Letters, 1931 - 1991

Series 1: Letters (1931-1991) is comprised of letters received by Hodes from musicians, critics and writers, friends and business associates. They document Hodes personal and professional relationships in the jazz and blues world from the 1930s to the 1980s.

Sub-series 1A: Individuals includes Letters received by Art Hodes from musicians, writers, and personal friends. This sub-series consists of letters from correspondents who wrote more than once or for a sustained period of time and include Frank Assunto, Bob Arthur, George Brunis, S. Brunson Campbell, Cow Cow Davenport, George Avakian, Wild Bill Davis, Judy Downs, Neshui Ertegun, Ray "Slim" Evans, John Fields, Kaiser Marshall; Miff Mole, Ruth Reinhardt; Pee Wee and Mary Russell and others. Most voluminous writings from George Avakian, Ray "Slim" Evans, John Field, Whitey Myrick, Pee Wee and Mary Russell. Also includes letters from Renee Burnett, a girlfriend of Hodes in Chicago from 1931-1937, which represent the earliest documentation of Hodes in the collection. The letters of George Avakian (1941- 1945) concern not only jazz during the early 1940s but his experiences in the Philippines and South Pacific during the Second World War. Also documenting jazz and social aspects of the WWII era is the correspondence of Ray "Slim" Evans (drummer and saxophonist in army bands from 1921 to WWII and with Wild Bill Davison 1927, 1932.) Besides featuring insight into the Second World War, Evans' later letters provide details of jazz figures including Louis Armstrong in the 1960s-1970s. There is also extensive correspondence of John Fields from 1966-1988, most are undated.

Sub-series 1B: Musicians includes single letters received by Art Hodes from musicians. These letters, originally in manila envelopes, were labeled "writings/letters from musicians" in Hodes' hand. Correspondents include: Earl Wiley, George Wettling, Truck Parham, H. Morand, Bennie Morton, Cozy Cole, Darnell Howard, Eddie Condon, Doc Evans, Pee Wee Ervin, Cozy Cole, Jess Stacy, Max Kaminsky, Maxine Sullivan, Bennie Morton, Doc Cheatham, Kenny Davern, Jimmy Granato, Wes Cornell, and Dick Wellstood. Folder list contains item level description.

Sub-series 1C: General includes correspondence from people, institutions, business associates, some musicians, promoters, fans. Also includes one folder of telegrams 1941-1949 and letters of appreciation to thank Hodes for performances.