Information resources and articles related to the history of entertainment production and concert touring.
Note: This collection is a list of various articles and other resources that I have discovered; I am sure there is more out there. Please let me know in the comments if you know of an archive or article related to roadie history.
Museums
- The Grammy Museum
Located in Los Angeles, CA. Rotating exhibits featuring artifacts and memorabilia from Grammy award winning artists. The museum produces active education and outreach programs. - The Museum of Pop Culture (MOPOP)
Located in Seattle, WA. Formerly known as the Experience Music Project. Features a variety of permanent and rotating collections related to the Seattle music scene. - The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Located in Columbus, OH. I think this one is pretty self-explanatory. But did you know there is more than just a museum to visit? The reading room of the Library and Archives can be visited if you make an appointment at least three weeks in advance.
Archival Collections
- The Billy Rose Theatre Division of The New York Public Library Digital Collections
Extensive theatre arts archival collections. Lighting related collections of note include the Jules Fisher and Peggy Eisenhauer papers and designs, and the Tharon Musser designs and papers. - CREEM Magazine Archives
A selection of digitized magazine archives from the 2020s, 1980s, 1970s, and 1960s. Registration and subscription needed for full access. - David Bowie Center
Located at the V & A Museum in London. Permanent collection of archival materials collected by David Bowie over his career. - Hugo Keesing collection on popular music and culture
Located at the University of Maryland, this collection includes nearly 5,000 LPs from 1938 to 2004, with a majority from the 1960s. Available for research and listening at the Michelle Smith Performing Arts Library’s Lowens Reading Room. - Rock’s Backpages: The archive of music journalism
Large collection of over 55,000 articles and 900 audio interviews. Allows anyone to read up to 500 articles for free, upwards of that requires a subscription.
Articles
- Gibson Amps: A history of innovation
- The Story of Rickenbacker: Influencing Music History
- Heritage 30+ articles highlighting Marshall amplifiers through music history from the 1960s – 2010s.