Yusuf Salim collection

Collection

Identifier: NCC-0012

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection is primarily composed of promotional materials and newspaper articles related to Yusuf Salim, known as Brother Yusuf, a Durham resident and musician. Many of the items are related to 2004 and 2007 concerts in his honor. It also contains memorials and articles written about Brother Yusuf after his death in 2008, a few photographs, a vinyl record, and one chapter of a memoir Yusuf wrote.

Dates

2004 - 2013

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

There are no restrictions on the use of this material except where previously copyrighted material is concerned. It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain all permissions.

Biographical / Historical

Yusuf Salim (1929-2008), was born Joseph Blair in Baltimore, Maryland, where he began a career in music early in life. At the age of 14, Salim was playing piano with the Ken Murray Sextet. At 17, he began working as house pianist at the Royal Theatre, performing with such notable entertainers as Sammy Davis, Jr. and Redd Foxx. In the late 1940s and early 1950s, Salim performed around Harlem and knew notable jazz musicians including Charlie Parker and Sonny Rollins. After a tour with the Red Prysock Band, he joined the Marine Corps and played in the Marine Band. After his service Salim returned to Baltimore for a short time and then moved to Durham in 1974. In Durham he helped found the Salaam Cultural Center, where he hosted workshops for musicians in the Durham community. He also hosted a 13-part locally produced UNC-TV series called "Yusuf and Friends." Salim composed over 53 pieces, which have been performed by a variety of artists, and in 1999 he received the North Carolina Arts Council Jazz Fellowship.