Descriptive Summary
Wilson, Burton
Burton Wilson Collection
[ca. 1920s-2000]
Collection contains photographs and
writings which document the photography and, to a lesser extent, pottery careers of
Burton Wilson. Also included is Wilson's collection of blues and jazz recordings.
88-46; 88-234; 88-311; 89-239; 90-174; 91-031
2 ft., 3 in.
Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, The
University of Texas at Austin
Materials are in English.
Creator Sketch
Burton Wilson graduated in 1941 from the Rhode Island School of Design where he
studied sculpture. While a student, one of his sculptures was accepted and displayed
at the 1940 World’s Fair in New York City. Following World War II, Wilson returned
to the Rhode Island School of Design to take some ceramics classes. During 1965-1967
Wilson studied photography at the University of Texas under famous documentary
photographer, Russell Lee. His personal interest in jazz and blues music led Wilson
to music photography. Wilson was house photographer for the Vulcan Gas Company
concert venue between 1967 and 1970. He then became house photographer for the
legendary Armadillo World Headquarters. As a house and freelance photographer,
Wilson has photographed such notable musicians as Willie Nelson, Bruce Springsteen,
Frank Zappa, Doug Sahm, Jerry Garcia, Janis Joplin, Muddy Waters, and many others.
In 1971, Wilson published
<emph render="italic">Burton’s Book of
Blues</emph>, a collection of photographs taken of musicians in Texas
and California. Eakin Press published his most recent book, <emph
render="italic">The Austin Music Scene Through the Lens of Burton Wilson,
1965-1994,</emph> in 2001.
Scope and Contents
The Burton Wilson Collection, [ca. 1920-2000], contains photographs of musicians,
primarily at Vulcan Gas Company and Armadillo World Headquarters. Wilson’s extensive
personal collection of early jazz and blues records forms the bulk of the
collection. Furthermore, the collection includes examples of Wilson’s writings, such
as his newsletter, which recounts his reminiscences and documents all aspects of his
daily life and career. These newsletters often contain clippings and photographs.
Archivist’s Note: Contact repository for detailed
inventory of sound recordings or to arrange appointment to use audio recordings.
Access Restrictions
Unrestricted access.
Use Restrictions
Audio recordings may be used only by appointment with the Sound Archivist.
Index Terms
Subjects (Persons)
Wilson, Burton--Archives.
Lipscomb, Mance, 1895-1976.
Myers, Glenn
Subjects (Organizations)
Armadillo World Headquarters.
Vulcan Gas Company.
University of Texas. Folklore Center.
Subjects
Folk music.
Places
Austin (Tex.)
Preferred Citation
Burton Wilson Collection, circa 1920s-2000, Dolph Briscoe Center for American
History, University of Texas at Austin.
Related Material
See also UT Folklore Center Archives, ca.
1928-1981 for 7-inch reel-to-reel copies of Burton Wilson’s jazz and
blues 78 recordings.
Processing InformationThis collection was processed by
Amy Armstrong, January 2008. Subsequent revisions were made by Megan Mummey, June 2010.
Inventory
3S246
Photographs: Burton Wilson Photograph Exhibit
3S187.1
Exhibit photograph
3Y193
Photographs
4Za166
Dolph Briscoe Center for American History Exhibit, “From the
Vulcan to the Armadillo: Burton Wilson Photographs,
1967-1974”
4Za166
Burton Wilson Newsletters:
4Za166
1960-1994
4Za166
1991-2000
4Za166
2001
4Za166
Burton’s Book of the Blues (clippings,
correspondence)
4Za166
Japan (correspondence),
1976-1977
4Za166
Mance, (correspondence with Glenn Myers, biographer of Mance
Lipscomb),
1976-1982
4Za166
Photos in ads and texts
4Za166
Binns (ceramic lectures by Charles F. Binns)
4Za166
Burton Wilson 78s (inventory of phonodiscs in
collection)
2.325/S102
Clippings
2.325/S102
Black and White Photographic Prints:
2.325/S102
La Zona Rosa, Joe Ely, Snuff Johnson, Kurt Van Sickle, Frank
Zappa, Jerry Lee Lewis, Grey Ghost
2.325/S102
Willie Nelson’s First Picnic
2.325/S102
Joe Ely, Emmylou Harris, Dr. John, Grey Ghost
2.325/S102
The Vulcan Gas Company,
October 1967-April 1970
2.325/S102
Writings:
2.325/S102
Miscellaneous
2.325/S102
“Ivy Dome” by Burton Wilson (photocopy of manuscript),
April 1994
2.325/S102
“It’s Snow Time” by Burton Wilson (photocopy of manuscript),
1993
2.325/S102
Photograph Log
2.325/S102
Calendars (featuring Wilson photos),
1991, 2000
2.325/S102
Publications:
2.325/S102
<emph>Design Quarterly</emph>,
1958
2.325/S102
<emph>Shelter II</emph>,
1978
2.325/S102
VHS tape:
2.325/S102
“The Photography of Burton Wilson,”
July 1999
2.325/S102
Texas Entertainment News, Show #6 Broadcast (Promo for Show
#7 at end),
February 24-25 1996
2.325/S102
“Rock N’ Roll Cities – Austin, Texas” (VH-1
series)
2.325/S102
Armadillo World Headquarters Photo Essay, KXAN,
September 8, 1988
2.325/S102
Audiocassette tape:
2.325/S102
Mance Lipscomb at Vulcan Gas Company
2.325/S102
Assorted Documents (regarding music and pottery and photograph
career)
2.325/D32a
Oversized Music Posters and Clippings
4Za167 - 4Za171
78 rpm 10-inch phonodiscs:
4Za167 - 4Za171
Alabama Sam
4Za167 - 4Za171
Albennie Jones
4Za167 - 4Za171
Arkansas Travellers
4Za167 - 4Za171
Albert Ammons
4Za167 - 4Za171
Albert Ammon & Rhythm Kings
4Za167 - 4Za171
Albert Clemens & Joe Williams
4Za167 - 4Za171
Alex Hill
4Za167 - 4Za171
Alfoncy Harris
4Za167 - 4Za171
Alonzo Yancey
4Za167 - 4Za171
Amos Milburn
4Za167 - 4Za171
Andy Boy
4Za167 - 4Za171
Arbee Stidham Orchestra
4Za167 - 4Za171
Ardell Bragg
4Za167 - 4Za171
B. B. King
4Za167 - 4Za171
Blind Darby
4Za167 - 4Za171
Bessie Smith
4Za167 - 4Za171
Boyd Senter
4Za167 - 4Za171
Boyd Senter & his Senterpedes
4Za167 - 4Za171
Blind John Davis
4Za167 - 4Za171
Blind Blake
4Za167 - 4Za171
Blind Lemon Jefferson
4Za167 - 4Za171
Blind Mack
4Za167 - 4Za171
Bob Wills & his Texas Playboys Cannon’s Jug
Stompers
4Za167 - 4Za171
Bumble Bee Slim
4Za167 - 4Za171
Cab Calloway Orchestra
4Za167 - 4Za171
Bertha “Chippie” Hill
4Za167 - 4Za171
Bessie Smith
4Za167 - 4Za171
Bessie Smith & Down Home Trio
4Za167 - 4Za171
Big Bill
4Za167 - 4Za171
Big Bill Johnson
4Za167 - 4Za171
Big Bill & his Chicago Five
4Za167 - 4Za171
Billie Holiday
4Za167 - 4Za171
Bo Carter
4Za167 - 4Za171
The Blind Pilgrim
4Za167 - 4Za171
Blue Jay Boys
4Za167 - 4Za171
Brownie McGhee
4Za167 - 4Za171
Bunk Johnson & Yerba Buena Jazz Band
4Za167 - 4Za171
Charley Jordan
4Za167 - 4Za171
Charioteers
4Za167 - 4Za171
Charlie Patton
4Za167 - 4Za171
Cab Calloway
4Za167 - 4Za171
Carl Martin
4Za167 - 4Za171
Carter Family
4Za167 - 4Za171
Casey Bill
4Za167 - 4Za171
Charles Thompson
4Za167 - 4Za171
Clara Smith
4Za167 - 4Za171
Cleo Brown
4Za167 - 4Za171
The Clovers
4Za167 - 4Za171
Cow Cow Davenport
4Za167 - 4Za171
Delmore Bros.
4Za167 - 4Za171
Dink’s Good Time Music Ma Rainey
4Za167 - 4Za171
Dizzie Dean
4Za167 - 4Za171
Doctor Clayton
4Za167 - 4Za171
E. E. Hack String Band
4Za167 - 4Za171
Ed Lang & Lonnie Johnson/Mamie Smith
4Za167 - 4Za171
Eddie Hill
4Za167 - 4Za171
Edith Wilson & J. Dunn JazzHounds
4Za167 - 4Za171
Elijah Jones
4Za167 - 4Za171
Ethel Waters
4Za167 - 4Za171
Ethel Waters and Ebony Four
4Za167 - 4Za171
Eva Taylor
4Za167 - 4Za171
Eva Taylor & Clar. Williams Blue 5
4Za167 - 4Za171
Frisky Foot Jackson & his Thumpers
4Za167 - 4Za171
Georgia Tom
4Za167 - 4Za171
Georgia White
4Za167 - 4Za171
Golden Gate Quartet
4Za167 - 4Za171
Ham Gravy
4Za167 - 4Za171
Hank Williams
4Za167 - 4Za171
Henry Thomas
4Za167 - 4Za171
Harlem Hamfats
4Za167 - 4Za171
Honey Hill
4Za167 - 4Za171
Hot Lips Page Trio/Huddy Leadbelly
4Za167 - 4Za171
Howlin’ Wolf
4Za167 - 4Za171
Huddie Leadbelly
4Za167 - 4Za171
Jay McShann
4Za167 - 4Za171
JB & Bayou Boys
4Za167 - 4Za171
Jabo Williams
4Za167 - 4Za171
Jabo Williams/Wesley Wallace
4Za167 - 4Za171
Jimmy McCracklin
4Za167 - 4Za171
Jelly Roll Morton/Levee Serenaders
4Za167 - 4Za171
Jelly Roll Morton
4Za167 - 4Za171
Jess Stacy
4Za167 - 4Za171
Jimmy Yancey
4Za167 - 4Za171
Joe Sullivan
4Za167 - 4Za171
Joe Turner
4Za167 - 4Za171
Joe Venuti & Orchestra
4Za167 - 4Za171
Joe Venuti’s Rhythm Boys
4Za167 - 4Za171
Joe Venuti Blue 4
4Za167 - 4Za171
Johnny Dodds
4Za167 - 4Za171
Johnny Dodds/Jelly Roll Morton
4Za167 - 4Za171
Johnnie Temple
4Za167 - 4Za171
Josh White
4Za167 - 4Za171
Jelly-Roll Morton/Red Hot Peppers
4Za167 - 4Za171
Jim Jackson
4Za167 - 4Za171
Jimmie Rodgers
4Za167 - 4Za171
Jimmie Yancey & Faber Smith
4Za167 - 4Za171
John Estes
4Za167 - 4Za171
Joe Turner & Pete Johnson
4Za167 - 4Za171
Kansas City Bill Weldon
4Za167 - 4Za171
Kokomo Arnold
4Za167 - 4Za171
Leadbelly
4Za167 - 4Za171
Lee Brown
4Za167 - 4Za171
Lee Morse
4Za167 - 4Za171
Leroy Carr
4Za167 - 4Za171
Leroy Carr & Scrapper Blackwell
4Za167 - 4Za171
Lee Morse & her South. Serenaders
4Za167 - 4Za171
Lee Morse & her Blue Grass Boys
4Za167 - 4Za171
Lee Wiley
4Za167 - 4Za171
Lemon Jefferson
4Za167 - 4Za171
Leona Williams & Her Dixie Band
4Za167 - 4Za171
Leroy’s Buddy (Bill Gaither)
4Za167 - 4Za171
Lightening [sic] Hopkins
4Za167 - 4Za171
Little Brother
4Za167 - 4Za171
Little Brother/Leroy Carr
4Za167 - 4Za171
Little Brother & Tampa Red
4Za167 - 4Za171
Little Brother Montgomery
4Za167 - 4Za171
Little Sylvia Vanderpool & Mickey Baker Band
4Za167 - 4Za171
Lonnie Johnson
4Za167 - 4Za171
Ma Rainey & her Georgia Band
4Za167 - 4Za171
Mamie Smith & her Jazz Hounds
4Za167 - 4Za171
Mary Stafford & Jazz Band
4Za167 - 4Za171
Meade ‘Lux’ Lewis
4Za167 - 4Za171
Memphis Jug Band
4Za167 - 4Za171
Memphis Slim
4Za167 - 4Za171
Minnie Wallace & the Night Hawks
4Za167 - 4Za171
Mobile Strugglers
4Za167 - 4Za171
Montana Taylor
4Za167 - 4Za171
Muddy Waters
4Za167 - 4Za171
Ollie Shepard
4Za167 - 4Za171
Papa Charlie McCoy
4Za167 - 4Za171
Peetie Wheatstraw
4Za167 - 4Za171
Pete Johnson
4Za167 - 4Za171
Pete Johnson Band
4Za167 - 4Za171
Pete Johnson & Albert Ammons
4Za167 - 4Za171
Pete Johnson & Boogie Woogie Boys
4Za167 - 4Za171
Pink Anderson & Simmie Dooley
4Za167 - 4Za171
Piron’s New Orleans Orchestra
4Za167 - 4Za171
Ray Charles
4Za167 - 4Za171
Red Lowery
4Za167 - 4Za171
Richard M. Jones
4Za167 - 4Za171
Rob Cooper
4Za167 - 4Za171
Romeo Nelson
4Za167 - 4Za171
Roosevelt Sykes
4Za167 - 4Za171
Sam Price & His Texans
4Za167 - 4Za171
Sam Price & Texas Blusicians
4Za167 - 4Za171
Scrapper Blackwell
4Za167 - 4Za171
Sister Rosetta Tharpe
4Za167 - 4Za171
Sister Vera Copeland
4Za167 - 4Za171
Sleepy John Estes
4Za167 - 4Za171
Sodarisa Miller
4Za167 - 4Za171
Sophie Tucker
4Za167 - 4Za171
Spike Jones & His City Slickers
4Za167 - 4Za171
State St. Ramblers
4Za167 - 4Za171
St. Paul Church Choir of L.A.
4Za167 - 4Za171
T-Bone Walker
4Za167 - 4Za171
Tampa Blue Jazz Band
4Za167 - 4Za171
Tampa Red
4Za167 - 4Za171
Tampa Red and Chicago Five
4Za167 - 4Za171
Tampa Red & Georgia Tom
4Za167 - 4Za171
Texas Alexander
4Za167 - 4Za171
Teddy Bunn
4Za167 - 4Za171
Texas Bill Day & Billiken Johnson
4Za167 - 4Za171
Tiny Parham & his Musicians
4Za167 - 4Za171
Tiny Parham and Orchestra/Jelly-Roll Martin
4Za167 - 4Za171
Tiny Parham/Boots & Buddies
4Za167 - 4Za171
Trixie Smith
4Za167 - 4Za171
Vic Meyers Orchestra
4Za167 - 4Za171
Victor Military Band
4Za167 - 4Za171
Walter Davis
4Za167 - 4Za171
Walter Roland
4Za167 - 4Za171
Washboard Rhythm Kings
4Za167 - 4Za171
Washboard Wonders
4Za167 - 4Za171
Washboard Sam and Band
4Za167 - 4Za171
Walter Vincent
4Za167 - 4Za171
Will Batts
4Za167 - 4Za171
Yas Yas Girl
4Za167 - 4Za171
Yas Yas Girl & the Jazz Boys