BCA-011: Berklee Oral History Project

Established in 1998, the Berklee Oral History Project (BOHP) seeks to chronicle Berklee’s rich history from those who have lived, shaped, and defined it. In capturing the diverse experiences and perceptions of Berklee faculty, staff, and alumni, Berklee Archives seeks to document Berklee’s pedagogical contributions to music education, as well as the events and issues that have impacted the direction and identity of the institution. This collection comprises video interviews from over 100 individuals closely associated with Berklee College of Music and the Boston Conservatory, including faculty, staff, presidents, and alumni. Some early interviews also feature individuals unaffiliated with Berklee who were active in the Boston jazz community.

Creator: Berklee

Producer (pro): Berklee Archives

Roy Haynes, Grammy-winning jazz drummer and artist-in-residence for the Harvard University Jazz Band, describes growing up in an environment of cultural exchange in Roxbury, Massachusetts, where he met and was inspired by drummers such as Bobby Donaldson and Jo Jones. He reminisces about Boston music venues, aesthetics, and culture throughout the 1940s and beyond, and talks about his work with artists such as Sarah Vaughn, Phil Edmond, Tom Brown, and pianist Hilary Rose. Haynes also shares pivotal learning points in his career and credits mentors such as drummer Bay Perry and Charles Mingus.

Roy Haynes, 2009 April 17

Honorary Degree Recipient ('91), Berklee College of Music

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