Finding Aid for Jay Gilmore Sims Papers, 1913-1957 | The Sousa Archives and Center for American Music

Title: Jay Gilmore Sims Papers, 1913-1957

ID: 12/9/64

Primary Creator: Sims, Jay Gilmore (1876-1965)

Extent: 0.1 cubic feet

Arrangement: Materials are arranged in two series: Series 1) Sousa Band Programs and Route Sheets, 1919-1957 and Series 2) B.A. Rolfe Ledger Books, 1913-1917. Materials in both series are arranged chronologically.

Date Acquired: 09/29/2004. More info below under Accruals.

Subjects: Band Musicians, Brass Bands, Concert tours, Music - United States, Sousa, John Philip

Formats/Genres: Concert Programs, Papers

Languages: English

Consists of concert programs; five pocket-sized ledgers belonging to Jay G. Sims prior to him becoming a member of the Sousa Band that include notes, business cards, receipts, handwritten notes, and a threaded needle, documenting daily expenses while Sims was on the road from the B.A. Rolfe theatrical company; a published tribute to John Philip Sousa; John Philip Sousa Band route sheets; and articles documenting both Jay Sims' career as a cornetist, including his performances with the Sousa Band at Willow Grove, PA in 1919 and other Sousa Band performances. Of particular interest are the Sousa Band route sheets that provide information regarding the dates and locations of the band's performances from September 15, 1919 until January 10, 1920, and the June 1957 Sousa Band Fraternal Society newsletter that featured Sim's contributions to the Sousa Band.

Jay Gilmore Sims (1878-1965), musician, cornetist, trombonist and band manager for the Sousa Band was born on February 7th, 1878 in Cabarrus County, North Carolina. Sims taught himself how to play bugle and cornet as a child, and later continued his training while playing with different local bands around North Carolina. In 1898 he enlisted in the 1st North Carolina Infantry Volunteers as a trumpeter and he later was asked to serve as a trombonist. He remained in active duty as a musician until he was honorably discharged in 1901, after playing with the band in the Philippines and Cuba. From 1901 to 1919 worked for different theater companies as a pit musician and later band manager. In 1919 he joined the Sousa Band as a trombonist and manager, positions that he held until 1931. Sims died in 1965.

Band Musicians
Brass Bands
Concert tours
Music - United States
Sousa, John Philip

Repository: The Sousa Archives and Center for American Music

Accruals: Five ledger books were purchased on May 13, 2012.

Access Restrictions: None.

Acquisition Method: Gift