Collection Timeline

1955 to 2000

1955
A plaster mask made from Dizzy Gillespie's face while he had inflated his cheeks in a signature fashion.
A Baha'I Prayer book
Small metal sided drum.
A four foot long rhythm stick inscribed with the name "Dizzy" on the haft.
Gray, handknit, turtleneck. Heavy gauge wool, raglan sleeves.
Black and white houndstooth 100% wool. Fully lined with gray acetate. Label reads Saks Fifth Avenue, 2 button, single vent.
Gray, velvet, brimless fez. Ceremonial/Masonic quality. Silver color passmenterie embellishment around bottom of crown. 4 inch diameter circle of embellishment at center top. 1 inch pom pom at center top. Four rosettes, flat metal beads around top center medallion, and forming words: "Bashere of Iperu" around crown. Green and white striped fabric lining.
Blue/gray/white, cotton w/indigo calligraphic figures all over in rows and columns. Indigo blue has migrated (bled) into white fabric. Shirt tail style, short sleeves w/ standing band collar. No labels, looks homemade. 6 brown wooden buttons center front placket. R and L breast pockets.
Gold color metal frames w/ ersatz tortoise shell bows. ""Vogart"" engraved on both sides of frame where they join bows with hinges. ""Vogart"" by Eastern States model 3089 CE on right bow. Brocade case w/ opticians name and address printed inside.

1985
One of a set of conga drums that belonged to Dizzy Gillespie before he gifted them to a fellow musician on May 4, 1987. Dizzy Gillespie used these conga drums when he performed with J.C. Heard and his Orchestra at the 1987 Montreux-Detroit Jazz Festival.
One of a set of conga drums that belonged to Dizzy Gillespie before he gifted them to a fellow musician on May 4, 1987. Dizzy Gillespie used these conga drums when he performed with J.C. Heard and his Orchestra at the 1987 Montreux-Detroit Jazz Festival.

1990
Dedication reads: 'For an extraordinary lifetime of contributions to American Culture through the performing arts. John F. Kenndy Center for the Performing Arts'

1992
A carved piece of wood painted to look like a watermelon with the inscription: 'To Dizzy "A letter from home" Gillespie 1992'

2000
White, 100% cotton. CFD: gray, black, white, orange with photograph of D. Gillespie. Text:"Southwest Airlines is Proud to Celebrate Black Music Month, June 1-June 30, 2000." Southwest Airlines logo on left sleeve hem.