Collection Scope and Content Note

Notes, drafts, and writings on jazz criticism and biography. Also, letters to Balliett and photographs. The Whitney Balliett collection houses a variety of papers and correspondences from Balliett's career. There are a number of notebooks containing (nearly illegible) notes of various musician's concerts or recordings. There are also items relating to the New Yorker, including a drawing of Buddy Rich by Balliett that appeared in the magazine. Some notable letters include notes from Alice Toklas, John Updike, and Frank Sinatra. Additionally, there are a number of formerly framed items from the wall of Balliett's office.