Recorded by
Lebail, Christine, French
Subject of
Simone, Nina, American, 1933 - 2003
Date
1971
Medium
vinyl with ink on paper (fiber product)
Dimensions
H x W (album sleeve): 7 × 7 in. (17.8 × 17.8 cm)
H x W (letter): 11 × 8 1/2 in. (27.9 × 21.6 cm)
Description
A 45 rpm record of Nina Simone's single "To Be Young, Gifted, and Black" as recorded by French singer Christine Lebail, with a letter to Andy Stroud from Ivan Mogull asking for Simone's written praise.
The vinyl record (a) has a pink and white label at the center, one side reading [FACE A / Prendre Le Vent] and the other reading [FACE B / BEL ENFANT NOIR 2'45 / Musique de Nina Simone / Parole de Frank Gérald / CHRISTINE LEBAIL]. A red "X" has been added by hand on either side of the Side B label. The record album sleeve (b) features a headshot of Lebail set against an orange background with [christine / LEBAIL / BEL ENFANT NOIR / PRENDRE LE VENT] in white text on the left side. The back of the sleeve features black text on a yellow background with [CHRISTINE LEBAIL] across the top and lyrics for "Prendre Le Vent" on the left and "Bel Enfant Noir" on the right. A red "X" has been added by hand on either side of the text [BEL ENFANT NOIR]. At the bottom is the copyright notice [1971 BAGATELLE - 10, rue Washington - Paris 8]. At top right is [disc AZ] logo.
The letter (c) is a single sheet of [ivan mogull music corporation] letterhead and is printed on one side in black typewritten ink. It is dated [November 8, 1971] and addressed to [Mr. Andy Stroud / Stroud Productions]. At center is written [Re: "TO BE YOUNG, GIFTED & BLACK" / Music by Nina Simone / Lyrics by Wildon J. Irvine]. The content of the letter states that a copy of the album is enclosed and that [our associate in France] has asked that Nina comment on the recording that [she likes it very much; thanking her for recording the song in French]. The letter is signed at the bottom [Cordially, / Ivan Mogull]. There are no markings on the back.
Place made
Paris, France, Europe
Place used
New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America
Classification
Record Albums
Type
record covers
45 rpm records
Topic
Business
Composers (Musicians)
Popular music
Race relations
Rhythm and blues (Music)
Singers (Musicians)
Soul (Music)
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Object number
2011.132.8.1ab
Restrictions & Rights
© 1971 Bagatelle
Permission required for use. Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5aca929a3-29a4-4da3-bd95-67d048335c81

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

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