General Biographical Resources
List of Jewish MusiciansPrepared by
Judith Shira Pinnolis
Reference Librarian
September 30, 1999
General Biographical Resources
Contents
- Introduction
- Biographical Indexes
- General Indexes
- General Biographical Collections
- Encyclopedias
- Access through Newspapers
- Obituaries
- Biographical Dictionaries
- Retrospective Biographies
- Professional Biographies
- Women
- Autobiographies
- Web Sources
- List of Jewish Musicians
- Return to Top of Page
Introduction
This is a guide to biographical research in the field of Jewish music. It contains a selective list of resources that may be helpful for getting started. Please consult my research guide Starting Research in Jewish Music for information about more general resources in Jewish music.For those who can come to the Brandeis University campus:
A number of important sources for biographical information are shelved in a special area of the Reference Department. The Biography Reference area is located in the low stacks to the right of the Electronic Research Center (ERC) of the Main Library Reference room. In LOUIS, the online catalog, its location code is also "Biography Reference." Ask for assistance at the Information Desk if you would like help using biographical sources.
For remote users:
Catalog records to LOUIS are no longer directly available by title links due to a change of web interface for LOUIS. While it's one extra step, anyone can still access LOUIS via the web through the Brandeis University Libraries' webpage at Brandeis University Libraries and click on "catalogs", then click "LOUIS", (the online catalog of the Brandeis University Libraries). Certain online research resources with a location designation as "Brandeis Library Web: Electronic Databases" may not be operational for non-Brandeis users. These titles may still be useful for research at your local library.
Biographical Indexes
The following titles index books and articles where information may be found about a particular person.
Biography and genealogy master index
Indexes a wide variety of biographical sources including biographical dictionaries, encyclopedias, literary criticism and books. Emphasis on U.S. and Canada. The print volumes contain a key to titles in the front cover. Several million entries to date. This source is a good place to begin most biographical research. v.1-8; 1985, v.1-5; 1986-90, v.1-3.
Biog Ref Z5305 .U5 B58 1980
Brandeis Library Web: Electronic Databases
Biography index
Cumulative index to biographical materials in periodicals and books. First volume indexes over 1500 periodicals. Checklist of biographical collections is provided. Certain biographical series completely indexed. Primarily American
subjects. v.1, 1946/49---
Biog Ref Z5301 .B5
Chicorel index to biographies
A two-volume subject index with entries organized by person's name within categories. Includes full bibliographic citations and a good list of autobiographies up to mid-1970's. Over 21,000 entries.
Biog Ref Z5301 .C45
Marquis who's who index to who's who books
A guide to the large number of "Who's Who" compilations of this publisher. Over 260,000 individuals. International scope.
Biog Ref Z5305 .U5 M282 Earlier volumes in Oversize Stacks
Personal name index to 'The New York Times' index 1851-1974
Indexes names of people mentioned in articles in the NYT. A "single alphabetized listing of the millions of names buried within the New York times indexes." The NYT death listings are included in the series. Multiple citations to specific names are arranged chronologically. Citations include year and page.
Main Microforms AI21 .N44 F28 1976
General Indexes
Reader's guide abstracts via FirstSearch
Readers' guide, available on FirstSearch with coverage for 1983 to present, is an interdisciplinary index to popular some scholarly journals as well as newspapers of the U.S. and Canada. Includes current events and news, fine arts,
fashion, education, business, sports, health and nutrition, consumer affairs, and others.
Brandeis Library Web: Electronic Databases
Reader's guide to periodical literature
The Brandeis holdings of this index date back to 1890.
Indexes & Abstracts Area AI3 .R4
Additional indexes can be found by looking in LOUIS under the subject headings:
Biography--Bibliographies
Biography--Indexes
General Biographical Collections
These collective works usually provide information such as dates of birth and death, accomplishments, publications and education. These works may contain address data, critical assessments of a biographee's work, or extensive
bibliographies.
Biography almanac
Biography almanac: a comprehensive reference guide to more than 24,000 famous and infamous newsmakers from biblical times to the present, as found in over 550 readily available biographical sources 3rd. ed., v.1-3. Also serves as an index to other sources. Provides brief biographical information.
Biog Ref Z5301 .B49 1987
Current biography
Long, informative articles on people living when the articles were published, from a variety of professions and fields. Published monthly, with an annual cumulation. Contains obituaries for recently deceased individuals. 1940---
Biog Ref CT100 .C8
Dictionary of biographical reference
Provides one line descriptions of persons with reference to collections with more extensive information. Lists works referred to, which were published before 1870, with a supplementary section covering works published to 1888. Includes
general biographies classed by language, national biographies classed by countries, and biographies arranged by subject.
Biog Ref CT 103. P5 1981
International who's who
World-wide coverage of prominent men and women. Includes addresses, and often, telephone numbers. Entries for many countries and regions that do not have other coverage in the literature.
Biog Ref CT120 .I5 Earlier volumes in Oversize Stacks
Who's who
Annual directory of well-known living British men and women.
Biog Ref DA28 .W6 Earlier volumes in Oversize Stacks
Who's who in America
Includes contemporary figures from Canada and Mexico as well as the U.S. A standard quick reference to a large number of prominent individuals.
Biog Ref E663 .W56 Earlier volumes in Oversize Stacks
Who's who in the world
Current government, academic and business people from many countries.
Biog Ref CT120 .W5 Earlier volumes in Oversize Stacks
--Biography or --Directories or --Biography--Dictionaries
Encyclopedias
Cambridge biographical encyclopedia
While retaining the traditional A-Z section with over 15,000 entries, this work provides a ready reference section providing lists of leaders and achievers; a connections section with 50 topics and key figures in the field; and a
contemporaries section organized into a chronology providing juxtapositions of people involved in various fields.
Ref Desk CT 103 .C26 1994
Encyclopedia Britannica (For Brandeis users only)
Britannica's Lives On-line contains detailed biographical information online. Users can also search EB by names of individuals. The encyclopedia articles contain bibliographies. Brandeis users may logon through the library's webpage.
Brandeis Library Web: Electronic Databases
Access through Newspapers
Biographical profiles of well known figures are often published in newspapers and the popular press. Use Newspapers Abstracts (1985-To date) or Reader's guide (1983-To date) via FirstSearch indexes to find these articles. Other newspaper indexes, are available in the Periodicals/Microforms area of the Library.
For current information and online service:
Lexis Nexis Academic UNIVerse (Brandeis users only)
Available through the library's homepage. Select "biographical information". Files include such resources as the New York times biographical services, Newsday and other news magazines, trade publications, transcripts of Reuters and other news service reports and several Who's who. For a full listing, see "sources" online.
Brandeis Library Web: Electronic Databases
For print and microform collections:
The Boston globe index
Published monthly with annual cumulations. 1982--
Main Microforms AI21 .B625 indexes The Christian Science monitor index
1987--
Main Microforms AI21 .C482
The Wall Street journal index
1957--
Main Microforms HG1 .W6
Several newspaper indexes provide access to biographical materials from earlier time periods:
The New York times index
Subject and name index to articles in the NYT. 1851--
Main Microforms AI21 .N44
Personal name index to "The New York times index," 1851-1974
Indexes names of people mentioned in articles in the NYT. A "single alphabetized listing of the millions of names buried within The New York times indexes." The NYT death listings are included in the series. Multiple citations to specific
names are arranged chronologically. Citations include year and page.
Main Microforms AI21 .N44 F28 1976
The Times (of London)
There are several sets in a series that index The Times. The Times index is a retrospective index for the earliest issues of The Times, including the period under its earlier name: The Daily universal register. It covers 1785-1790. Succeeding indexes are Palmer's index, 1790-1905; and The Times index, 1906-- . In addition to name searching in these indexes, subject searching can lead to further biographical discovery: for example, in Palmer's index many subjects include listings of names, such as those for criminal trials and civil actions; bankruptcy and creditor notices; murder victims; executions and death notices; politicians and military leaders.
Main Microforms AI21 .T52
Main Microforms AI21 .T5
Main Microforms AI21 .T42
Obituaries
These works can be an excellent source of detailed contemporary information about a person published shortly after his or her death. Sources are given below for indexes and descriptive collections.
New York times obituaries index, 1858-1968
Lists date and page for individuals in the NYT.
Biog Ref CT213 .N47,
New York times obituaries index II, 1969-78
Companion volume.
Biog Ref CT213 .N47 1980
Obituaries are also indexed in the regular:
The New York times index
Subject and name index to articles in the NYT. 1851--
Main Microforms AI21 .N44
The Boston globe index
Published monthly with annual cumulations.1982--
Micro Ref AI21 .B625 indexes
Newspaper abstracts
Obituaries are searchable by name. Available on the library's CD network. Coverage 1985-- .
Brandeis Library Web: Electronic Databases
Index of obituaries in Boston newspapers, 1704-1800: Boston Athenaeum
References obituaries printed in papers held by the Boston Athenaeum.
Micro Ref F73.25 .C6
Obituaries: a guide to sources
Organized geographically, and within the United States, by state. This guide aids in finding obituaries not only in newspapers, but periodicals, yearbooks, and annuals. Leads to some cemetery, church, and civil records. Points to
professional organizations that often report deaths of members in their newsletters, along with other helpful suggestions. Cross references with Sheehy and lists some online sources.
Main Ref Z5305 .U5 J37 1989
Obituaries on file
Contains 25,000 entries for people who died between 1940 and 1978. Includes the obscure as well as the famous, with international coverage. In two volumes.
Biog Ref CT120 .L43
Variety obituaries
Obituaries about people involved with show business from Variety, including obituary columns, specialized obituaries and news stories. 1905-1992. Volumes 1-14.
Biog Ref PN 1583 .V35
Biographical Dictionaries
For lists of biographical dictionaries and directories in particular subject areas or by profession, consult:
Biographical dictionaries and related works
The subtitle of this two volume work is: An international bibliography of more than 16,000 collective biographies, bio-bibliographies, collections of epitaphs, selected genealogical works, dictionaries of anonyms and pseudonyms,
historical and specialized dictionaries, biographical materials in government manuals, bibliographies of biography, biographical indexes, and selected portrait catalogs. Volume two contains a section on biography by vocation, and the author, title and subject indexes.
Biog Ref Z5301 .S55 1986
ARBA guide to biographical dictionaries
An annotated bibliography providing a representative selection of reference works in biography. Divided by subject areas.
Biog Ref Z5301 .A82 1986
For information on book-length biographies, use:
Biographical books, 1876-1949
Companion volume to Biographical books, 1950-1980, completing coverage for one hundred and five years. The 1876 start date marks the publication of the classification system known as the Dewey Decimal System and the founding of the American Library Association.
Biog Ref Z5301 .B48 1983
Biographical books, 1950-1980
Represents a "comprehensive bibliography of biographical and autobiographical works published or distributed in the United States including biographies, autobiographies, collective biographies, letters, diaries, journals, and other
material such as dictionaries and directories."
Biog Ref Z5301 .B68 1980
The St. James guide to biography
Critical analysis and bibliographical information on full length biographies on individuals. Provides "expert discrimination" about the best biographies on an individual.
Biog Ref Z5301 .S69 1991
For biographical books in the Brandeis University Libraries, do a subject search in LOUIS, the online catalog, using the name of the person, such as:
S=Bernstein, Leonard
For biographical dictionaries:
Cambridge biographical dictionary
Succinct entries in an alphabetical dictionary covering primarily Europeans and Americans.
Biog Ref CT103.C25 1996
Cambridge dictionary of American biography
Biog Ref CT213 .C36 1995
Chambers biographical dictionary
Biog Ref CT103 .C4 1997
Retrospective Biographies
The works below profile people who are no longer living. They may cover a range of years, affiliations and nationalities.
Dictionary of American biography
A 20-volume set (with continuing supplements) that features descriptive articles, often by distinguished authors, based on primary source materials. Includes bibliographies on subjects' lives and works.
Biog Ref E176 .D56 v. 1-27, index
Dictionary of American biography: complete index guide
Biog Ref E176 .D563
Dictionary of Canadian biography
An English language encyclopedic arrangement distinguishes this work. Each volume is in a consistent chronological order with contents arranged alphabetically. Persons are included in a volume by death date or latest known date of activity. Each biography is scholarly and based upon as reliable sources as possible. The Name File aids in locating persons within volumes.
Biog Ref F1005 .D4
Dictionary of national biography
Founded 1882 by George Smith. Nearly 30,000 articles on an enormous range of British and Commonwealth citizens, as well as foreigners who became British subjects.
Biog Ref DA28 .D48 v. 1-24--Covers up to 1970;
Biog RefDA28 .D57 1986--Covers 1971-1980;
Biog Ref DA28 .D59 1990--Covers 1981-1985 and contains indexes for the 1901-1985 volumes.
Notable American women, 1607-1950: a biographical dictionary
A three-volume work which contains 1400 scholarly articles on women from a variety of fields and professions. Especially helpful for finding locations of manuscripts and personal papers of the subjects.
Biog Ref CT3260 .N57
Notable American women, the modern period: a biographical dictionary
Continues the above, with an additional 400 articles on women who died between 1951 and 1975.
Biog Ref CT3260 .N572
People in history: an index to U.S. and Canadian biographies in history journals and dissertations
Indexes biographical material in the index, America: history and life, 1976-1988.
Biog Ref CT 213 .P46 1988
Who was who
A companion to Who's who, containing the biographies of British people who died. Vol. 1 covers 1897/1915. First published in June 1920.
Biog Ref DA28 .W65
Who was who in America: historical volume 1607-1896
A component volume of Who's who in American history, a compilation of sketches of individuals in some manner related to the history of the United States, from the founding of Jamestown colony to the year of continuation by Volume I
of Who was who.
Biog Ref E663 .W54
Professional Biographies
Contemporary authors
The content of this resource is available in print in our Biography Reference collection or searchable online as part of the Literature Resource Center (Brandeis users only). Multiple series. A large and comprehensive series. Information included on a diverse group of people, not only literary figures.
Brandeis Library Web: Electronic Databases
Biog Ref Z1224 .C6
Contemporary authors. cumulative index
Use the index volume to find entries for a particular author in all the different editions in the series. v.1--
Biog Ref Z1224 .C63
Contemporary theatre, film & television
Volumes 1-8. A Comprehensive biographical guide to "performers, directors, writers, producers, designers, managers, choreographers, technicians, composers, executives, dancers and critics in the United States and Great Britain." Includes many Jewish musicians and performers.
Biog Ref PN 2285 .C58
Who's who in world Jewry
Library has volumes for 1955, 1965, 1972, 1981 and 1987. Brief biographical information on Jewish men and women from many areas of society. The last edition includes photographs of a number of the subjects.
Biog Ref and Judaica/Ref DS125.3 .A2 W5
Women
These sources list persons in the United States or Canada, or sources devoted to information about women.
Biographical dictionary of women
More than 3,000 brief entries, each beginning with a one line summary description. "Extensive coverage of leading figures in the women's rights movement." Weighted to 19th and 20th century western women.
Biog Ref CT 3202 .C48 1996
Prominent women of the 20th century
A 4-volume series with essays and brief bibliographies giving basic outlines of the lives and achievements of the selected women.
Biog Ref CT 3235 .S2 1995
Who's who of American women
One of the largest sources for information on contemporary women. Brief biographical information for over 20,000 women.
Biog Ref CT3260 .W3 Earlier volumes in Oversize Stacks
The World who's who of women
Brief entries on contemporary women in all walks of life.
Biog Ref +CT3200 .W6 ed. 14 1997
Autobiographies
While many may consider these non-objective materials, autobiographies can be key sources of information. Names of important associates are often included.
American autobiography 1945-1980: a bibliography
Annotated bibliography with a thorough subject/name index. Companion volume to Kaplan's work (below) providing "access to over 5,000 American autobiographies" published after 1945. This work also picks up additional publications missed by Kaplan, and reprints.
Biog Ref Z5305 .U5 A47 1982
A bibliography of American autobiographies
A fourteen-year endeavor by Louis Kaplan, this bibliography brings together over 6,000 autobiographies published before 1945 and listed in sources such as Evans, Sabin, and Dictionary of American biography. It is also based on field work Kaplan did in the Library of Congress, the New York Public Library, the Antiquarian Society Library, and several libraries "west of the Mississippi." An amazing compilation with a subject index. Fantastic accomplishment.
Main Ref Z1224 .K3
Index to microfiche edition of American autobiographies
Based upon A bibliography of American autobiographies, compiled by Louis Kaplan, et al.
Micro Ref Z1224 .I5 Series 1
Micro Ref Z1224 .I5 Series 2-5
American autobiographies
American autobiographies is the title of the fiche collection containing full texts of 781 autobiographies from Kaplan's book and held in the classified fiche in the microforms room.
Main Microforms CT 211 .A4.
Contemporary authors: autobiography series
Authors provide materials on their own lives including family photos and information about their writings. Each volume contains extended essays. Arranged alphabetically within volumes. v. 1--
Biog Ref Z5301 .C6
American diaries: an annotated bibliography of published American diaries and journals
A two volume work containing approximately 5,000 entries. Arranged chronologically with comprehensive name, subject and geographic indexes. Supercedes the work of William Matthews. (see below)
Biog Ref Z5305 .U5 A74 1983
American diaries; an annotated bibliography of American diaries written prior to the year 1861
Long the authoritative work on published diaries up to 1860, William Matthews arranged the diaries chronologically. Includes a name index. Omits non-English American diaries and manuscript diaries.
Main Ref Z5305 .U5 M3 1959
American diaries in manuscript, 1580-1954; a descriptive bibliography
Supplements the author's American diaries with an annotated list of (mostly) unpublished diaries. Over 5,000 entries. Each entry gives name of writer, time span of diary, brief characterization of contents, and location of manuscript.
Main Ref Z5305 .U5 M32
American life in autobiography: a descriptive guide
Contains a very useful introduction which describes various pitfalls of autobiography. Arranged according to occupations with annotations. Also contains a general index and a special list of minorities: immigrants, Indians,
Jews and Negroes.
Main Ref Z5301 .L66
Notable women in world history: a guide to recommended biographies and autobiographies
An annotated bibliography and dictionary of women not born in the U.S. A short biographical sketch is offered and up to 5 recommended biographies written in English are reviewed with each entry. Translations of autobiographies, as well as correspondence, journals and interviews utilized. Appendices organized by birth date, country of birth and occupation.
Biog Ref Z7963 .B6 A28 1998
Through a woman's I : an annotated bibliography of American women's autobiographical writings, 1946-1976
Important sources that include letters, diaries, journals, memoirs, reminiscences and travel accounts as well as published autobiographies. Author, title and narrative indexes included.
Biog Ref CT3260 .A3 1983
Web Sources
Biography.com
A & E television series website.
http://www.biography.com
Biographical Information
Library "spot" list of web sites with biographical information.
http://www.libraryspot.com/biographicalinfo.htm
Table of contents
Return to Top of Page
List of Jewish Musicians
| A - G | H - L | M - S | T - Z |
Amran, David
Ben Haim, Paul
Berlin, Irving
Bernstein, Leonard
Birnbaum, Eduard
Bloch, Ernest
Gershwin, George
Helfman, Max
Lowewenstein-Strashunsky, Joel David
Meltzoff, Nathan
Mendelssohn, Fanny
Mendelssohn, Felix
Menhuin, Yehudi
Milhaud, Darius
Piatigorsky, Gregor
Rosenblatt, Yossele,
Schalit, Heinrich
Schoenberg, Arnold
Secunda, Shalom
Stutchewsky, Joachim
Tucker, Richard
Walter, Bruno
Weill, Kurt
Zilberts, Zavel
Zunser, Eliakum
General
Return to Top of Page
Biographies
A - G
Return to top
Achron, Joseph
Joseph Achron.
Amran, David
Amram, David. Vibrations: An autobiography
Arlen, Harold
Harold Arlen: happy with the Blues
Paul Ben Haim
A short biography on the occasion of the composer's 70th birthday.
Paul Ben Haim, His Life and works
by Yehoash Hirshberg translated from the Hebrew.
Berlin, Irving
Irving Berlin
Irving Berlin: a daughter's memoir
Irving Berlin: a life in song
Sonography compiled by Ken Bloom
Irving Berlin and Ragtime America
Irving Berlin: songs from the melting pot: the formative years 1907-1914
Leonard Bernstein: The Man, His Work and His World
Leonard Bernstein
Leonard Bernstein: a life
Leonard Bernstein: notes from a friend
Leonard Bernstein: the infinite variety of a musician
Binder, Abraham W.
A.W. Binder: His Life and Works
Seroussi, Edwin. Eduard Birnbaum: A Bibliography
Bloch, Ernest
Ernest Bloch, voice in the wilderness: a biographical study
Gershwin, George
George Gershwin, a biography
George Gershwin
George Gershwin
New biography by Rodney Greenberg.
George Gershwin, a study in American music
George Gershwin: his journey to greatness
A completely rewritten version of David Ewen's 1956 book.
The Gershwin Years
H - L
Return to top
Helfman, Max
Max Helfman: A Biographical Sketch
Loewenstein-Strashunsky
Ha-Avrekh mi Vilna: sipur bi'ografi
M - S
Return to top
Meltzoff, Nathan
My Life's Story
Mendelssohn, Fanny
Fanny Mendelssohn
Mendelssohn, Felix
On Wings of Song: A biography of Felix Mendelssohn
Felix Mendelssohn, a life in letters
Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy
Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy
Felix Mendelssohn and his times
Menhuin, Yehudi
Yehudi Menuhin: the story of the man and the musician
Unfinished Journey: An autobiography
Milhaud, Darius
Notes without music, an autobiography (Notes sans musique.)
Darius Milhaud
My happy life
Darius Milhaud, l'homme et son l'oeuvre
Conversations with Madeline Milhaud
Piatigorsky, Gregor
Mein cello und ich. Cellist; an autobiography
Rosenblatt, Yossele
Yossele Rossenblatt the story of his life as told by his son
Saminsky, Lazare
Paoli, Domenico. Lazare Saminsky: Composer and Civic Worker.
Schalit, Heinrich
Heinrich Schalit: The Man and His Music
Schoenberg, Arnold
Arnold Schoenberg
Arnold Schoenberg
Arnold Schoenberg-- the composer as Jew
Arnold Schoenberg self-portrait
Schoenberg: a critical biography
Schoenberg
Schoenberg
Secunda, Shalom
Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen, Life of Shalom Secunda
Stutchewsky, Joachim
Avni, Tzvi and Em Amiran and A. Maayani. Joachim Stutchewsky On His 85th Birthday.
T - Z
Return to top
Tucker, Richard
Richard Tucker: A Biography
Walter, Bruno
Bruno Walter
Weill, Kurt
Kurt Weill in Europe 1900-1935, a study of his music and writings
Kurt Weill, an illustrated biography
Kurt Weill, an illustrated life
Kurt Weill
Zilberts, Zavel
Zavel Zilberts: His Life and Works
Zunser, Eliakum
Eliakum Zunser: Poet of His People
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GENERAL
The Cantor:an historic perspective; a study of the origin, communal position and function of the hazzan
Jewish Musicians at the Court of the Dukes of Mantua: A Bibliography compiled by E. Birnbaum.
A Gilgul fun a nigun: Jewish Musicians in New York, 1881-1945
Music and Musicians in Israel.
Jews on Tin Pan Alley.
The Modern renaissance of Jewish music, events and figures, Eastern Europe and America