Call Number:

BC020CB

Repository:

Temple University Libraries: Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection

Extent:

9.92 linear feet (36 boxes)

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

[Description and date of item], [Box/folder number], Calvin Charles Benson "Ademola Adesuji" Collection, BC020, Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection, Temple University Libraries, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Date:

1958-2003 (inclusive)

Creator:

Benson, Calvin Charles, 1943-2010

Abstract:

Calvin Charles Benson the son of Calvin and Mable Benson was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on October 14, 1943. His early childhood was spent in the pursuit of music and fell in love. Never once being unfaithful, he moved through his teenage years increasing and exploring what music had to give. Before age sixteen he entered the Granoff School of Music where he studied the acoustic double bass. In 1962, while continuing his formal musical training at the Philadelphia Institute of Music he met the world-renowned bassist/composer Jymie Merritt. Merritt at the time was the bass player for "Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers" and performed locally with a band he called "The Forerunners" at the Tuskegee Alumni Clubhouse in Philadelphia. From 1962 through 1967 a strong relationship as bass players grew between Jymie and Calvin. Jymie Merrett encouraged and stimulated Calvin's desire to learn the rhythms and techniques of the bass instrument.

By 1971, Calvin had become Program Director of The Forerunners Repertory Free Theater at the Church of the Advocate located in North Philadelphia. A series of concerts were placed under his direction including one with jazz drummer, composer and master percussionist Max Roach. In February of 1972 jazz trumpeter Lee Morgan, another Philadelphian, died and the services were held at the Church of the Advocate where The Forerunners performed. Calvin was instrumental in the organization of the funeral services and of the musical contribution of many well-known jazz artists. The study of musical rhythms forced him to study African rhythms and its relationship to jazz as it had been named.

Tempted by another mistress "Africa" Benson fell in love again. The history of Africa and its people deepened with in his soul, being a lover of actual facts as it related to African Americans became a passion during his entire life. Wanting to know more about Africa, he was an avid reader of many books on Africa if it could shine light on the African American past. Calvin's desire to spread the knowledge he learned about Africa and African American history inspired his collection of over 2500 tapes of lectures of historical importance.

Contained in this collection are audio tapes, video tapes and publications. The audio tapes are a mix of musical performances, radio programs, and lectures concerning African and African American subjects. The video tapes in this collection are a mixture of feature films, musical performances, documentaries, and academic lectures. The publications consist of magazines that are all related to music particularly jazz.