The Yusef A. Lateef Collection

The life and career of Yusef A. Lateef (1920–2013), a Grammy-winning musician who played a pioneering role in bringing Middle Eastern and Asian sounds to American jazz, is commemorated in this extensive collection housed at the Heard Libraries. A native of Tennessee, Lateef also was an author, visual artist, educator and philosopher whose cultural significance lives on through his work. The collection includes musical scores, pedagogical materials, audio-visual recordings, writings, photographs, instruments and more. The Yusef A. Lateef Collection was acquired in partnership with the National Museum of African American Music.

 

Vanderbilt University Libraries’ Special Collections holds the Yusef A. Lateef Collection. The collection may be viewed in the reading room of Special Collections and should be requested 2-3 days prior to visiting in order to facilitate easier access. For questions or to request a collection, contact specialcollections@vanderbilt.edu. Visit the Special Collections’ website to view the collection organization https://collections.library.vanderbilt.edu/repositories/2/resources/2074. 

score manuscript of Lateef's
Lateef composition, "Thing is This or The Thing Is'nt This," Oversize Box 8, Folder 9

Library Exhibits During the Symposium

Throughout the symposium, guests can enjoy exhibits showcasing Yusef Lateef as a musician, composer, author, artist, and educator. Exhibits will be located in the lobby of the Ingram Recital Hall and the Anne Potter Wilson Music Library. Visit the Music Library Friday 8:00-5:00pm and Saturday 10:00-5:00pm to view exhibits and watch for additional pop-up exhibits before sessions. 
Manuscript: Graphic Score
Manuscript: Graphic Score
  • Exhibit Images
  • Exhibit Images
  • Exhibit Images
  • Exhibit Images
  • Exhibit Images
  • Exhibit Images

Image Row 1: Tanpura (Musical Instrument 3); Lateef playing traditional instruments (Photographs); Event Poster (Box 21, Folders 1-13)

Image Row 2: Manuscript (The Gentle Giant Notes/Sketches, Box 10, Folders 5-7); Sketchbook for Repository of Scales , pg. 2 (Box 11, Folder 5); Manuscript (Box 8, Folders 1-7)