Photographs, 1944 - 1981

The Leonard Feather Papers consist of 1.5 linear ft. of questionnaires and correspondence housed in three manuscript document boxes. The collection is divided into three series. Series I includes four hundred and five (405) original artist biographical questionnaires that Feather used to compile his various encyclopedias of jazz. However, they consist mostly of questionnaires used for the first reference work, The Encyclopedia of Jazz (1st edition,1955). It is possible that Series I contains gaps and does not represent all of the questionnaires that were originally completed by musicians or used by Feather for his encyclopedias.

Series II consists of two-hundred forty six (246) letters, post cards, greeting cards, and notes received by Feather from 1941-1985. In addition to letters there are also "favorite records" questionnaires. Although these questionnaires are not dated or identified, they were probably used for an article in Keyboard Magazine, ca. 1982-83.

Series III contains one folder with 3 photographs.

The letters concern various personal and professional topics and are primarily written by musicians, critics, entertainers and persons in affiliated professions. Most of the letters relate to Feather's role as critic and jazz aficionado. Some letters are merely short notes regarding Feather's writings or achievements, but many others include detailed commentary on the particular correspondent's career and personal life.

The collection also contains unprocessed audio recordings (open reels). These materials are fragile and not currently accessible.