The LeRoi C. Johnson Collection on Rick James spans the years 1930 to 1991, with the bulk of the collection dating between 1971 and 1983. The collection consists of two files, one containing documents and one containing photographs, and a 1983 concert poster--all pertaining to the life and career of Rick James. The documents file contains material on the life and career of Rick James, and includes two copies of James' 1978 arrest record for marijuana possession; the Congressional Record from October 19, 1981 (James' second cousin, Rep. Louis Stokes, entered an article about James into the record); talking points and questions for a meeting with MTV on the lack of R&B music on the networ; and part of a April 18, 1983 article in Newsweek on MTV. The photographs file contains 40 photographs of various sizes, and includes photographs of James performing on stage, as well as relaxing with family and friends. Some of the photographs are marked as copyright of "Captan Clint." There are several portraits of family members, including James' parents, and promotional photographs of the Mary Jane Girls, a band James produced, and fellow Motown recording artists, Kagny and the Dirty Rats. People and dates have been identified where possible. The collection provides a glimpse into the private and public life of Rick James, as collected by his brother and manager, LeRoi C. Johnson.
