Title: Jay Gilmore Sims Papers, 1913-1957
ID: 12/9/64
Primary Creator: Sims, Jay Gilmore (1876-1965)
Extent: 0.1 cubic feet
Arrangement: Chronological
Subjects: Band Musicians, Brass Bands, Concert Programs, Music - United States, Sousa, John Philip
Formats/Genres: Papers
Languages: English
Programs, a published tribute to John Philip Sousa, Sousa Band route sheets, and articles documenting both Jay Sims' career as a cornetist with the Sousa Band's performances at Willow Grove, PA in 1919 and 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.
Five pocket-sized ledgers belonging to Jay G. Sims prior to him becoming a member of the Sousa Band, dating from 1913 to 1917, documenting daily expenses while on the road from the B.A. Rolfe theatrical company with booking information and expenses pertaining to his travel with the company. The ledgers also contain notes, business cards, receipts, handwritten notes, and a threaded needle. These items were acquired separately on May 13, 2012.
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.Â
He 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. He died in 1965.
Repository: The Sousa Archives and Center for American Music
September 29, 2004
The five ledger books were purchased on May 13, 2012.
Access Restrictions: None.