Dear Jazz Lover, I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to you on behalf of the Philadelphia Jazz Legacy Project, an organization dedicated to preserving the rich history and cultural significance of jazz music in Philadelphia through our archive at the Charles L. Blockson Collection at Temple University.

As a vital part of our mission, we are building an extensive jazz archive that will serve as a resource for musicians, researchers, and enthusiasts alike. Over the last year, we have acquired the collections of legendary bassist and composer Jymie Merritt and jazz promoter Ellen Fraser. We’ve also filmed life history interviews with jazz musicians Duck Scott (Shirley Scott’s son), Bobby Zankel, Gerald Veasley, Tom Lawton, and club owner Barbara Cooper of the famous Slim Cooper’s Lounge. Check out our YouTube Channel!

We’ve also programmed shows on multiple issues confronting our local jazz community via our Philly Jazz Talks About Series. Lastly, we have written a book for the Images of America series at Arcadia Publishing called Philadelphia Jazz.

Why We Need Your Support

Jazz is not just a genre of music; it is a profound expression of creativity and resilience that has shaped our cultural landscape and our region. However, maintaining and expanding our archive requires significant resources. To continue our work, we need to raise an annual income of at least $30,000. This funding is essential for:

• Conserving and Cataloguing Collections: Ensuring that our materials are preserved for future generations.

• Digitizing Archives: Making our collections accessible online for researchers and the public.

• Employing Skilled Staff: Hiring professionals who can manage and develop our archive to the highest standards.

How You Can Help

Your generous, tax-deductible donation can make a meaningful impact on our efforts, and here are some ways you can contribute:

1.) Monetary Donations: Any amount you can give will directly support our ongoing projects.

2.) Material Donations: If you have Philadelphia area, jazz-related items, such as records or memorabilia, that you no longer need, we would be grateful for your contributions.

3.) Buy our book Images of America: Philadelphia Jazz. It makes a great gift for the holidays.

We invite you to visit our website at phillyjazzhistory.org for more information about our archive and how your support can help us achieve our goals.

Join Us in Preserving Jazz History

Your support is vital in helping us preserve the legacy of jazz music. Together, we can ensure that this incredible art form continues to inspire future generations. Please consider making a donation today. Thank you for your time and consideration. We appreciate your support in keeping jazz alive!

Warm regards,

Suzanne Cloud PhD

Director

info@suzanne.cloud

610-745-3011