Welcome!

And thank you for supporting the mission of the Great American Songbook Foundation!

We are thrilled that you’ve decided to become a Friend of the Foundation. Your generous gift unlocks special access to some of our most exciting content. Browse this selection of digitized materials from the Songbook Library & Archives and never-before-seen videos.

Exclusive Video Content

Note: Please do not share these videos publicly.

8/16/2024 12:00:00 AM

In the Archives Extended Cut

8/16/2024 12:00:00 AM

Unboxing Series Exclusive Release

Exclusive Archival Content

Note: These items are currently in process of preservation. Please do not download, save or share these photos or artifacts on social media or in any public capacity. 

Q&A With Marvella Carmichael:

We are delighted to share a special Q&A with Marvella Carmichael, the widow of renowned composer and arranger Ralph Carmichael. Marvella generously offers a glimpse into Ralph's illustrious career and the creative process behind his most memorable works.

Q. Can you speak to the significance of preserving and celebrating the legacy of artists like Ralph Carmichael?
A. It is so important for students and artists to be able to see and play one of Ralph's charts.

Q. Do you have a favorite big band arrangement in the collection?
A. In this collection I would have to say my favorite arrangement is "Strike Up the Band." He would start his big band concerts with this one!

Q. Are there any personal anecdotes or stories you would like to share about Ralph's creative process or experiences in the music industry?
A. Too many to mention, but he was a happy guy and enjoyed working with everyone.

Q. What excites you about the future of bands around the world having access to Ralph's arrangements?
A. This would please Ralph the most. He wanted to be helpful to students and other arrangers.

Q. In what ways do you hope Ralph's collection will benefit researchers, musicians, and music enthusiasts who visit the Songbook Library & Archives?
A. Musicians and researchers will be able to see how arrangements were written by hand without the aid of electronic gizmos.

Not only did Ralph Carmichael start all his big band concerts with “Strike Up the Band,” as shared to us by his widow, but he and his orchestra performed it on the 1992 National Easter Seals Telethon. His album of the same title won the Gospel Music Association’s Dove Award in 1994.

In the Songbook Foundation’s Library & Archives, we hold the manuscript score for the classic big band version plus a manuscript score for the addition of strings. We even hold complete sets of parts for both versions so the arrangement can be performed today! You can see Carmichael and his orchestra in their iconic Easter Seals performance here.

Timless Impact of "Unchained Melody"

During Songbook Academy® week this past summer, 18-year old Jackson Manning captivated us with a beautiful rendition of “Unchained Melody.” This song holds a special place in our hearts, not only for its timeless melody and lyrics but also because of its connection to a cherished item in our collection.

(Left) Songbook Foundation Executive Director Chris Lewis shows the original lyric sheet for “Unchained Melody” to the Righteous Brothers backstage at the Palladium. (Right) This original lyric sheet for “Unchained Melody” comes from the Hy Zaret Collection in the Songbook Library & Archives.

The Songbook Library & Archives is home to the collection of composer and lyricist Hy Zaret, which includes the original typed lyric sheet for “Unchained Melody.” This beloved song went on to receive an Academy Award nomination in 1956 and was sung at the Oscars by Harry Belafonte. Of the many varied recordings, the Righteous Brothers version, released in 1965, became the popular standard. In a very special moment this past October, Executive Director Chris Lewis showed Bill Medley and Bucky Heard of the Righteous Brothers this same lyric sheet backstage at the Palladium.

In fact, just two days before the final Songbook Academy performance, Jackson and the 39 other participating students took a tour of the Songbook Library & Archives. Among the many artifacts showcased on the tour, Hy Zaret’s lyric sheet of “Unchained Melody” made a special impact on Jackson. He even noted this experience in his conversation on stage with Michael Feinstein at the final Songbook Academy in Concert performance.

Experience what this song meant to Jackson by watching his Songbook Academy performance here:

Thank you!

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Visit TheSongbook.org/Donate to renew your support and continue your benefits or increase your support to unlock additional donor privileges. Donor benefits are designed to give you the best Songbook Foundation experience, and your questions are welcome! Contact Jo Garcia at JGarcia@TheSongbook.org for more information.