robert Lamm, 1986-09-17 1 analog audiocassette 1836194

Transcript available in box RPA 00465.

RYM 9946 Off the record interview with Brian Lane, 1986-10-20 1 analog audiocassette 1835605

Transcript available in box RPA 00465.

Transcript of an interview with Peggy Lee, undated

Transcript stored in box RPA 00465.

No sound recording of the interview is included in the collection.

RYN 0020 Off the record interview with Jerry Leiber, [between 1986 and 1988?]-08-20 1 analog audiocassette 1835781

Transcript available in box RPA 00465.

RYN 0011 Off the record interview with Jack Leonard, [between 1986 and 1988?]-05-15 1 analog audiocassette 1835760

Transcript available in box RPA 00465.

RYM 9998 Off the record interview with Harold Leventhal, [between 1986 and 1988?]-06-10 1 analog audiocassette 1835748

Transcript available in box RPA 00465.

RYN 0060 Off the record interview with Lou Levy, [between 1986 and 1988?]-04-03 1 analog audiocassette 1835987

Transcript available in box RPA 00465.

RYN 0019 Off the record interview with Jerry Lee Lewis, 1987-12-13 1 analog audiocassette 1835783

Transcript available in box RPA 00465.

RYN 0066 Off the record interview with Mark Lindsay, 1986-12-29 1 analog audiocassette 1835994

Transcript available in box RPA 00465.

RYN 0057 Off the record interview with Little Anthony, 1986-12-02 1 analog audiocassette 1835982

Transcript available in box RPA 00465.

RYN 0058 Off the record interview with Little Richard, 1988-06-22 1 analog audiocassette 1835983

Transcript available in box RPA 00465.

Full interview online (duration 39:40).

Online interview, preview 1 (duration 01:23).

Online interview, preview 2 (duration 01:16).

RYN 0081 Off the record interview with Mike Love, 1987-01-13 1 analog audiocassette 1836052

Transcript available in box RPA 00465.

RYM 9918 Off the record interview with Art Lund, [between 1986 and 1988]-05-29 1 analog audiocassette 1833120

Transcript available in box RPA 00465.

RYN 0003 Off the record interview with Henry Mancini, [between 1986 and 1988?]-05-14 1 analog audiocassette 1835753

Transcript available in box RPA 00465.

RYM 9923 Off the record interview with Barry Mann, 1986-03-19 1 analog audiocassette 1833704

Transcript available in box RPA 00465.

RYM 9938 Off the record interview with Bob Marcucci, [between 1986 and 1988?]-03-26 1 analog audiocassette 1833777

Transcript available in box RPA 00465.

RYM 9991 Off the record interview with George Martin, 1986-10-22 1 analog audiocassette 1835741

Transcript available in box RPA 00465.

Full interview online, part 1 (duration 42:24).

RYM 9932 Off the record interview with Billy May, [between 1986 and 1988]-04-17 1 analog audiocassette 1833753

Transcript available in box RPA 00465.

RYN 0096-0097 Off the record interview with Paul McCartney, 1987-10-22 2 analog audiocassettes 1836075

Transcript available in box RPA 00465.

Full interview online, part 1 (duration 46:35).

Full interview online, part 2 (duration 13:18).

Online interview, preview 1 (duration 02:49).

Online interview, preview 2 (duration 01:22).

RYM 9960 Off the record interview with Country Joe McDonald, 1986-08-13 1 analog audiocassette 1835673

Transcript available in box RPA 00465.

RYN 0073 Off the record interview with Michael McDonald, 1987-08-11 1 analog audiocassette 1836026

Transcript available in box RPA 00465.

RYN 0114 Off the record interview with Phyllis McGuire, [between 1986 and 1988?]-01-27 1 analog audiocassette 1836104

Transcript available in box RPA 00465.

RYM 9976 Off the record interview with Don McLean, [between 1986 and 1988?]-08-03 1 analog audiocassette 1835706

Transcript available in box RPA 00465.

RYM 9951 Off the record interview with Carmen McRae, 1986-09-29 1 analog audiocassette 1835632

Transcript available in box RPA 00465.

RYM 9956 Off the record interview with Christine McVie, 1986-12-04 1 analog audiocassette 1835647

Transcript available in box RPA 00465.

RYM 9929 Off the record interview with Bill Medley, 1981-05-05 1 analog audiocassette 1833749

Interviewer unidentified.

RYM 9928 Off the record interview with Bill Medley, 1986-04-21 1 analog audiocassette 1833730

Transcript available in box RPA 00465.

RYM 9930 Westwood One interview with Bill Medley, 1982-11-10 1 analog audiocassette 1833750 RYN 0032 Off the record interview with John Cougar Mellencamp, 1986-12-17 1 analog audiocassette 1835829

Transcript available in box RPA 00466.

RYM 9992 Off the record interview with George Michael, 1986-11-10 1 analog audiocassette 1835742

Transcript available in box RPA 00466.

RYN 0085 Off the record interview with Mitch Miller, [between 1986 and 1988?]-04-03 1 analog audiocassette 1836055

Transcript available in box RPA 00466.

RYN 0038 Off the record interview with Joni Mitchell, [between 1986 and 1988?]-11-03 1 analog audiocassette 1835856

Transcript available in box RPA 00466.

RYN 0086 Interview with Mitch Mitchell, [between 1986 and 1988]-05 1 analog audiocassette 1836057

Interviewer unidentified.

Transcript available in box RPA 00466.

RYN 0162 Off the record interview with Van Morrison, 1988-01-12 1 analog audiocassette 1836263

Transcript available in box RPA 00466.

RYN 0144 Off the record interview with Shadow Morton, [between 1986 and 1988?]-05-06 1 analog audiocassette 1836229

Transcript available in box RPA 00466.

RYN 0079 Off the record interview with Mickie Most, 1986-07-14 1 analog audiocassette 1836042

Transcript available in box RPA 00466.

RYN 0158 Off the record interview with Tommy Mottola, 1986-12-16 1 analog audiocassette 1836247

Transcript available in box RPA 00466.

RYN 0075 Off the record interview with Michelle Myer, 1986-11-05 1 analog audiocassette 1836031

Transcript available in box RPA 00466.

RYM 9995 Off the record interview with Graham Nash, [between 1986 and 1988?]-05-09 1 analog audiocassette 1835745

Transcript available in box RPA 00466.

Full interview online, part 1 (duration 46:33).

Full interview online, part 2 (duration 21:45).

RYN 0074 Off the record interview with Michael Nesmith, 1986-02-19 1 analog audiocassette 1836029

Transcript available in box RPA 00466.

RYN 0118 Off the record interview with Randy Newman, [between 1986 and 1988?]-04-15 1 analog audiocassette 1836108

Transcript available in box RPA 00466.

RYN 0090 Off the record interview with Olivia Newton John, [between 1986 and 1988?]-08-04 1 analog audiocassette 1836063

Transcript available in box RPA 00466.

RYN 0108 Off the record interview with Pete Noone, 1986-06-04 1 analog audiocassette 1836098

Transcript available in box RPA 00466.

RYN 0152 Off the record interview with Sy Oliver, 1986-06-12 1 analog audiocassette 1836238

Transcript available in box RPA 00466.

RYN 0166 Off the record interview with Yoko Ono, 1987-10-07 1 analog audiocassette 1836268

Transcript available in box RPA 00466.

Full interview online, part 1 (duration 43:35).

Full interview online, part 2 (duration 02:10).

Transcript of an interview with Roy Orbison, undated

Transcript stored in box RPA 00466.

No sound recording of the interview is included in the collection.

Transcript of an interview with Mo Ostin, undated

Transcript stored in box RPA 00466.

No sound recording of the interview is included in the collection.

RYN 0094 Off the record interview with Patti Page, [between 1986 and 1988?]-03-26 1 analog audiocassette 1836070

Transcript available in box RPA 00466.

RYN 0130 Off the record interview with Robert Palmer, 1988-05-02 1 analog audiocassette 1836198

Transcript available in box RPA 00466.

RYN 0049-0050 Off the record interview with Les Paul, 1987-12-05 2 analog audiocassettes 1835900

Transcript available in box RPA 00466.

RYN 0153 Off the record interview with Teddy Pendergrass, [between 1986 and 1988?]-08-20 1 analog audiocassette 1836239

Transcript available in box RPA 00466.

RYN 0125-0126 Off the record interview with Richard Perry, [between 1986 and 1988?]-02-27 2 analog audiocassettes 1836155

Transcript available in box RPA 00467.

RYN 0157 Off the record interview with Tom Petty, 1986-10-30 1 analog audiocassette 1836246

Transcript available in box RPA 00467.

RYN 0131 Off the record interview with Robert Plant, 1988-04-12 1 analog audiocassette 1836201

Transcript available in box RPA 00467.

RYM 9917 Off the record interview with Anita Pointer, 1988-01-27 1 analog audiocassette 1833119

Transcript available in box RPA 00467.

RYM 9933 Westwood One interview with Billy Preston, undated 1 analog audiocassette 1833759

Interviewer unidentified.

RYN 0021 Off the record interview with Jerry Ragavoy, 1986-04-02 1 analog audiocassette 1835784

Transcript available in box RPA 00467.

RYN 0112 Off the record interview with Phil Ramone, [between 1986 and 1988?]-04-01 1 analog audiocassette 1836102

Transcript available in box RPA 00467.

RYN 0061 Off the record interview with Lou Rawls, [between 1986 and 1988?]-03-16 1 analog audiocassette 1835988

Transcript available in box RPA 00467.

RYN 0035 Off the record interview with Johnnie Ray, 1988-02-06 1 analog audiocassette 1835847

Transcript available in box RPA 00467.

RYN 0062-0063 Off the record interview with Lou Reed, 1987-03-20 2 analog audiocassettes 1835989

Transcript available in box RPA 00467.

RYN 0068 Off the record interview with Martha Reeves, 1987-06-30 1 analog audiocassette 1836002

Transcript available in box RPA 00467.

RYN 0137 Off the record interview with Russ Regan, [between 1986 and 1988?]-02-21 1 analog audiocassette 1836208

Transcript available in box RPA 00467.

RYM 9948 Off the record interview with Buddy Rich, 1986-08-28 1 analog audiocassette 1835623

Transcript available in box RPA 00467.

RYM 9958 Off the record interview with Cliff Richard, 1986-10-24 1 analog audiocassette 1835671

Transcript available in box RPA 00467.

RYN 0056 Off the record interview with Lionel Richie, 1987-12-09 1 analog audiocassette 1835981

Transcript available in box RPA 00467.

[digital audio only] Off the record interview with Artie Ripp, 1986-03-14 1836405

Original audiocassette not available; contact the Recorded Sound Reference Center for digital listening copy.

Transcript available in box RPA 00467.

RYN 0036 Off the record interview with Johnny Rivers, [between 1986 and 1988?]-11-10 1 analog audiocassette 1835849

Transcript available in box RPA 00467.

RYN 0128 Off the record interview with Robbie Robertston, 1987-09-02 1 analog audiocassette 1836186

Transcript available in box RPA 00467.

RYN 0098 Off the record interview with Paul Robi, [between 1986 and 1988?]-08-04 1 analog audiocassette 1836078

Transcript available in box RPA 00467.

RYN 0146 Off the record interview with Smokey Robinson, 1988-02-05 1 analog audiocassette 1836232

Transcript available in box RPA 00467.

RYN 0042 Off the record interview with Kenny Rogers, [between 1986 and 1988?]-08-01 1 analog audiocassette 1835864

Transcript available in box RPA 00467.

RYN 0053 Off the record interview with Linda Ronstadt, 1986-04-23 1 analog audiocassette 1835926

Transcript available in box RPA 00467.

Full interview online, part 1 (duration 46:25).

Full interview online, part 2 (duration 46:09).

[digital audio only] Off the record interview with David Lee Roth, undated 1835682

Interviewer unidentified.

Original audiocassette not available; contact the Recorded Sound Reference Center for digital listening copy.

RYM 9967 Off the record interview with David Lee Roth, 1987-05-14 1 analog audiocassette 1835681

Transcript available in box RPA 00467.

RYN 0099-0100 Off the record interview with Paul Rothchild, 1986-02-11 2 analog audiocassettes 1836080

Transcript available in box RPA 00467.

RYN 0087 Off the record interview with Mitch Ryder, undated 1 analog audiocassette 1836071

Interviewer unidentified.

RYN 0145 Westwood One interview with Sir Douglas [Doug Sahm], [between 1986 and 1988?]-06-02 1 analog audiocassette 1836230

Interviewer unidentified.

Sahm was the leader of the 1960s-1970s Texas rock band the Sir Douglas Quintet.

RYN 0045 Off the record interview with Leo Sayer, 1986-10-16 1 analog audiocassette 1835868

Transcript available in box RPA 00468.

RYM 9945 Off the record interview with Boz Scaggs, [between 1986 and 1988?]-09-19 1 analog audiocassette 1835603

Transcript available in box RPA 00468.

RYM 9913 Off the record interview with Al Schmitt, [between 1986 and 1988]-06-26 1 analog audiocassette 1833076

Transcript available in box RPA 00468.

RYN 0033 Off the record interview with John Sebastian, 1986-12-16 1 analog audiocassette 1836341

Transcript available in box RPA 00468.

[digital audio only] Westwood One interview with John Sebastian, undated 1835830

Interviewer unidentified.

Original audiocassette not available; contact the Recorded Sound Reference Center for digital listening copy.

This interview was recorded for The Rock Years, Portrait of an Era radio program, which was syndicated through Westwood One radio.

RYN 0104 Off the record interview with Pete Seeger, 1988-03-22 1 analog audiocassette 1836093

Transcript available in box RPA 00468.

RYM 9939 Off the record interview with Bob Seger, 1988-02-23 1 analog audiocassette 1833794

Transcript available in box RPA 00468.

RYM 9971 Off the record interview with Del Shannon, [between 1986 and 1988?]-06-26 1 analog audiocassette 1835687

Transcript available in box RPA 00468.

RYM 9919 Off the record interview with Artie Shaw, 1986-07-01 1 analog audiocassette 1833122

Transcript available in box RPA 00468.

RYN 0051 Off the record interview with Lester Sill, 1986-03-13 1 analog audiocassette 1835922

Transcript available in box RPA 00468.

RYM 9988 Off the record interview with Gene Simmons, 1986-08-21 1 analog audiocassette 1835735

Transcript available in box RPA 00468.

RYM 9950 Off the record interview with Carly Simon, 1988-03-30 1 analog audiocassette 1835631

Transcript available in box RPA 00468.

RYN 0101 Off the record interview with Paul Simon, 1988-03-23 1 analog audiocassette 1836082

Transcript available in box RPA 00468.

RYN 0029-0030 Off the record interview with Joe Smith, 1988-03-29 2 analog audiocassettes 1835799

Interviewer unidentified.

Transcript available in box RPA 00468.

RYM 9970 Off the record interview with Dee Snyder, [between 1986 and 1988?]-08-04 1 analog audiocassette 1835686

Transcript available in box RPA 00468.

RYM 9903 Off the record interview with Abe Somer, 1986-07-31 1 analog audiocassette 1833034

Transcript available in box RPA 00468.

RYM 9954 Off the record interview with Chris Squire, 1986-11-04 1 analog audiocassette 1835635

Transcript available in box RPA 00468.

RYN 0026 Off the record interview with Jo Stafford, [between 1986 and 1988?]-03-25 1 analog audiocassette 1835795

Transcript available in box RPA 00468.

RYN 0102 Off the record interview with Paul Stanley, 1986-08-21 1 analog audiocassette 1836086

Transcript available in box RPA 00468.

RYN 0148 Interview with the Statler Brothers, [between 1986 and 1988] 1 analog audiocassette 1836234

Interviewer unidentified.

Harold Reid and Phil Balsley from the Statler Brothers are interviewed. They discuss growing up and living in Staunton, Virginia.

RYN 0034 Off the record interview with John Stewart, [between 1986 and 1988?]-05-12 1 analog audiocassette 1835846

Transcript available in box RPA 00468.

RYN 0132-0133 Off the record interview with Rod Stewart, 1988-03-25 2 analog audiocassettes 1836202

Transcript available in box RPA 00468.

RYN 0149 Off the record interview with Stephen Stills, 1987-11-25 1 analog audiocassette 1836235

Transcript available in box RPA 00468.

RYN 0151 Off the record interview with Sting, 1988-03-26 1 analog audiocassette 1836237

Transcript available in box RPA 00468.

RYN 0082 Off the record interview with Mike Stoller, 1986-08-20 1 analog audiocassette 1836053

Transcript available in box RPA 00468.

RYN 0160 Off the record interview with Tony Stratton Smith, 1986-10-24 1 analog audiocassette 1836251

Transcript available in box RPA 00469.

RYM 9922 Off the record interview with Barbra Streisand, 1988-05-16 1 analog audiocassette 1833703

Transcript available in box RPA 00469.

RYN 0052 Off the record interview with Levi Stubbs, 1987-08-10 1 analog audiocassette 1835925

Transcript available in box RPA 00469.

Transcript of an interview with Donna Summer, undated

Transcript stored in box RPA 00469.

No sound recording of the interview is included in the collection.

RYN 0015 Off the record interview with James Taylor, 1988-01-19 1 analog audiocassette 1835778

Transcript available in box RPA 00469.

RYM 9940 Off the record interview with Bob Thiele, [between 1986 and 1988?]-06-09 1 analog audiocassette 1833799

Transcript available in box RPA 00469.

RYM 9968 Off the record interview with Dean Torrence, [between 1986 and 1988?]-03-04 1 analog audiocassette 1835683

Transcript available in box RPA 00469.

Transcript of an interview with Tina Turner, undated

Transcript stored in box RPA 00469.

No sound recording of the interview is included in the collection.

RYM 9986 Off the record interview with Frankie Valli, [between 1986 and 1988?]-02-07 1 analog audiocassette 1835730

Transcript available in box RPA 00469.

RYN 0161 Interview with Alex Van Halen, 1980-03-05 1 analog audiocassette 1836261

Interviewer unidentified.

RYM 9941 Off the record interview with Bobby Vinton, [between 1986 and 1988?]-11-12 1 analog audiocassette 1833820

Transcript available in box RPA 00469.

RYN 0113 Off the record interview with Phil Walden, undated 1 analog audiocassette 1836103

Interviewer unidentified.

RYN 0135 Off the record interview with Roger Waters, 1986-10-17 1 analog audiocassette 1836206

Transcript available in box RPA 00469.

RYN 0025 Off the record interview with Jimmy Webb, 1986-08-18 1 analog audiocassette 1835793

Transcript available in box RPA 00469.

RYN 0016 Off the record interview with Jan Wenner, [between 1986 and 1988?]-12-08 1 analog audiocassette 1835779

Transcript available in box RPA 00469.

RYN 0103 Off the record interview with Paul Weston, [between 1986 and 1988?]-03-25 1 analog audiocassette 1836092

Transcript available in box RPA 00469.

RYN 0022-0023 Off the record interview with Jerry Wexler, [between 1986 and 1988?]-03-13 2 analog audiocassettes 1835788

Transcript available in box RPA 00469.

RYM 9924 Off the record interview with Barry White, 1987-04-03 1 analog audiocassette 1833705

Transcript available in box RPA 00469.

RYN 0064 Off the record interview with Margaret Whiting, 1986-04-01 1 analog audiocassette 1835991

Transcript available in box RPA 00469.

RYN 0071 Off the record interview with Mary Wilson, 1987-01-30 1 analog audiocassette 1836013

Transcript available in box RPA 00469.

RYM 9955 Off the record interview with Chris Wright, [between 1986 and 1988?]-10-23 1 analog audiocassette 1835636

Transcript available in box RPA 00469.

[digital audio only] Interview with Bill Wyman, 1984-10-02 1835661

Interviewer unidentified.

Original audiocassette not available; contact the Recorded Sound Reference Center for digital listening copy.

RYN 0109 Off the record interview with Peter Yarrow and Mary Travers, [between 1986 and 1988?]-03-31 1 analog audiocassette 1836099

Transcript available in box RPA 00467.

RYN 0163 Off the record interview with Walter Yetnikoff, 1988-03-02 1 analog audiocassette 1836265

Transcript available in box RPA 00469.

Sources Consulted Off the Record: an Oral History of Popular Music, stories told to Joe Smith; edited by Mitchell Fink. New York: Warner Books, 1988. "Joe Smith Donates Recorded Interviews with Music’s Who’s Who to the Library of Congress.” Library of Congress news release, June 18, 2012; accessed October 9, 2012. http://www.loc.gov/today/pr/2012/12-117.html

The business papers of Joe Smith, including research materials for his book, Off the Record, are available at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Library and Archives: http://catalog.rockhall.com/catalog/ARC-0158#