Look Back at RSA Staff Favorites in 2024

By , January 17, 2025 2:11 pm
A collage of vintage music record labels with a blue section at the bottom reading "LOOK BACK AT RSA STAFF FAVORITES IN 2024."

Welcome Back Owls! As the spring semester begins, the Recorded Sound Archives (RSA) is buzzing with excitement! Whether you’re a returning student or new to Florida Atlantic University, we’re thrilled to welcome you to explore the RSA—a treasure trove of historic sound recordings preserved right here in the Wimberly Library.

Last year was a remarkable one for our team. We digitized countless recordings spanning genres, eras, and cultures, ensuring these invaluable pieces of history are available for generations to come. To kick off the new semester, we’re sharing some of our staff’s favorite digitization projects from the past year. Read More About This…

Lighting Up the Holidays with Kenny Ellis and Hanukkah Swings

By , December 11, 2024 3:59 pm
Image of musician Kenny Ellis singing into a vintage microphone with text "lighting up the holidays with Kenny Ellis"

When it comes to blending the spirit of Chanukah with the soulful sounds of jazz, Kenny Ellis shines brightly. His album, Hanukkah Swings, is a festive treat that reinvents traditional Chanukah melodies with a toe-tapping, swing-inspired twist.

Ellis, a talented cantor and performer, brings a joyful exuberance to the album, making it a perfect soundtrack for the Festival of Lights. Tracks like “Swingin’ Dreidel” and “Chanukah Swings” showcase his ability to infuse Jewish holiday classics with the lively, improvisational spirit of jazz. The result is a collection that feels both timeless and refreshingly original. Read More About This…

Top Ten RSA Staff Holiday Favorites

By , December 11, 2024 3:50 pm
Collage of vintage holiday albums featuring cassettes, records and record labels with text "RSA Staff's Top Ten Favorite Holiday Songs"

The holidays bring with them a surge of nostalgia, warmth, and joy—and nothing embodies the festive spirit quite like music. At the Recorded Sound Archives (RSA), we couldn’t resist the charm of holiday melodies as we embarked on a delightful journey to celebrate the season through music.

Discover RSA Staff’s Favorite 10 Holiday Songs

  1. Silent Night, Holy Night by Frank Sinatra
  2. Santa Claus is Coming to Town by the Boston Pops Orchestra
  3. Sleigh Ride by Charlie Bertini; Randy Morris; Dave Gannett
  4. The Little Drummer Boy by The Boston Pops Orchestra
  5. White Christmas by Frank Sinatra
  6. Silent Night by Helen Traubel
  7. A Christmas Carol by Richard Hale and Lionel Barrymore
  8. Christmas Boogie by Sugar “Chile” Robinson
  9. I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas by Gayla Peevey
  10. Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer by Gene Autry and the Pinafores

The Magic of Holiday Music Read More About This…

Music for the High Holy Days: A Tribute to the Great Synagogue Composers

By , October 1, 2024 6:46 pm
Collage of Music for the High Holy Days including text " A Tribute to the Great Synagogue Composers"

As we enter the sacred period of the High Holy Days, music plays a profound role in shaping the spiritual atmosphere of the synagogue. The awe-inspiring melodies of this season are steeped in centuries of tradition, prayer, and devotion. Within the Recorded Sound Archives, we are fortunate to preserve recordings from some of the most influential Great Synagogue composers whose music continues to move hearts and elevate prayers.

This post honors five legendary cantors and composers who shaped synagogue music as we know it today: Manfred Lewandowski, Herman Fleischmann, Gerson Sirota, Salomon Pinkasovitch, and Joseph Borin. Their compositions and vocal interpretations bring the timeless prayers of the High Holy Days to life, offering both a deep connection to Jewish heritage and an enriching spiritual experience. Read More About This…

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Timeless Latin American Music and Art

By , September 13, 2024 3:29 pm
Image of hand drawn portraits of Hispanic artists and vintage record labels in Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month with text "Celebrate Hispanic Heritage with Music and Portraits"

From September 15 to October 15, Hispanic Heritage Month honors the rich history and cultural contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the United States. This month offers a unique opportunity to explore the legacies of those who have shaped the vibrant music and culture we cherish today.

At the heart of this celebration is our collection of Latin American artists, capturing the voices and stories of iconic figures such as Desi Arnaz, Lola Flores, Chucho Martinez Gil, and Ernesto Lecuona. These remarkable artists influenced the world with their music and continue to inspire future generations. In the past, we’ve honored their contributions by creating stunning portraits that highlight their achievements, sharing both their sound and their legacy through art. Read More About This…

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