Ward, Harriet B., ca. 1900-1950

Lawrence Tibbett (November 16, 1896--July 15, 1960) was an American opera singer and recording artist that also dabbled in film as a Hollywood actor and radio personality. A natural baritone, Tibbett sang with the New York Metropolitan Opera company more than 600 times between 1923 to 1950. Tibbett was known for his outstanding voice, immaculate musicianship and strong stage presence. Tibbett, along with violinist Jascha Heifetz, founded the American Guild of Musical Artists in 1936 and acted as president for 17 years. Tibbett later died plagued by severe arthritis and a severe drinking problem.

Marshall Howenstein was the second music instructor at West Lafayette High School in Indiana from 1935 to 1965. Howenstein wrote the "West Lafayette Hymn and Victory Song." Howenstein was a graduate and alum of the University of Illinois.

Lew Williams (January 12, 1934- ) was an American rockabilly singer and songwriter known as the "Cab Calloway of Rockabilly." Lew's musical tastes were influenced by a variety of musical styles, including the blues, gospel music, and jazz. Lew eventually left the music life for good in January 1959 by giving his last appearance as a performer. He focused instead on song writing and talent management.

These small special collections were acquired by the University of Illinois Music and Performing Arts Library (formerly Music Library), a unit of the University Library, by librarians Jay Allen, William McClellan and Jean Geil. All accessions were gifted to the library. In some cases, published music was gifted to the library, cataloged and dispersed among the circulating library collection, with special collections material remaining unprocessed.

From the guide to the Music and Performing Arts Library Small Special Collections, 1911-1981, (The Sousa Archives and Center for American Music)