Byron F. Romanowitz collection on jazz in Lexington, Kentucky
Abstract
Descriptive Summary
- Title
- Byron F. Romanowitz collection on jazz in Lexington, Kentucky
- Date
- 1940-2016, undated (inclusive)
- Creator
- Romanowitz, Byron F., 1929-
- Extent
- 2.34 Cubic Feet
- Subjects
- Jazz -- Kentucky -- Lexington
- Jazz Musicians
- Music -- Kentucky -- Lexington.
- Music -- Performance -- Kentucky.
- Sound recordings
- Romanowitz, Byron F., 1929-
- Men of Note (Musical group : 1967-2009)
- Jazzberry Jam (Musical group)
- Arrangement
- Collection is arranged in seven series by format: Audio recordings, Biographical information, Jazzberry Jam, Lexington Views, Men of Note, Personal papers, and Photographs.
- Preferred Citation
- 2016ms013: [identification of item], Byron F. Romanowitz collection on jazz in Lexington, Kentucky, 1940-2016, undated, University of Kentucky Libraries Special Collections Research Center.
- Repository
- University of Kentucky
Collection Overview
- Biography / History
- Byron Foster Romanowitz received a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Kentucky in 1951 acting as a member of a number of honor societies and a social fraternity. He went on to graduate from Princeton University in 1954 with a Master's degree in Architecture. His time at the school was highlighted by his experience as a part time instructor in undergraduate architectural design, as well as his involvement as the leader of the jazz combo "The Princetonians". Byron looked to further his education more, pursuing a Ph.D. as well, but was interrupted by his service in the United States Naval Reserve Civil Engineering Corps as a Lieutenant Commander, constructing buildings and airfields. Throughout his life Byron followed his passion for music and jazz, playing the tenor saxophone with a variety of combos and groups at a multitude of venues. A registered architect and engineer, Romanowitz was once the president of Johnson Romanowitz Architects and Planners, a large architectural firm in Lexington, Kentucky. The firm took on jobs for a number of prominent buildings throughout the central Kentucky area including Rupp Arena, the Louisville Free Public Library, as well as some on both the University of Kentucky and University of Louisville campuses.
- Men of Note a group originally started by hobbiest jazz players, was an popular ensamble in the central Kentucky area. Playing a variety of public and private events, the group was often sought after for their jazz performances from the 1960s into the early aughts.
- Scope and Content
- The Byron F. Romanowitz collection on jazz in Lexington, Kentucky (dated 1940-2016, undated; 2.25 cubic feet; 3 boxes) comprises photographs, documents, and audio recordings relating to the Jazz artist Byron F. Romanowitz and his various musical groups in central Kentucky. Much of the collection pertains to his time in the groups Men of Note and Jazzberry Jam. Also included are news articles concerning Romanowitz and his musical groups, photographs from various events and performances, as well as messages sent to and from Romanowitz. The collection does contain a small amount of personal papers as well as files documenting his editorials in the Lexington Herald-Leader.
Restrictions on Access and Use
- Conditions Governing Access
- Collection is open to researchers by appointment.
- Use Restrictions
- The physical rights to these materials belong to the University of Kentucky Special Collections Research Center.
Contents of the Collection
Audio recordings, 1949-2011, undated
Scope and Contents
Th Audio recordings series (dated 1940-2009, undated) contains sound recordings of perfomances by Byron F. Romanowitz throughout his musical career. Group performances include Romanowitz playing with the Charles Blair band, Men of Note, the Dave Parry Orchestra, and others. Recordings are from a wide number of locations, such as the Narcotics Farm and the Coach House Lounge, both in Lexington, Kentucky.
Cassette tapes, 1991-2000, undated
Byron Romanowitz Performances, Bob Bleidt, Princeton Combo, Lexington Combo, Charlie Blair, 1950, 1953, 1954, 1958, undated
Byron Romanowitz with Dave McWhorter Trio at Coach House Lounge 1 of 2, 1994 October 28
Byron Romanowitz with Dave McWhorter Trio at Coach House Lounge 2 of 2, 1994 October 28
Byron Romanowitz with Dave McWhorter Trio at Coach House Lounge, Jay Flippen, Tom Covello, 1995 February 3
Byron Romanowitz with Dave McWhorter Trio at Coach House Lounge, Lexington, Kentucky, 1994 October 28
Byron Romanowitz with Frank Nichols and the Koins at the senior citizens center, 1991 December 9
Byron with Carl Norman Quartette at Pakefield, England, side a/b, undated
Byron with Carl Norman Quartette at Pakefield, England, side c/d, undated
Charlie Blair Orchestra at Narco, Lexington, Kentucky, 1958 September, undated
Dave Parry at Joyland Casino, 1954 July, undated
Early Lexington Jazz, Jam session at Comers, 1952 January 6
Jam Session at Byron Romanowitz house reel no. 1, 1978 July 9
Jam Session at Byron Romanowitz house reel no. 2, 1978 July 9
Jam Session at Sportsmans club, 1 of 2, 1954 Summer, undated
Jam Session at Sportsmans club 2 of 2, 1954 Summer, undated
Jazzberry Jam at Coach House, 2000 November 24
Lexington Music, Harvey Berry, Jam session, Bob Bleidt, Dave Parry, Charlie Blair, 1946-1954, undated
Musical groups, 1940s-1950s, undated
Quartet at University of Kentucky Radio Studio, 1954 December, undated
University of Kentucky Jazz Faculty Recital, 1993 October 21
Compact Disks, 1993-2011, undated
Byron Romanowitz "The Man and his Music", Jazz Arts Foundation, Lexington Public Library, 2007 September 13
Byron Romanowitz with the Dave McWhorter Trio at the Coach House, 1994-1995
Charlie Blair, DynaHour, Narco Farm, 1958, undated
Historic Lexington Bands, 1946-1958, undated
Jack Fletcher, trombone, Byron Romanowitz, tenor sax, with the University of Kentucky Jazz Ensemble directed by Miles Osland, 2001 March 7
Jazz in Kentucky, KET (Kentucky Educational Television), 2000 December 11
Jazz Live at the Library no. 1, 2007 April 12
Jazzberry Jam at Airport-Headly Whitney-Coach House, 1996
Jazzberry Jam at Chuck's Jazz Cafe, disc 1, 1993-1994
Jazzberry Jam at Chuck's Jazz Cafe, disc 2, 1993-1994
Jazzberry Jam Combo, dinner music at the Lexington Country Club, 1998 April 4
Jazzberry Jam Quartet at Denny's (home), 1996 June
Jazzberry Jam Quartet with Carolyn Smith, "Live at the Coach House", vol. 1, 1997-1998
Jazzberry Jam Quartet with Gail Wynters at Richmond Place, 2011 June
Jazzberry Jam Quartet, "Live at the Coach House", vol. 2, Coach House Lounge, undated
Jazzberry Jam Quartet, Jazz dinner music at the Coach House Lounge, 2003
Jazzberry Jam with Mike Allen at a Lazarus Open House, 1998 October 27
Jazzberry Jam, Jazz at the Coach House Lounge, 1998-2001
Jazzberry Jam, Rodes' Garden and Keeneland, Kentucky, 1996
Jazzberry Jam, WTVQ spot "Lunch with the Arts" Hot August at Ecton Park, Lexington, Kentucky, 1996
KET(Kentucky Educational Television) Video: Big Band Era in the Bluegrass Documentaries, Lexington in the 40's, Swingin' in the Bluegrass, 2013
KET(Kentucky Educational Television) Video: Big Band Era in the Bluegrass Music, Lexington in the 40's, Swingin' in the Bluegrass, undated
KET(Kentucky Educational Television): Big Band Era in the Bluegrass, In the Mood: selected Music and Documentaries, undated
Men of Note at Woodland Park, 1988 August 25, undated
Men of Note, a F of M Showcase, disc 2, Campbell House, Lexington, Kentucky, 1990-1996, undated
Men of Note, A Typical Dance Menu, disc 7, 1964-2009, undated
Men of Note, Dance to the Music Again, disc 5, 1964-2009, undated
Men of Note, Dance to the Music, disc 4, 1964-2009, undated
Men of Note, Early Years, disc 1, 1979-1981, undated
Men of Note, Featuring Carolyn Smith, disc 8, 1964-2009, undated
Men of Note, KET (Kentucky Entertainment Television) Studio, Lexington Center, Campbell House AFM Musician's Showcase, and Jouett House, 1981, 1990, 1994, 1995
Men of Note, One More Time!, disc 6, undated
Men of Note, Park Concerts, disc 3, 1994-1998, undated
Men of Note, The Last Performance, Ecton Park, 2009 August 18
Music of the Past, disc 1. 1944 to 1980, Byron F. Romanowitz Collection, undated
Music of the Past, disc 2, 1981 to 2003, Byron F. Romanowitz Collection, undated
"Outlaw Band", University of Kentucky Singeltary Center for the Arts, 1993 October 21
The Charlie Blair Band at the University of Kentucky Student Union Ballroom, disc 1, 1954, undated
The Charlie Blair Band at the University of Kentucky Student Union Ballroom, disc 2, 1954, undated
The Dave Parry Orchestra, Joyland Casino, 1954 July, undated
Reels, 1949-1987
Blair Combo, dance at U-High gymnasium, 1954 December 18
Bob Bleidts Band, 3 3/4, 1949-1950
Byron Romanowitz, dance at undergrad club, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, 1954
Charles Blair at the Student Union, 7 1/2, 1954
Charles Blair Band at Jack Fletcher, 7 1/2, 1954 Fall
Charlie Blair Big Band at Narcotic Farm, part 1, 7 1/2, 1958
Dave Parry Orchestra, Joyland Park, Lexington, Kentucky, 1954 July
Dave Parry Orchestra, Joyland Park, Lexington, Kentucky, 1954 August 4
Dave Parry Orchestra, reel B, Joyland Park, Lexington, Kentucky, 1954 August 4
Jam Session at Sportsman Club, 1954 Summer
Men of Note and WLEX Party, Spindletop, Lexington, Kentucky, 1979 December 13
Men of Note at Kentucky Central Dance 3 3/4, A, Charlie Blair at Narco (partial), 7 1/2, B, Session at Byron F. Romanowitz house, 1959, 1977, 1986
Men of Note at teachers retirement dance, Frankfort, Kentucky, 1987 May 11
Men of Note, miscellaneous, undated
Men of Note, Sigma Nu at Hyatt, 7 1/2, Lexington, Kentucky, 1980 May 24
University of Kentucky recording studios, Bill George, Jack Godhelf, Bob Doyle, and Byron Romanowitz, 7 1/2, 1954 December
Westminster Choir College Combo, 3 3/4, 1953
Biographical information, 1950-2016, undated
Scope and Contents
The Biographical information series (dated 1950-2016, undated) contains biographical information on artists known by Byron F. Romanowitz, frequently those with whom he had performed. Primarily the series includes correspondence between the artists as well as various publications about the musicians.
Biographical Information guide, undated
Fife, Jack, Moore, Fred, Cormey, Kilburn, 2005
Tayler, Jim, White, Maurice Lynn, 2005
Brannon, Leland W., undated
Parry, Dave, 1954
Baggarly, Nat "Tinker", Fouse, Bill, 1950-2006
Mathias, Frank F., 2005
Thron, John, 1998-2002
Madison, Clarence "Duke", 1981-1995
Thomas, Earle, Goode, Brad, Roberts, Glen, 1980-1989
Allen, Mike, 2013
Jones, William B. "Bill", 1993-1995
Senff, Tom, undated
Hackett, Bob, undated
Degen, Bob, Bryant, Bob, 2007
Domek, Richard "Dick", undated
Flippin, Jay, 2011-2012
Brock, Dan, 1999
Covello, Tom, undated
Henderson, David, undated
Boelter, Richard, undated
DiMartino, Vince, 2011-2005
Osland, Miles, 2016
Daily, Raleigh, undated
Deatheridge, Paul, Nelson, Larry, Cecil, Danny, undated
Cook, Rick, 2005
Anderson, Dave, undated
Jazzberry Jam, 1992-2015, undated
Scope and Contents
The Jazzberry Jam series (dated 1992-2015, undated) contains files detailing the members and performances by the jazz group. Jazzberry Jam is the name of the group created by Byron F. Romanowitz following his retirement. This musical group allowed him to continue pursuing his passion for jazz music and performing.
Band patrons, members, music lists, 1993-2001
Performance paperwork and correspondence, 1992-2010
Performance contracts, 2001-2015
Performance contracts, 1993-2000
Images and vocalists, undated
Promotional material and group information, 1993-1998
Service mark and trademark forms, 1993-2013
Lexington Views, 1994-1996
Scope and Contents
The Lexington Views series (dated 1994-1996) contains monthly issues of the local Lexington, Kentucky news magazine. Most issues include editorials and articles written by Byron Ramanowitz on topics like regional architecture, local events, and music.
1996 August-September
1996 July-August
1996 June-July
1996 May-June
1996 April-May
1996 March-April
1996 February-March
1996 January-February
1995 December-1996 January
1995 November-December
1995 October-November
1995 September-October
1995 August-September
1995 July-August
1995 June-July
1995 May-June
1995 April-May
1995 March-April
1995 February-March
1995 January-February
1994 December-1995 January
Men of Note, 1979-2016, undated
Scope and Contents
The Men of Note series (dated 1979-2016, undated) contains documents pertaining to the band's recordings and concerts. Included in the series are two compact disks with files about the concerts and music arrangements. The series also contains performace recordings and concert ephemera.
Compact Disk information, undated
Compact Disk information and charts, undated
General information, 1979-2009
Performances and cassette tape charts, 1980s
Tribute concert and Headley Whitney concert, 1988-2016
Personal papers, 1940-2016, undated
Scope and Contents
The Personal papers series (dated 1940-2016, undated) contains correspondence, documents, and writings rom the personal life of Byron F. Romanowitz. The documents provide insight into the mind of the musician, comprising letters to editors, clippings, as well as writings to friends and bandmates.
1940-1956
1960-1992
1993-1994
1994-1997
1997-1999
1999-2008
2008-2015
Archijazz articles from Lexington Views magazine, 1994-1996
Byron F. Romanowitz jazz residency papers, 1993-2003
Lafayette Times monthly column on jazz "Juke Box", 1946
Public statements and writings by Bryon F. Romanowitz, 1956-1995
Public statements and writings by Bryron F. Romanowitz, 1997-2016
R.L. Sanders and the Blue and White Orchestra History, 1917-1971
Photographs, 1940-2011, undated
Scope and Contents
The Photographs series (dated 1940-2011, undated) comprise photographs of jazz band performances primarily in Lexington, Kentucky. Most of the photographs depict Men of Note members at various concerts. The series also includes some early Lexington jazz band ensembles and Byron F. Romanowitz as a young musician in school bands.
Men of Note digital images, undated
Capitol Plaza, Frankfort, Kentucky, 1994 June 3
Ecton Park, Lexington, 1994 August 23
Jazzberry, Spindletop Hall, Lexington, 1995 November
Jazzberry, Ecton Park, Lexington, 1995 Summer
Jazzberry, Coach House, 1996 January 26
Men of Note, Big Band Weekend, 1996 February 16
Jazzberry, Coach House, 1996 May 25
Jazzberry, Ecton Park, Lexington, 1996 Summer
Georgia Rodes garden, 1996 July 20
Kentucky Aviation Hall of Fame, 1994-1996
Jouett House, Versailles, Kentucky, 1994-1996
Dinner party, 1994-1996
LaFayette High School Reunion, Class of '47, 1997 July
Bob Russell, Byron F. Romanowitz, Dave Beaudin, Bob Hackett, Raven Run fundraiser, 1997
Coach House, 1997 September 27
Drummer, 1997 October
Lexington Jazz Artist Residents Workshop with Richard Davis, 1998 January 18
Jazzberry Jam, Coach House Lounge, 1998
Jazzberry, Ecton Park, Lexington, 1999 June 15
Carl Hurley Show and Heritage Hall, Lexington Convention Center, 1999 August 7
Coach House, 1999 December
Jazzberry Jam, Ecton Park, 2001 June 20
Spindletop Library, 2008 July
Pete Fraser, visit to Kentucky, 2009 July
By Kentucky Mural, 2009
Ecton Park, pavilion re-design, Romanowitz final architectural design, circa 2008
Jazzberry Jam, Ecton Park, pavilion renovation, circa 2008
Men of Note, Ecton Park, 2009
Debutante Ball, Lexington Center Ballroom, 2011 December 29
Jam Session, American Legion Hall, Lexington, Kentucky, 1952
Glenn Roberts and Baggy, John Lewis House, 1956
Jam Session, John Lewis House, Byron F. Romanowitz, John Lewis piano, 1956
Byron F. Romanowitz and Dick Mordontl, John Lewis House, 1956
Jam Session, John Lewis House, Byron F. Romanowitz and Betsy Lewis, 1956
Jam Session, John Lewis House, Millie, Byron F. Romanowitz, and Betsy Lewis, 1956
Ed "Chu" Curtis, Doyle's band, Boiling Springs Country Club, Lexington, Kentucky, circa 1950
Jazzberry, Ecton Park, Lexington, 1995 Summer
Men of Note, Big Band Weekend, 1996 February 16
Jazzberry Jam, 1994-1996
Coach House, 1997 September 27
Bassist and saxophonist, 1997 October
Lexington Jazz Artist Residents Workshop with Richard Davis, 1998 January 18
Byron F. Romanowitz, 1998 July 9
Jazzberry, Ecton Park, Lexington, 1999 June 15
Carl Hurley Show and Heritage Hall, Lexington Convention Center, 1999 August 7
Blue Wisp, Cincinnati, 1999 November
Men of Note, Ecton Park, 1999 August
Jack Fletcher and Byron F. Romanowitz, UK Jazz Ensemble, 2001 March 7
Singletary Center for the Arts, University of Kentucky, 2001 March 7
Men of Note, Coach House (Laura's photo), 2004
Lexington Country Club reception, 2005
Performance with Triangle Jazz Orchestra, 2005 October 1
Byron F. Romanowitz, guest with Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 2005
Jazzberry Jam, circa 2006
Jack Fletcher, 80th birthday celebration, Duke Mansion, Charlotte, North Carolina, 2008 november 21
Debutante Ball, Lexington Center Ballroom, 2008 December 28
Ecton Park, pavilion re-design, Romanowitz final architectural design, circa 2008
Men of Note, 2009
Men of Note, Equis Run, 2004 July
Byron F. Romanowitz, age 15, Freshman, Lafayette High School, Lexington, Kentucky, 1944
Tinker Baggerly, saxophonist, 1949
Men of Note, 1981
Men of Note, Idle Hour Country Club, 1992
Men of Note, Idle Hour Country Club, Mary Ann Kelly vocals, 1992 January
Frank Clark Combo, 1993
Frank Clark Combo, Run Noon, Pip Wagstaff, Margaret Taunee, 1993
Carl Norman Quartette, 1993
Men of Note, undated
Ronnie Verrell, undated
Millie and drummer, Ronnie Verrell, undated
Ecton Park, Lexington, 1994 August 23
Jazzberry, Ecton Park, Lexington, 1995 Summer
Men of Note, Summer Park Concert, 1995
Men of Note, UK Arboretum, 1995 Summer
Men of Note, Central Party, Lexington Center, 1986 December
Men of Note, Shillito Park, 1986
Men of Note, Kentucky Central Dance, 1987 December
Men of Note, Byron F. Romanowitz, old youth center, downtown Lexington, Kentucky, 1992
Men of Note on stage, circa 1992
Byron F. Romanowitz, age 12, Ludlow High School Band, 1940
Kentucky Knights Orchestra, Phoenix Hotel Ballroom, 1945
Opening of new Joyland Casino, Byron F. Romanowitz, 1946
John Heatow Orchestra, Transylvania University, 1947
Bill Jones Orchestra, Little Inn, 1948
Tinker Baggerly Orchestra, Phoenix Ballroom, 1948
Bob Bleidt Orchestra, Phoenix Hotel Ballroom, 1950
Jam Session, Drake Hotel Lounge, 1951
Performers, 1953
Vocal group from Westminster, 1953
Charlie Blair Band, 1954
Charlie Blair Band, UK Student Union, 1954
Charlie Blair Band, WUKY Studio, 1954
Group performance, circa 1954
Ellis Harkleroad, Ray Rector Orchestra, Delta Sigma Phi Carnation Ball, circa 1960
Byron F. Romanowitz playing the saxophone, 1982 March 24
Byron F. Romanowitz, Carolyn Smith, Al Hood, Tom Cambron, Arts Place, 1986
Byron F. Romanowitz playing the saxophone, Arts Place, 1986
Men of Note, Dick Donek, piano, Arts Place, 1986
Men of Note, Arts Place, 1986
Men of Note, Gus Wylie, Arts Place, 1986
Men of Note, Shillito Park, 1986 June 6
Men of Note, Kentucky Central Dance, 1986 December
Men of Note, Gray Construction Party, Kentucky Horse Park, 1989 April
Men of Note, 1993 May
Funeral of E.J. Muncy, 1993
Men of Note, undated
Men of Note, Cheapside Park, 1980
Men of Note, 1981
Men of Note, Woodland Park, 1985
Men of Note, Saxophonist, circa 1985
Men of Note, Marriott Hotel, Winchester, Kentucky, 1986
Musician's Showcase, Campbell House, Lexington, Kentucky, 1989 March
Men of Note Combo, Second National Bank, 1989 July
Men of Note, Lexington Country Club, 1989 December
Men of Note, Historic Society Benefit, Henry Clay Estate, 1991 May
Men of Note, Eric White's wedding reception, South Seas Plantation, Captiva, Florida, 1992 October 17
Peter Graves Orchestra, Miami, Florida, 1992
Carl Norman Quartette, Pontins Pakefield, England, 1993 April
Frank Clark Combo, 1993
Musicians, Funeral of E.J. Muncy, 1993
Men of Note, 1993 October 10
Men of Note, 1993 October 21
Men of Note, 1993 November
Men of Note, Chuck's Jazz Cafe, 1993
Men of Note, circa 1993
Byron F. Romanowitz playing the saxophone
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Table of Contents
You may come across language in UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center collections and online resources that you find harmful or offensive. SCRC collects materials from different cultures and time periods to preserve and make available the historical record. These materials document the time period when they were created and the view of their creator. As a result, some may demonstrate racist and offensive views that do not reflect the values of UK Libraries.
If you find description with problematic language that you think SCRC should review, please contact us at SCRC@uky.edu.
UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center is open Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm. Appointments are encouraged but not required. Schedule an appointment here.
Researchers must have an SCRC Researcher Account to request materials. View account set-up and use instructions here.
Questions? Contact SCRC via our Contact Form.
Requests
No items have been requested.
You may come across language in UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center collections and online resources that you find harmful or offensive. SCRC collects materials from different cultures and time periods to preserve and make available the historical record. These materials document the time period when they were created and the view of their creator. As a result, some may demonstrate racist and offensive views that do not reflect the values of UK Libraries.
If you find description with problematic language that you think SCRC should review, please contact us at SCRC@uky.edu.