Although a small collection, the papers document Herth's career as a musician from his employment as a movie theater organist in the 1920s to his death in 1969. Unfortunately, the depth of coverage is uneven, and although the papers provide a nearly complete representation of his musical recordings, other aspects of his career are treated largely through clippings rather than primary documentation. There is virtually no documentation in the papers concerned with Herth's personal life.
The collection is organized as music files, biographical material, general papers, and audio recordings. The MUSIC FILES comprise the largest and most important part of the papers. Papers about Herth's musical activities include his published arrangements of popular songs for the Hammond organ, “fake books,” and other music (some annotated in his own hand) for his performances. Handwritten materials include copyrighted arrangements of “Whistler and His Dog” and “High Society,” two notebooks of chord progressions, song playlists, and program listings. Also filed here are brochures, biographies, photographs, and correspondence relating to his promotion of the Hammond organ during the mid-1960s.
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION consists of a large number of clippings and articles about Herth's career. Some of the clippings were originally contained in a scrapbook which spanned the years 1924 to 1961, but which most heavily document the early 1930s. Additional loose clippings chiefly pertain to the periods 1938-1942, 1950-1955, and the 1960s. Because of their deteriorated condition, the clippings have been microfilmed and the originals destroyed, although original photographs and memorabilia in the scrapbook were retained. Additional biographical information consists of obituaries, a death certificate, and memorabilia.
GENERAL PAPERS consist of two folders of correspondence, record company and personal appearance contracts, memorabilia of Myrtle Herth, and two scripts--a revised final script for the motion picture Juke Box Jenny and a partial script from the Chesterfield Radio Supper Club, hosted by Perry Como. The correspondence is quite miscellaneous in nature, including letters requesting information about the Hammond and early mail sent to him as music director at WIND requesting that he play certain songs.
AUDIO RECORDINGS include tape and disc recordings which seem to represent a good share, although not all, of his recording activities. This series also includes a selection of jazz and popular music recordings by other performers from his personal collection.
