Frederic Ramsey Jr.

Frederic Ramsey Jr. (1915-1995) was an American photographer, writer, and jazz historian who made significant contributions to the documentation of American jazz and folk culture during the mid-20th century. His most influential work was the 1939 book "Jazzmen," co-authored with Charles Edward Smith, which became one of the first serious historical studies of jazz music. This groundbreaking publication helped establish jazz scholarship as a legitimate field of study and included some of the earliest reliable accounts of New Orleans jazz origins. Ramsey conducted extensive field recordings throughout the American South in the 1950s, capturing folk songs, work songs, and traditional music that might otherwise have been lost to history. His photography work produced important visual documentation of African American life and culture during this period, particularly in regions like the Mississippi Delta. Beyond his jazz scholarship, Ramsey authored several other notable works including "Been Here and Gone" (1960) and contributed to the Library of Congress Archive of Folk Song. His photographs and recordings are now preserved in various institutions including the Smithsonian Institution and the Hogan Jazz Archive at Tulane University.

Readers appreciate Ramsey's firsthand research and documentation of early jazz culture, particularly in "Jazzmen." Many note his detailed interviews with musicians and careful attention to the social context of jazz development. Specific praise focuses on his photography skills and ability to capture authentic moments in African American communities during the 1950s. One reader on Amazon called his visual work "intimate without being intrusive." Readers value his field recordings and documentation of folk songs, with several commenting on the historical importance of preserving these musical traditions. Common criticisms include dated language and perspectives from the era when the works were written. Some readers find his writing style dry or academic. Available Ratings: - Goodreads: Limited data (fewer than 10 ratings for most works) - Amazon: "Jazzmen" - 4.5/5 (6 reviews) - "Been Here and Gone" - 4.0/5 (4 reviews) Note: Online reviews are sparse due to the age of the publications and their specialized academic nature.

Been Here and Gone (1960) A photographic and narrative documentation of African American music and culture in the rural South during the late 1950s.

Jazzmen (1939) A collaborative historical study of early jazz musicians and the development of jazz in New Orleans, co-authored with Charles Edward Smith.

Chicago: The Jazz Scene (1940) An examination of Chicago's jazz culture and musicians during the city's significant role in jazz development.

A Guide to Longplay Jazz Records (1962) A comprehensive catalog and reference guide for jazz recordings available on LP format.

The Story of Jazz (1939) An early historical overview of jazz music's development from its origins through the 1930s.

Alan Lomax documented American folk music and culture through field recordings and books in the early-mid 1900s. His work focused on preserving traditional music and interviewing performers across the American South and beyond.

Samuel Charters wrote extensively about jazz and blues history from the 1950s through the 1990s. His research centered on early jazz origins in New Orleans and the development of blues music.

Paul Oliver conducted foundational research on blues music and culture, publishing books from the 1950s through 2000s. His work emphasized first-hand documentation of blues musicians and their social context.

David Levering Lewis writes about African American history and the Harlem Renaissance period. His biographical works examine the intersection of race, culture and art in early 20th century America.

Ralph Ellison combined fiction and non-fiction writing to explore jazz culture and African American experiences. His essays analyze the musical and social dynamics of jazz in American society.