Harold
Leventhal Collection
Date
range: 1943 – 2004
Finding
Aid created by Tiffany Colannino, 2022
Title: Harold Leventhal Collection, 1943 - 2004
Creators: Harold Leventhal & Michael Kleff
Language: English
Location: Michael Kleff Research Office 125 East Main Street, Suite #200
Mount Kisco, NY 10549
Processing
Archivist: Tiffany
Colannino, 2022.
Abstract:
The Harold
Leventhal Collection (HLC) consists of 8 boxes of documents and photographs originating
from the offices of Harold Leventhal Management (New York, NY). The items in
this Collection were shared by Leventhal with researcher Michael Kleff during
the decades that Kleff and Leventhal collaborated on special projects,
including biographical projects, concerts, and related work. In
an effort to organize and arrange the materials, address any
conservation needs, ensure their long-term preservation, and make them
accessible to researchers, these documents were processed as the Harold
Leventhal Collection by Tiffany Colannino in 2022.
Biography:
Harold
Leventhal (1919 – 2005) was an American concert promoter and music manager. He
was born in New York and spent several years abroad in India where he served
with the Signal Corps in India during World War II, which had a profound impact
on his life. The bulk of his professional career was spent in New York, except
for several months he spent working as a music promoter in Hollywood California
(1949). The HLC consists primarily of documents created by Leventhal from 1949
– 2003, and include materials generated as a result of
his work as a concert promoter and music manager, as well as documents relating
to his personal interests.
Use:
This
collection contains both published and unpublished materials and photographs.
Permission to reprint or reproduce any materials must be gained prior to
publication.
About the
Collection:
The HLC is of
value to researchers studying the life and work of Harold Leventhal, the
progression of world and folk music in the United States, the intersection of
music, politics, and the law in the United States, or any of the many artists
represented in the materials.
Of note in
this collection are the following individuals:
|
Arkin, Alan |
Gilbert, Ronnie |
Madame Regine, |
|
Baez, Joan |
Guthrie, Arlo |
Manson, Jeane |
|
Brackman, Al |
Guthrie, Marjorie |
Mouskouri, Nana |
|
Brel, Jacques |
Guthrie, Sarah Lee |
Odetta, |
|
Campbell, Paul |
Guthrie, Woody |
Richmond, Howard (Howie) |
|
Cash, Johnny |
Hays, Lee |
Robinson, Earl |
|
Celeste, Nicole |
Hellerman, Fred |
Robinson, Tiny |
|
Davis, Rev. Gary |
Houston, Cisco |
Seeger, Pete & Toshi |
|
Dietrich, Marlene |
Jackson, Mahalia |
Sosa, Mercedes |
|
Dylan, Bob |
Kameron, Pete |
Tremaine, Judy |
|
Eliot, Jack |
Kostmayer, Pete H. |
Walker, Sammy |
|
Fonda, Jane |
Leadbelly |
Young, Israel |
|
Gilbert, Marion |
Linda, Solomon |
|
In addition,
the HLC expands beyond the central scope of documenting the folk and world
music scene in the United States from 1940s – 2000s to cover other subject
matter, importantly Leventhal’s involvement and interest in India. Of special note is a copy of Leventhal’s
personal journal spanning the full time he was in the US Army, serving in the
Signal Corps in India from March 8, 1944 through April 14, 1946. Also
noteworthy are the several pieces of published and unpublished original writing
by Harold Leventhal including writings about his time in India, a manuscript
outline for a book tentatively titled “The Myth of Atrocity: The Story of the Black
Hole of Calcutta” (1967), and an unproduced film treatment under agreement with
Warner Bros. entitled “Intensive Care/Private Patient” (1983).
The bulk of
the HLC consists of photocopied material. There are some original documents in
this collection, mainly promotional materials, telegrams, correspondence, and
photography. The disposition of the original collection of office files is
unknown.
Original
material in this collection includes a folder of personal correspondence
between Harold Leventhal and Marion Gilbert (1949) and a folder of business
correspondence between Harold Leventhal and Herbert Leventhal regarding
Harold’s work at Lewis Music, Inc in Hollywood, California, and the various
songs and artists he was promoting at the time (1949). Other noteworthy
original items include promotional materials (concert flyers, posters, announcements,
and tickets), photography, and publications. For the most part, the publications
have been re-housed in folders and arranged within Business Papers series. Publications
about a specific individual or subject may be housed within that respective
folder.
Related
Collections:
The Harold
Leventhal Collection held at the Woody Guthrie Center was also processed by
Archivist Tiffany Colannino, and contains similar types of materials as this
collection, with a focus on materials relating to Woody Guthrie. There appears
to be little, if any, overlap between the two collections. The two collections
share the same provenance. Finding Aid is available via the Woody Guthrie
Center: https://woodyguthriecenter.org/archives/collections/harold-leventhal-collection/
Preservation
Notes:
Due to the
nature of the collection as a research-based collection, the bulk of the items
are photocopies and did not require intervention to ensure long-term
preservation. Original items contained in the collection are mostly ephemeral
in nature, and as such the quality of the papers and printing has degenerated
over time. News clippings have yellowed and become brittle, Therma fax papers
have begun to fade, and correspondence on light weight air-mail letterhead has
become fragile. In an effort to stabilize these
materials, several preservation techniques have been utilized to ensure
continued access to the informational content of the materials and to minimize
further deterioration of the documents. Galvanized steel staples have been
removed from the collection. News clippings have been interfiled with acid free
Permalife bond 20# papers or placed in acid-free
polypropylene photo sleeves or 2-millimeter polyester film protector sleeves.
Photographs have been removed from original photo albums and re-housed in
2-millimeter polyester film protector sleeves. Original order from albums has
been maintained. Where possible, loose photographs have been arranged in
chronological order. Oversized loose photographs are housed in a separate
folder to accommodate their size, they have additionally been foldered in rigid acid-free files to ensure preservation.
All original posters, mailers, flyers, tickets, and other related materials
have been placed in 2-millimeter polyester film protector sleeves, with the exception of three oversized concert posters. These
have been kept folded, interfiled with acid free Permalife
bond 20# papers, and placed in rigid acid-free files. These three posters are
among the top candidates in the collection that, at this time, could benefit
from additional conservation work. Additional preservation work may include
photocopying fragile newsprint articles, and digitizing original writings and
photographs to increase methods of access and decrease physical stress on the
original items.
Arrangement:
Wherever
possible, original order of documents or files has been maintained in the
collection. Use of original file titles has been indicated in the Finding Aid.
Due to the provenance of the collection as a research derived collection, the
materials were interfiled and – for the most part – did not reflect the
original order of the working Harold Leventhal Management offices. To improve
points of access and improve researcher experience, the collection has been
arranged into three series:
1.
Business
Papers consists of
items created or collected directly as a result of, or
in support of, Leventhal’s work as a folk music concert promoter and/or
manager. Business papers have been arranged into folders by subject or person.
Contents of folders have not been further arranged. General folder-level
descriptions are provided below.
2.
Personal
Papers consists of
items created by Leventhal outside of his work as a concert promoter or music
manager, and focus mostly on his interest in writing, his military career, his
personal social and familial life, and his interest in genealogy. Personal
Papers have been arranged into folders by subject or project. Contents of
folders have not been further arranged. General folder-level descriptions are
provided below.
3.
Photographs consist of print images and are organized into two sub-series:
Photo Albums and Loose Photographs. Photo Albums include two albums of images
that have been re-housed into acid free film protectors and arranged according
to their original order. Loose Photographs consist of approximately 36
photographs depicting Leventhal’s personal and professional life and spanning
over a half century. Many photographs are re-prints; however, several early
images from the 1940s – 1960s are original prints. Photographs have been
arranged chronologically and re-housed in acid free film protectors.
Business Papers (Boxes 01 – 06)
Box 01, Folder 01: Business Papers: Artist Lists, 1961 – 1966
Contains
Harold Leventhal Management artist lists from 1961 – 1966.
Box 01,
Folder 02: Business Papers: Concerts – A Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,
1961
Contains a
photocopy of the program for the “A Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.”
concert at Carnegie Hall, January 27, 1961.
Box 01,
Folder 03: Business Papers: Concerts – Tribute to Paul Robeson, 1973 & 1983
Contains
correspondence from Paul Robeson, Jr. and invitation
card to the 1983 Tribute to Paul Robeson at Carnegie Hall, NY. Also includes an
original copy of the 1973 “Salute to Paul Robeson: A Cultural Celebration of
his 75th Birthday” book.
Box 01,
Folder 04: Business Papers: Concerts – Turkish State Folk Ensemble, 1981
Contains
Agreement for the Turkish Folk Dance Ensemble performance in Washington, CD,
and New York City, NY (1981) as well as programs and newspaper clippings
regarding the events.
Box 01,
Folder 05: Business Papers: Concerts – Gosconcert
(USSR), 1963 – 1975
Contains
correspondence, notes, and newspaper clippings regarding concerts or tours
organized by Harold Leventhal in collaboration with USSR Gosconcert.
Artists include Pete Seeger, Frank Sinatra, Judy Collins, and others.
Box 01,
Folder 06: Business Papers: Concerts – Promotional Material (originals), 1950s
– 1990s
Contains advance concert schedules, mailers,
calendars, flyers, ticket ordering forms, and other original promotional
materials for concerts produced or presented by Harold Leventhal Management,
ca. 1959 – 1981. Also includes copies of the following publications: “Stagebill Carnegie Hall 90th Anniversary 1891 –
1991.”
Box 01, Folder 07: Business Papers: Concerts – Promotional
Material (photocopies), 1950s – 1970s
Contains copies of concert announcements,
programs, flyers, and promotional materials, news clippings, biographical
material, and other documents related to concerts produced by Harold Leventhal,
artists represented by Harold Leventhal, or related events.
Box 01,
Folder 08: Business Papers: Concerts – Promotional Material – Concert Poster:
Pete Seeger, Poznan Poland, 1964
Contains
original concert poster for Pete Seeger show in Poznan, Poland. Polish language
text. Item is fragile and in good condition given age and acidic nature of the
paper (newsprint?). The poster measures 32” x 22” and is currently housed
folded and interfiled with acid free papers, stabilized with acid free folders.
Box 01,
Folder 09: Business Papers: Concerts – Promotional Material – Concert Poster:
Pete Seeger, Crimea Ukraine, circa 1964
Contains
original concert poster for Pete Seeger show in Crimea, Ukraine. Presented by
the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine, with the State Philharmonic on the South
Coast of Crimea, at the Theatre names after AP Chekhov. Russian language text. Item is fragile and in good condition given
age and acidic nature of the paper (newsprint?). The poster measures 36” x 22”
and is currently housed folded and interfiled with acid free papers, stabilized
with acid free folders.
Box 01,
Folder 10: Business Papers: Concerts – Promotional Material – Concert Poster:
The Weavers, no location, circa 1960s (Giora Godik, Hebrew Language Text)
Contains
original concert poster for Weavers show in Israel, produced by Giora Godik.
Hebrew language text. Item is fragile
and in good condition given age and acidic nature of the paper (newsprint?).
The poster measures 25” x 26” and is currently housed folded and interfiled
with acid free papers, stabilized with acid free folders.
Box 02,
Folder 01: Business Papers: Correspondence (Folder 1 of 2), 1950s – 2000s
Contains
correspondence between Harold Leventhal and a variety of individuals regarding
business matters, as well as some related newspaper clippings, agreements, and
concert printed materials. Correspondents include Marlene Dietrich, Jane Fonda,
Sarah Lee Guthrie, Mahalia Jackson, Anna Lomax, Jeane Manson, Tiny Robinson,
and others. Also includes correspondence regarding cultural arts and musical
collaborations with China, Cuba, and Vietnam.
Box 02,
Folder 02: Business Papers: Correspondence (Folder 2 of 2), 1960s – 2000s (bulk
1980s)
Contains
correspondence between Harold Leventhal and a variety of individuals regarding
business matters, as well as some related newspaper clippings, agreements, and
concert printed materials. Correspondents include Mimi Fariña, Alan Lomax, Howard Metzenbaum, Howard Richmond,
Pete Seeger, and others. Also includes correspondence regarding cultural arts
and musical collaborations with USSR.
Box 02, Folder 03: Business Papers: Correspondence – Lewis Music
Publishing Company, Inc., March – May 1949
Contains correspondence between Herb Leventhal
(New York) and Harold Leventhal (Hollywood, California) regarding song play,
artists, and business dealings of Lewis Music. Also contains some promotional
material for Judy Tremaine and telegrams.
Box 02,
Folder 04: Business Papers: Interview Transcriptions – Cisco Houston and Lee
Hays discuss Harold Leventhal, undated
Contains a
photocopy of the transcription to an interview conducted between Cisco Houston
and Lee Hays about Harold Leventhal. No date.
Box 02,
Folder 05: Business Papers: Interview Transcriptions – Interview of Harold
Leventhal by Ron Cohen, 1991
Contains
photocopy of transcription of interview between Ron Cohen and Harold Leventhal,
1991.
Box 02,
Folder 06: Business Papers: Interview Transcriptions – Interviews of Harold
Leventhal by Ed Cray, 1998, 1999, & 2001
Contains a
photocopy of interview notes created by Ed Cray after interviewing Harold
Leventhal for his 2004 Woody Guthrie biography, “Ramblin’
Man”
Box 02,
Folder 07: Business Papers: Interview Transcriptions – Interview of Harold
Leventhal by Martin Duberman (CUNY), 1983
Contains an
annotated transcription of an interview conducted by Martin Duberman with
Harold Leventhal, 1983 and related correspondence. File also includes a
photocopy of the documents.
Box 02,
Folder 08: Business Papers: Interview Transcriptions – Interviews of Harold
Leventhal, Nora Guthrie, Howie Richmond, Al Red (Galdi), Dave Marsh, and Mitch
Greenhill by Michael Kleff, 1997-2005
Contains
photocopies of transcriptions of interviews conducted by Michael Kleff of
Harold Leventhal and several of Leventhal’s friends and business associates.
Also contains related correspondence.
Box 03,
Folder 01: Business Papers: News Clippings (Folder 1 of 2), 1940s – 1990s (bulk
1940s and 1960s)
Contains news
clippings relating to the artists Harold Leventhal represented, the concerts he
produced, as well as music and politics in general and concert printed
materials, including concert flyers, programs, announcements, tickets, and
playbills (the bulk of which are photocopies) ca. 1942 – 1990. Also contains
some correspondence related to specific newspaper articles or concerts.
Materials are not arranged by date.
Box 03,
Folder 02: Business Papers: News Clippings (Folder 2 of 2), 1940s – 1990s (bulk
1940s and 1960s)
Contains news
clippings relating to the artists Harold Leventhal represented, the concerts he
produced, as well as music and politics in general and concert printed
materials, including concert flyers, programs, announcements, tickets, and
playbills (the bulk of which are photocopies) ca. 1942 – 1990. Also contains
some correspondence related to specific newspaper articles or concerts.
Materials are not arranged by date.
Box 03, Folder 03: Business Papers: Office – Press Releases, 1960
– 1964
Contains press releases from Harold Leventhal
Management outlining the performances of the artists managed by Leventhal and
the concerts produced by Leventhal, ca. 1960 – 1964.
Box 03, Folder 04: Business Papers: Office – Press Releases, 1965
– 1975
Contains press releases from Harold Leventhal
Management outlining the performances of the artists managed by Leventhal and
the concerts produced by Leventhal, ca. 1965 - 1975.
Box 03, Folder 05: Business Papers: Office – Travel Schedules, 1969
– 1984
Contains memos and calendars outlining travel
schedules and itinerary for Harold Leventhal and his clients, ca. 1969 – 1984.
Box 03,
Folder 06: Business Papers: People – Bibb, Leon, 1961
Contains
correspondence, newspaper clippings, and drafts of letters regarding an
affidavit Bibb signed in 1961 with Lester Hoff regarding possible communist
activities. Also includes references to Ed Sullivan and his assistance in this
matter, many draft letters annotated by Leon Bibb, and correspondence by Harold
Leventhal.
Box 03, Folder 07: Business Papers: People – Brown, Jim,1980s –
2000s
Contains news clippings, promotional materials,
and other documents relating to the Jim Brown 1988 documentary “We Shall
Overcome” and the 2003 tribute concert to Harold Leventhal and 2005 documentary
by Jim Brown, “Isn’t This a Time.”
Box 03,
Folder 09: Business Papers: People – Collins, Judy, 1964 – 1992
Contains
correspondence, newspaper clippings, and Agreements regarding Judy Collins.
See also:
Photographs – Loose Photos Item 001
Box 03,
Folder 10: Business Papers: People – Darling, Erik, 1956 – 1961
Contains
correspondence between Erik Darling and Harold Leventhal regarding concert and
touring.
Box 04,
Folder 01: Business Papers: People – Dylan, Bob, 1963 – 2004
Contains original news clippings and articles,
including Vogue Magazine September 1, 1964 “A New Beat: Topical Folk Singers,
Their Songs: A report on the new, raw and accusing spokesmen for the young: Bob
Dylan, Phil Ochs, Tom Paxton, who set to music their fury, their sadness —and
their hope;” New York Times July 6, 1963 Robert Shelton “’Freedom Songs’ Sweep
North;” and Philadelphia Sunday Bulletin October 20, 1963 Frank Bookhouser article “Man About Town: Boomtime for Folk
Singers.” Also contains business notes and correspondence, original promotional
concert flyers and posters, copies of concert programs, and copied news
clippings. Of note is original statement from Carnegie Hall Corporation for Bob
Dylan October 26, 1963 show produced by Harold Leventhal Productions, including
ticket sales and category data, as well as original concert flyers.
See also:
Photographs – Loose Photographs Image 009; Image 036.
Photo Album 01, Images 001-037: “Dinner at Ravi Shankar, New York.
December 19, 1967.”
Box 04,
Folder 02: Business Files: People – Gilbert, Ronnie, 1956 – 1975
Contains
correspondence between Ronnie Gilbert and Harold Leventhal, a newspaper
clipping, and press release regarding Ronnie Gilbert’s soloist career.
See also:
Business Papers – People – Solomon Linda (Wimoweh/Mbube), 1966 –
1967, 2004.
Business Papers – People – The Weavers, 1950 – 1980s, 2004.
Business Papers – Blacklist in Television, 1961 – 1963, 1991.
Box 04,
Folder 03: Business Papers: People – Guthrie, Arlo, 1976 – 2004
Contains
correspondence between Arlo Guthrie and Harold Leventhal regarding business
contracts, audits, copyrights, and other related topics, biographical materials
created by Harold Leventhal Management, news clippings, and copies of “The
Rolling Blunder Review” April 1988 and August 1988.
Box 04,
Folder 04: Business Papers: People – Guthrie, Woody, 1956 – 1964
Contains
original program for “A Musical Tribute to Woody Guthrie” (undated), copies of
correspondence between Harold Leventhal and Woody Guthrie from Greystone
Hospital, 1956, and “The Woody Guthrie Newsletter” April 1963 and September
1964.
Box 04,
Folder 05: Business Papers: People – Hays, Lee, 1951 – 1966
Contains
correspondence between Harold Leventhal and Lee Hays (1951 & 1966)
regarding Hays estate, correspondence between Pete Seeger and Lee Hays
(undated, ca. 1960); and an original copy of Broadside #157 (November –
December 1984) “Lee Hays: A Celebration.”
Box 04,
Folder 06: Business Papers: People – Kameron, Pete, circa 1957
Contains
correspondence from Pete Kameron to Harold Leventhal mostly undated, circa
1957.
Box 04, Folder 07: Business Papers: People – Linda, Solomon (Wimoweh/Mbube), 1966 –
1967 and 2004
Contains business correspondence and agreements
regarding the copyright to the song Wimoweh (Mbube), bulk of materials from
1966 – 1967 with outlier emails between Ronnie Gilbert, Larry Richmond, and Harold
Leventhal regarding royalties, 2004.
Box 04,
Folder 08: Business Papers: People – Leventhal, Harold, circa 1954 - 1998
Contains
correspondence, newspaper clippings, scripts, programs about or related to
Harold Leventhal.
Box 04,
Folder 09: Business Papers: People – Mouskouri, Nana,
1969 and undated
Contains a
copy of Carnegie Hall concert program for “Nana Mouskouri
and The Athenians” produced by Harold Leventhal March 18, 1969, and a German
language article interview with Nana Mouskouri
discussing Harold Leventhal, undated.
Box 04,
Folder 10.1: Business Papers: People – Seeger, Pete, 1943 – 2001
Contains a
variety of materials, including Rainbow Quest programs, news clippings, “For
Pete’s Sake! Bulletin,” “Oh, Had I A Golden Thread: New Songs by Pete Seeger”
(1968), transcription of interview from October 20, 1972 between Eyewitness
Exclusive (Bob Lape, Jim Bouton, Roger Grimsby, and Bill Beutel) and Pete
Seeger, transcription of an interview between Pete Seeger and Professor Charles
Riker of Purdue University on Guideline NBC-TV regarding the risks a performer
takes in promoting social awareness, May 17, 1970, manuscript by Pete Seeger
regarding the Almanac Singers (1987), as well as general business
correspondence between the Pete and/or Toshi Seeger and Harold Leventhal
concerning tours, concerts, finances, and legal matters.
Box 04,
Folder 10.2: Business Papers: People – Seeger, Pete “FBI” 1975 – 1977
Contains original
correspondence between Pete Seeger, Stuart Monshine,
Clarence M. Kelley, David Dunaway, and Toshi Seeger regarding Pete Seeger’s FBI
Files. Folder title and contents reflect original arrangement from Harold
Leventhal Management office file structure.
Box 04,
Folder 10.3: Business Papers: People – Seeger, Pete “Seeger/Leventhal” 1965 -
1984
Contains original
correspondence and memos written between Harold Leventhal and Pete or Toshi
Seeger regarding business schedules, tours, concerts, etc. Also contains
newspaper clippings. Folder title and
contents reflect original arrangement from Harold Leventhal Management office
file structure.
Box 04,
Folder 10.4: Business Papers: People – Seeger, Pete “Moe Asch Folkways” 1950 –
1976
Contains
original correspondence between Pete and Toshi Seeger with Moe Asch and Marian
Distler, original copies of agreements between Seeger and Folkways Records, and
correspondence with Pioneer Record Sales, Inc. (Moe Asch). Folder title and
contents reflect original arrangement from Harold Leventhal Management office
file structure.
Box 04,
Folder 11: Business Papers: People – Shankar, Ravi, 1963
Contains correspondence between Ravi Shankar
(India) and Harold Leventhal, 1963.
See also:
Photo Album 01, Images 001-037: “Dinner at Ravi
Shankar, New York. December 19, 1967.”
Box 04,
Folder 12: Business Papers: People – Walker, Sammy, 1975 – 2000
Contains
correspondence, media information packet, and newspaper clippings regarding
Sammy Walker.
Box 05,
Folder 01: Business Papers: People – The Weavers, 1950s – 1980s and 2004
Contains
business correspondence and agreements between The Weavers and Harold
Leventhal; promotional and publicity materials including original concert
mailers, posters, announcements, fliers and press materials; news clippings and
publications, including a reprint of the article “The Weavers: America’s Most
Successful Folk-song Group Has Had a Checkered History” by Robert Shelton, 1960;
and “Sing Out! The Folk Magazine” Volume 28 Number 5, 1980.
See also:
Business Papers – People – Pete Seeger, 1943 – 2001.
Business Papers – People – Pete Kameron, ca. 1957.
Business Files – People – Ronnie Gilbert, 1956 – 1975.
Business Papers – People – Lee Hays, 1951-1966.
Box 05,
Folder 02: Business Papers: People – Young, Israel, 1930s – 1990s
Contains
extensive correspondence between Harold Leventhal and Israel Young regarding
Robert Shelton (New York Times music critic) 1966; correspondence regarding
Pete Seeger and Arlo Guthrie Sweden appearances 1974; and copies of
correspondence, agreements, news clippings, and biographical information
regarding Huddie Ledbetter and Alan Lomax from the Folklore Center (Sweden),
1935- 1997. Also includes a
original copy of “Israel G Young – Autobiography – The Bronx – 1928-1938”
signed to Harold Leventhal from Israel “Izzy” Young, 1997.
Box 05, Folder 03: Business Papers: Productions – Bound For Glory Film, circa 1963 – 1977
Contains correspondence related to the film
“Bound For Glory,” including a rejection letter from
Metro Goldwyn Mayer (1963) and information about the film’s 1977 Academy Award
nomination for Best Picture of 1976.
Box 05, Folder 04: Business Papers: Productions – Intensive
Care/Private Patient film, circa 1983 – 1984
Contains correspondence, agreements (Warner
Bros.), news clippings, and draft scripts for “Intensive Care” film treatment,
a story written by Harold Leventhal and Dr Marvin Belsky,circa 1983 – 1984. See also: Harold Leventhal
Collection Personal Papers – Writings.
Box 05, Folder 05: Business Papers: Publications – Hootenanny:
The National Folk Singing Magazine, March 1964
Contains a print copy of the March 1964 edition
of “Hootenanny” magazine, featuring Bob Dylan and Joan Baez on the cover.
Box 05, Folder 06: Business Papers: Publications – 100 People
Who Shaped India India Today, 2000
Contains a print edition copy of the 2000 India
Today magazine “100 People Who Shaped India.” Publication is lightly annotated
by Leventhal.
Box 05, Folder 07: Business Papers: Publications – Ida Kaminska
and The Jewish State Theatre of Poland, 1967
Contains an original print copy of “Ida
Kaminska and The Jewish State Theatre of Poland” 1967, with introduction by
Harold Leventhal, softcover, describes “Mirele Efros” and “Mother courage and
her Children.” Contains black and white photos, biographical information, and
biographical data on all members of the Jewish State Theatre of Poland.
Box 05, Folder 08: Business Papers: Publications – No Pasaran! The 50th Anniversary of the Abraham
Lincoln Brigade, circa 1986
Contains an original print copy of “The Abraham
Lincoln Brigade Archives,” softcover, 30 pages. Size 10.75" x 8".
Includes black and white photo illustrations, color poster reproductions, and
list of all the Americans who fought for the Spanish Republic 1936-1939.
Box 06,
Folder 01: Business Papers: Subject Files – Blacklist in Television, 1961 –
1963, and 1991
Contains
newspaper clippings, correspondence, telegrams, and other materials related to
the blacklisting of musical performers on television in early 1960s. The bulk
of the material is focused on political and legal issues concerning primarily
The Weavers and their requested ‘loyalty oath’ by NBC before appearing on the
Jack Parr show, and Pete Seeger being blacklisted from the ABC show
“Hootenanny.” Includes original copy of the United States Court of Appeals For the Second Circuit No. 27,101 United States of American
v. Peter Seeger Defendant-Appellant’s Brief (1962). Includes copy of the
undated (ca. 1964) article “Is There A Blacklist in US
Television?” by Pete Seeger, and a copy of Noelle Celeste’s 1991 academic paper
“The Un-American Blues: Blacklisting the Weavers in the 1950s” based partially
on research done in Harold Leventhal’s offices.
See also:
Business Papers – People – Leon Bibb, 1961.
Business Papers – People – Ronnie Gilbert, 1956 – 1975.
Business Papers – People – Lee Hays, 1951-1966.
Business Papers – People – Pete Kameron, ca. 1957.
Business Papers – People – Pete Seeger, 1943 – 2001.
Business Papers – People – The Weavers, 1950 – 1980s, 2004.
Box 06, Folder 02: Business Papers: Subject Files – China, 1950s –
1980s
Contains news clippings and correspondence
regarding Harold Leventhal’s personal and business ties to China, including an
article he wrote for Linn’s Stamp News, June 11, 1973: “Peking Frowns on
Collectors but Encourages Stamp Export Trade,” correspondence regarding
Leventhal’s 1978 visit to China and music he sent to China upon his return to
the United States, as well as correspondence from the National Committee on
Unites States-China Relations regarding Levethal’s role in assisting to
organize the activities of the Cinema Delegation from the People’s Republic of
China during their stay in New York in 1980. Also included is a copy of an
article by Candice Bergen “Can a Cultural Worker from Beverly Hills Find
Happiness In The People’s Republic Of China?” (Playboy,
1974).
Box 06, Folder 03: Business Papers: Subject Files – India, circa 1948
– 2005
Contains news articles, correspondence, meeting
minutes, and other materials regarding Leventhal’s extensive business and
personal relationship with India. Of note are documents regarding the copyright
status of the Indian national anthem “Jana Gana Nana,” materials related to the
New York City Off-Broadway production of Tagore’s “The King Of The Dark
Chamber” produced by Harold Leventhal, documents related to Jamini Roy,
correspondence from G.L. Mehta – Ambassador of India, and many personal
writings by Leventhal on the subject of India, including published works such
as “A Foreigner Looks at Santiniketan” (no date) and “Sushil K. Mukherjee In
The USA” (1954).
See Also:
Personal
Papers – Writings – Notebook: “War Memo’s Pvt Harold Leventhal Serving in India
1944 – 1945 – 1946.”
Business Papers (Box 07)
Box 07,
Folder 01: Personal Papers: Army Discharge Papers, 1946
Contains a
copy of Leventhal’s Army Discharge.
Box 07,
Folder 02: Personal Papers: Awards, Recognitions, Thank You Notes, circa 1954 –
2005
Contains
materials received by Harold Leventhal from co-workers, friends, family
members, and business associates, ca. 1954 – 2005 including personal notes,
birthday party invitations, wedding announcements, as well as remarks delivered
by Fred Hellerman at Harold Leventhal’s funeral.
Box 07,
Folder 03: Personal Papers: Correspondence – Gilbert, Marion, 1949
Contains
personal correspondence between Harold Leventhal and Marion Gilbert from March
– June 1949, during which time Harold Leventhal was working for the Lewis Music
Co., in Hollywood, California and Marion Gilbert was living in the Bronx, New
York.
Box 07,
Folder 04: Personal Papers: FBI File – Leventhal, Harold 1970s
Contains
copies of material from Harold Leventhal’s FBI File, as requested by Leventhal,
as well as related correspondence with the CIA and FBI dated from the 1970s.
Box 07,
Folder 05: Personal Papers: Genealogical Research – Leventhal Family, 1970s –
2000s
Contains
research materials, correspondence, newspaper clippings, obituaries, and notes
compiled or created by Leventhal over several decades of genealogical research
into his personal family history.
Box 07,
Folder 06: Personal Papers: Writings by Harold Leventhal Folder 1 of 2, 1940s –
1980s
Contains
original writings by Harold Leventhal mostly documenting his experiences in
India in the 1940s. Includes
correspondence with his family sent from India, typed annotated manuscripts,
handwritten notes, and an outline for a book idea about India. Also includes
some personal travel and business notes, as well as lists of people Leventhal
met in India. Many writings do not have titles, titled works include: “A Visit With Mahatma Gandhi” (1982), “Story Idea For A Musical,”
“Four Days In Cairo” (1972), “Visiting a Leper Colony,” and “Reflections of An
American Soldier.”
Box 07,
Folder 07: Personal Papers: Writings by Harold Leventhal Folder 2 of 2, 1940s –
1980s
Contains
original writings by Harold Leventhal, some published, mostly documenting his
experiences in India in the 1940s. Additional topics include Poland in 1968, Woody
Guthrie’s death in 1967, and materials related to the Leventhal’s 1983 film
treatment for Intensive Care. Also included are correspondence from
Leventhal to his family from Missouri (1943) and India (1944-1945); notes regarding
topics of interest related to India, correspondence concerning his article
about meeting Gandhi (1982), as well as many titled and untitled writings by
Leventhal, mostly unpublished. Select titles include “What is India?,” “Maulana Azad,” “A Foreigner Looks at Santiniketan”
(published), “Notes From A Trip” (1972), “Thein Pe,” “Black Hole of Calcutta,”
“Jorhat,” “Calcutta,” “Report On India,” and “Living Today For Tomorrow (poem 1944).”
Also includes publication agreements and related correspondence for “The Myth
of Atrocity: The Story of the Black Hole of Calcutta” by Harold Leventhal circa
1967.
Box 07,
Folder 08: Personal Papers: Writings by Harold Leventhal – Notebook: War Memo’s Pvt Harold Leventhal Serving in
India 1944 – 1945 – 1946, 1944 - 1946
Contains a
photocopy of a notebook hand-written by Harold Leventhal documenting his time
served in India. First entry is dated March 8, 1944; final entry dated April
14, 1946.
Harold Leventhal Collection – Photographs
Photographs –
Photo Albums
Box 08, Folder 01: Photo Album 01, Images 001-037: “Dinner at Ravi
Shankar, New York. December 19, 1967.”
Contains 37 4” x 6” black and white photographs
taken during a dinner at Ravi Shankar’s home. Guests include Harold Leventhal,
Bob Dylan, Pete & Toshi Seeger, and others. Images have been removed from a
plastic photo album, created post-1996. Images have been re-sleeved in acid
free fil protectors, and individually labeled.
Box 08, Folder 01b: Original plastic photo album from which the images in Box 08, Folder
01: Photo Album 01, Images 001-037 were removed.
Box 08, Folder 02: Photo Album 02, Images Cover – 010: The Weavers
at the Hippodrome in Baltimore, Maryland, ca. 1947.
Contains ten 4” x 4” black and white images
depicting the signage outside a Weavers concert at the Hippodrome, undated.
Includes one image featuring Harold Leventhal and Fred Hellerman (Photo Album
02, Image 006) and one unknown individual (Photo Album 02, Image 010). Inside
back cover of album is annotated “To Harold Love Jim.”
Harold Leventhal Collection – Photographs – Loose Photographs
All Loose Photographs are housed in Box 08,
Folder 04 except for oversized loose images, which are housed in Box 08, Folder
05.
Box 08, Folder 03: Image 001: 4.5” x 7” Black and white photograph. “At my Camp ‘Hoogly’
(sic) reading the bulletin board,” undated. Harold Leventhal. Camp Hooghly,
north of Calcutta, India. ca. 1940s.
Box 08, Folder 03: Image 002: 4” x 7” Black and white photograph. Depicts three
individuals, Harold Leventhal on left. Undated (ca. 1940s).
Box 08, Folder 03: Image 003: 8.25” x 10” Black and white photograph. “Regent (?) Music
Co, 1942” Depicts Harold Leventhal seated at desk on telephone reading Benny
Goodman’s Series of Clarinet Solos, smoking cigarette. No location. 1942.
* Box 08,
Folder 03: Image 004: 8” x 10”
Black and white photograph. “Grossinger’s 1949.” Depicts Harold Leventhal
dancing with woman in front of seated tables. Possible location is Grossinger’s
Catskills Resort, New York.
Box 08, Folder 03: Image 005: 9” x 11.5” Black and white photograph. “Loring Buzzell Bachelor
Dinner Cavanagn’s July 16, 1954. Empire 20839 New
York.” Harold Leventhal is seated 5th from the right. Loring Buzzell
(1927 – 1959) was an American music publisher and record label executive.
Box 08, Folder 03: Image 006: 8” x 10” Black and white photograph. “Central Park West,
1955.” Depicts Harold Leventhal and Natalie Leventhal in their apartment on
Central Park West, New York.
Box 08, Folder 03: Image 007: 3.5” x 3.5” Black and white photograph. Depicts Lee Hays
and Harold Leventhal. Undated (ca. 1950s).
Box 08, Folder 03: Image 008: 5” x 4” Black and white photograph. Depicts Jacques Brel
onstage. Undated (ca. 1960s).
Box 08, Folder 03: Image 009: 8” x 10” Black and white photograph. “Peter Paul + Mary,
Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Freedom Singers, Pete Seeger. Finale at historic Newport
Folk Festival Concert, 1963.” Photograph by David Gahr. Newport, Rhode Island,
1963.
Box 08, Folder 03: Image 010: 5.5” x 3.5” Black and white photograph. Depicts Harold
Leventhal, Natalie Leventhal, and Mika Seeger. Moscow, 1964
Box 08, Folder 04: Image 011: 9.5” x 13” Black and white photograph. Depicts Harold
Leventhal and Judy Collins. Photography by Suzanne Szasz, ca. 1960s. Possibly
from around the December 3, 1966 Judy Collins at Carnegie Hall concert.
Location: Oversize Photographs Folder Box 08, Folder 05.
Box 08, Folder 03: Image 012: 5” x 3.5” Black and white photograph. Depicts Arlo
Guthrie and others at Newport Folk Festival, July 1967.
Box 08, Folder 04: Image 013: 9.5” x 12.5” Black and white photograph. Depicts Harold
Leventhal at his desk at 200 West 57th Street, New York City, New
York. On desk is a copy of Arlo Guthrie’s Alice’s Restaurant LP. October 1967.
Location: Oversize Photographs Folder.
Box 08, Folder 03: Image 014: 6.5” x 4.25” Black and white photograph. “Harold
Leventhal visits bookshop at College Square Calcutta (India) March 1972.”
Box 08, Folder 03: Image 015: 6.5” x 4.25” Black and white photograph. Depicts Harold
Leventhal and Natalie Leventhal on Bankim Chatterjee Street, Calcutta (Kolkata)
India. (Possibly outside bookshop depicted in Image 007). March 1972.
Box 08, Folder 03: Image 016: 6.5” x 4.25” Black and white photograph. Depicts Harold Leventhal outside of
Warner Bros. Inc in Calcutta 19/A, Jawaharlal Nehru Road. March
1972.
Box 08, Folder 03: Image
017: 5” x 7” Black and white photograph. “CMJ Music Marathon ’86 All Star
Folk Panel Saturday November 1 L – R, Front: Harold Leventhal, Bob Jones. Back:
Suzzi Roche, Tom Goodkind, Joe Brown, Leslie Berman,
Arthur Levy. Photo: J. L. Goodkind.” November 1, 1986. New York, New York.
Box 08, Folder 03: Image
018: 3.5” x 5” Color photograph. “Harold at last on Woody’s turf.” Harold
Leventhal in front of the HOT COLD OKEMAH HOME OF WOODY GUTHRIE water towers in
Okemah, Oklahoma. 1989.
Box 08, Folder 03: Image
019: 5” x 7” Color photograph. “Harold at last on Woody’s turf.” Harold
Leventhal in front of the HOT COLD OKEMAH HOME OF WOODY GUTHRIE water towers in
Okemah, Oklahoma. 1989.
Box 08, Folder 03: Image
020: 5” x 7” Color photograph. Harold Leventhal and Bruce Springsteen,
undated (ca. 1990s). 2 Copies. Image 020a & Image 020b.
* Box 08,
Folder 03: Image 021: 4” x 6” Color
photograph. Harold Leventhal, Pete Seeger, and two unidentified individuals in
India, 1996.
* Box 08,
Folder 03: Image 022: 4” x 6” Color photograph. Harold Leventhal
visits a memorial marker or grave in India, 1996.
* Box 08,
Folder 03: Image 023: 4” x 6” Color
photograph. Harold Leventhal and Pete Seeger visit a memorial marker or grave
in India, 1996.
* Box 08,
Folder 03: Image 024: 4” x 6” Color
photograph. Harold Leventhal lays flowers on a memorial marker or grave in
India, 1996.
* Box 08,
Folder 03: Image 025: 4” x 6” Color
photograph. Harold Leventhal lays flowers on a memorial marker or grave in
India, 1996.
* Box 08,
Folder 03: Image 026: 9.75” x 4”
Color photograph. Harold Leventhal lays flowers on a memorial marker or grave
in India, 1996.
Box 08, Folder 03: Image 027: 4” x 6” Color photograph. “Max Fields, 2003.”
Depicts Harold Leventhal and Max Fields in unknown restaurant. 2003.
Box 08, Folder 03: Image
028: 4” x 6” Color photograph. “Max Fields, 2003.” Depicts Harold
Leventhal and Max Fields in unknown restaurant. 2003.
* Box 08,
Folder 03: Image 029: 3.5” x 5”
Color photograph. Harold Leventhal and unidentified subject pose in Harold
Leventhal Management office, 250 West 57th Street Suite 1218. Ca.
2000s.
* Box 08,
Folder 03: Image 030: 4” x 6” Color photograph. Harold Leventhal
presents the Huntington’s Disease Society of America Woody Guthrie award,
undated. New York, New York.
* Box 08,
Folder 03: Image 031: 4” x 6” Color
photograph. Harold Leventhal presents the Huntington’s Disease Society of
America Woody Guthrie award, undated. New York, New York.
* Box 08,
Folder 03: Image 032: 5” x 7” Color
photograph. Harold Leventhal and unidentified individual, undated (ca.
2000s).
* Box 08,
Folder 03: Image 033: 5” x 7” Color
photograph. Harold Leventhal and unidentified individual, undated (ca. 2000s).
* Box 08,
Folder 03: Image 034: 5” x 7” Color
photograph. Harold Leventhal speaking at microphone podium, undated (ca.
2000s).
* Box 08,
Folder 03: Image 035: 5” x 7” Color
photograph. Harold Leventhal and unidentified individual, possibly at the Woody
Guthrie SITES Exhibit, undated (ca. 2000s).
Box 08,
Folder 03: Image 036:
3.5” x 4.25” Polaroid photograph of framed Bob Dylan Town Hall April 12, 1963
poster. Possibly taken in Harold Leventhal’s offices, undated (ca. 2000s).
* Additional
identification required.