10 10 129 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Music People An individual. Metadata for a person provides detailed biographical information to describe the life of a historical figure. Birth Date 1953-08-18 Birthplace Cincinnati, Ohio, USA Death Date 2010-06-06 Occupation Musician Singer Songwriter Source of File Attached “<a href="http://www.cnn.com/2010/SHOWBIZ/Music/06/07/marvin.isley.dead/index.html">Marvin Isley of Isley Bros. Dies at 56.</a>” CNN, Cable News Network, 8 June 2010. <div></div> Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Isley, Marvin (1953-2010) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Laing, Dave. "<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2010/jun/09/marvin-isley-obituary">Marvin Isley obituary</a>." The Guardian, 9 June 2010. “<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marvin_Isley">Marvin Isley</a>.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 27 Mar. 2024. Subject The topic of the resource Music, R&B Music, Rock and Roll Description An account of the resource Marvin Isley was a musician, singer, and songwriter. He grew up in Englewood and attended Dwight Morrow. He graduated from C.W. Post College with a music degree. In 1971 he began playing with his older brothers who formed the Isley Brothers group. He became an official member in 1973. Due to health issues, he retired in 1997. He married Shelia Felton. He had three children, Cory, Sydney, and Jalen. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Ludder, Rachelle Colman, David Music Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Music People An individual. Metadata for a person provides detailed biographical information to describe the life of a historical figure. Occupation Musician Spiritual Leader Source of File Attached “<a href="https://aaregistry.org/story/rudolph-isley-singer-and-lyricist-born/">Rudolph Isley, Singer and Lyricist Born</a>.” African American Registry, 27 Dec. 2023. <div></div> Birth Date 1939-04-01 Birthplace Cincinnati, Ohio, USA Death Date 2023-10-11 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Isley, Rudolph "Rudy" Bernard (1939-2023) Description An account of the resource Rudolph "Rudy" Bernard Isley was an American singer and songwriter. He was also a Christian minister. He grew up in Englewood and lived in Teaneck for a time. He created a music group with his two brothers, Ronald and O'Kelly Jr. called "The Isely Brothers." He married Elaine Jasper in 1958. He had four children, Rudy Jr., Elizabeth, Valerie, and Elaine. Farber, Jim. “<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/12/arts/music/rudolph-isley-dead.html#:~:text=In%20addition%20to%20his%20brothers,and%20Elaine%3B%20and%20several%20grandchildren">Rudolph Isley, an Original and Enduring Isley Brother, Dies at 84</a>.” The New York Times, 12 Oct. 2023. <div></div> Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Colman, David Ludder, Rachelle Subject The topic of the resource Music, R&B Music, Rock and Roll Religion, Christianity Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <div>Billboard</div> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available wikipedia Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource June 7, 1969 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Public Domain Music https://archive.englewoodmakeshistory.org/files/original/d76f454837630b55811ddfc62a5c6c6e.jpg 96c84ca30e91b060ad9cbebc64b132bb Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Music Places A fixed location. Metadata for a place provides descriptive information that is the basis of discovery of the creation, purpose, and agents associated with a place. Type of Place Clubs Date Started 1936? Date Ended 1939 Source of File Attached "New York and New Jersey's Home of Joy." The Record, 7 Oct. 1938, p.20. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Harlem-on-the-Hudson Description An account of the resource Harlem-on-the-Hudson was a popular black-owned nightclub in Englewood Cliffs. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived "Appoint Reciever for Cliffs Club." The Record, 7 Nov. 1929, p.1. "Officials Probe Cliffs Roadhouse." The Record, 28 June 1939, p.9. Subject The topic of the resource Businesses, Local Businesses, African-American Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Colman, David Ludder, Rachelle Recreation https://archive.englewoodmakeshistory.org/files/original/352433602dc1a4ecc3ccaceeed0af71c.jpg 6ec8bcfe3023de8c0f5b4c043572735e Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Music Places A fixed location. Metadata for a place provides descriptive information that is the basis of discovery of the creation, purpose, and agents associated with a place. Type of Place Businesses Source of File Attached "Records & Tapes up to 10%." The Record, 29 May 1975, p. 92. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Downbeat Records Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived "Records & Tapes up to 10%." The Record, 29 May 1975, p. 92. Subject The topic of the resource Businesses, Local Description An account of the resource Downbeat Records was a record store on Palisades Avenue. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Colman, David Ludder, Rachelle Music https://archive.englewoodmakeshistory.org/files/original/95f161a553506eed69d87d1f9752e0d4.jpg 026a9f8b7873adfa15e345d7556b213a Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Music Places A fixed location. Metadata for a place provides descriptive information that is the basis of discovery of the creation, purpose, and agents associated with a place. Type of Place Businesses Date Started 1949? Source of File Attached "Music Manor." The Record, 19 Oct. 1949, p. 23. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Music Manor Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived "Music Manor." The Record, 19 Oct. 1949, p. 23. Subject The topic of the resource Businesses, Local Description An account of the resource Music Manor was a record store in Englewood. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Colman, David Ludder, Rachelle Businesses Music https://archive.englewoodmakeshistory.org/files/original/dd29d73e65ac8f535ed0c4be71d85375.png ec168090f2565f2102d4b42e2c4a0eee Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Music People An individual. Metadata for a person provides detailed biographical information to describe the life of a historical figure. Birth Date 1927-04-07 Birthplace Ajido, Lagos State, Nigeria Death Date 2003-04-06 Occupation Musician Activist, Civil Rights Source of File Attached "Babatunde Olatunji, drummer, dies at 75." Ventura County Star, 11 Apr. 2003, p.B5. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Olatunji, Babatunde (1927-2003) Olatunji, Micheal Babatunde Subject The topic of the resource Music, African Activism, Civil Rights Description An account of the resource Michael Babatunde Olatunji was a Nigerian drummer, educator, social activist, and recording artist whose work transformed global understandings of African music and culture in the twentieth century. While he later became internationally known for landmark recordings such as Drums of Passion and for collaborations with leading figures in jazz, civil rights, and world music, a formative chapter of his American life unfolded in Englewood, New Jersey, where education, labor, and cultural exchange intersected in decisive ways. Born in the village of Ajido near Badagry, in what is now Lagos State, Nigeria, Olatunji grew up immersed in traditional music, language, and spiritual practice. He spoke Gun (Ogu/Egun) and Yoruba and was raised within a family connected to Vodun religious traditions. In 1950, after receiving a scholarship from the Rotary International Foundation, he traveled to the United States to attend Morehouse College in Atlanta, where he studied and began building intellectual and artistic networks that would shape his future. While at Morehouse, he collaborated closely with composer and choir director Wendell P. Whalum, contributing to the preservation and performance of African musical traditions in academic settings. Following his graduation from Morehouse, Olatunji came north to Englewood, where he became part of an educational work-study program coordinated by the U.S. Foreign Operations Association. Through this program, he was placed at the Ferber Corporation plant on West Sheffield Avenue, working as a tool and die maker. His employment embedded him directly in Englewood’s mid-century industrial economy, making him both a factory worker and an international student navigating American life from the shop floor upward. While living and working in Englewood, Olatunji pursued further studies in American culture, industrial organization, and public administration, taking courses locally and later enrolling at New York University, where he worked toward a master’s degree. The rhythm of his days—factory labor by day, study and performance by night—shaped his understanding of the United States as a lived system rather than an abstraction. Englewood became a space where he tested ideas about democracy, race, labor, and cultural exchange in everyday practice. Music remained central to his life during this period. In Englewood and the surrounding region, Olatunji performed African drumming and song, introducing many Americans to musical traditions they had never encountered firsthand. These performances functioned not only as artistic expression but as cultural education, laying the groundwork for his later national influence. The percussion ensemble he formed while studying at NYU—initially a means of supporting himself—would soon become the foundation of his professional career. In 1958, shortly after leaving Englewood, Olatunji’s trajectory changed dramatically when Columbia Records signed him following a major performance in New York. The release of Drums of Passion in 1959 became a landmark moment in American musical history, introducing African percussion to mainstream audiences and helping to define what would later be called “world music.” The album’s success launched an international career and established Olatunji as a central figure in global cultural exchange. Over the following decades, Olatunji collaborated with an extraordinary range of artists, including John Coltrane—who dedicated the composition “Tunji” to him—Max Roach, Abbey Lincoln, Cannonball Adderley, Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder, Carlos Santana, Mickey Hart, and many others. He composed music for stage and film, including Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun and Spike Lee’s She’s Gotta Have It. He founded the Olatunji Center for African Culture in Harlem, a vital space for artistic, political, and spiritual exchange, and became a powerful voice within the civil rights movement, performing alongside and marching with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Equally committed to education, Olatunji developed innovative teaching methods for African drumming and led workshops across the United States and internationally. His later career included Grammy-winning collaborations, major tours, and sustained work as a cultural ambassador, culminating in recognition by institutions such as the Percussive Arts Society, which inducted him into its Hall of Fame in 2001. Although his influence became global, Olatunji’s years in Englewood remained foundational. It was there that he experienced America as a worker, a student, and an artist simultaneously—gaining insights that informed his music, activism, and teaching for the rest of his life. Through Olatunji’s story, Englewood emerges as an important site in the history of African diasporic culture in the United States: a place where global traditions, local labor, and transformative creativity converged. “They Have Faith in the Future.” Bergen Evening Record (Hackensack, NJ), January 22, 1955, p. 4. Photographs by Steven S. Ditzian. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Attila Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Ludder, Rachelle Colman, David Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Egon Gade Engin's Archive Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available wikipedia Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Public Domain Africa Music Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Music People An individual. Metadata for a person provides detailed biographical information to describe the life of a historical figure. Birth Date 1981-12-07 Birthplace Englewood, New Jersey, USA Occupation Singer Source of File Attached Colman, David. "Shanell "Lady Luck" Jones." 15 June 2024. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Jones, Shanell "Lady Luck" (1981-?) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Beckerman, Jim. "North Jersey nurtures its aspiring artists." The Record, 19 Aug. 2000, p.A-1, A-8. “<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lady_Luck_(rapper)">Lady Luck (Rapper)</a>.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 19 Aug. 2024. <div></div> Subject The topic of the resource Music, Rap Music, Hip-Hop Description An account of the resource Shanell "Lady Luck" Jones was a rapper. She was born in Englewood and moved to Teaneck when she was thirteen. Her aunt and uncle were Joe and Sylvia Robinson. She graduated from Teaneck High School with a deal with Def Jam Records. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Colman, David Ludder, Rachelle Music Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Music People An individual. Metadata for a person provides detailed biographical information to describe the life of a historical figure. Birth Date 1960-04-18 Birthplace Bronx, New York, New York, USA Occupation Musician Singer Songwriter Source of File Attached “<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grandmaster_Caz">Grandmaster Caz</a>.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 25 Nov. 2023. <div></div> Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Brown, Curtis "Grandmaster Caz" (1960-?) "Casanova Fly" Subject The topic of the resource Music, Hip-Hop Music, Rap Description An account of the resource Curtis "Grandmaster Caz" Brown is an American hip-hop and rap artist. He is also a songwriter and DJ. He was a member of the group The Cold Crush Brothers from 1979 to the mid-1980s. Brown also went under the name "Casanova Fly" as he formed one of the first DJ crews, "Might Force." He was the first rapper to perform both record and vocal duties. He is also an uncredited artist for The Sugarhill Gang's "Rapper's Delight." Henry Lee Jackson had been Caz's manager. Jackson had asked Brown for lyrics to audition with for Sylvia Robinson, as he had never rapped before. Brown agreed but was never credited afterward for the lyrics used. In 2002, Brown released a parody "MC Delight" to tell his side. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived “<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grandmaster_Caz">Grandmaster Caz.</a>” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 25 Nov. 2023. <div></div> Shabazz, Kiani. “<a href="https://rockthebells.com/articles/grandmaster-caz-interview-2021/">Grandmaster Caz on the Bronx, the Blackout and a Billion Dollar Industry</a>.” Rock the Bells, 11 Aug. 2022. <div></div> Edgers, Geoff. “<a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/music/they-took-grandmaster-cazs-rhymes-without-giving-him-credit-now-hes-getting-revenge/2016/09/29/f519c35a-7f3e-11e6-8d0c-fb6c00c90481_story.html">They Took Grandmaster Caz’s Rhymes without Giving Him Credit. Now, He’s Getting Revenge. - The Washington Post</a>.” Washington Post, 29 Sept. 2016. <div></div> Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Ludder, Rachelle Music Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Music People An individual. Metadata for a person provides detailed biographical information to describe the life of a historical figure. Birth Date 1962-06-15 Birthplace Teaneck, New Jersey, USA Occupation Musician Source of File Attached “<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Master_Gee_(musician)">Master Gee (Musician).</a>” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 31 May 2024. <div></div> Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource O'Brien, Guy Anthony "Master Gee" (1962-?) Subject The topic of the resource Music, Hip-Hop Description An account of the resource Guy Anthony "Master Gee" O'Brien is a hip-hop artist and member of the Sugarhill Gang. After he left Sugar Hill Records in 1984 he became involved in the magazine industry. When the Sugar Hill Gang reformed he became a member. He performs with the group and also as a solo DJ. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived “<a href="http://www.hiphopmuseumdc.org/master-gee">Master Gee: The Hip-Hop Museum Pop-up Experience.</a>” NHHM Official Site. <div></div> “<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Master_Gee_(musician)">Master Gee (Musician)</a>.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 31 May 2024. <div></div> Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Ludder, Rachelle Music https://archive.englewoodmakeshistory.org/files/original/1a78d05d3e5866b5e48d6bb1fb97928e.jpg 6a83b4903504deecd426bf226496a333 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Music Organizations and Institutions A group of individuals cooperating under similar beliefs to reach an agreed-upon goal. Metadata for organizations and institutions provides information for the basis of an investigation into the creation, purpose, beliefs, and actors involved in an organization and institution. Date Started 1979 Date Ended 1985 Type of Institution Economic Source of File Attached Quan, Jay. “<a href="https://rockthebells.com/articles/hip-hop-label-101-sugar-hill-records/">Hip-Hop Label 101: Sugar Hill Records</a>.” Rock the Bells, 6 Nov. 2022. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Sugar Hill Records Subject The topic of the resource Music, Hip-Hop Music, Production Description An account of the resource Sugar Hill Records was a record label located in Englewood that focused on hip-hop music. It was founded in 1979 by Sylvia Robinson and her husband Joseph. Its first record was "Rapper's Delight" in 1979 by The Sugarhill Gang. Other famous records include "The Adventures of Grandmaster Flash on the Wheels of Steel" (1981), "Good Times" (1979) by Chic, and "The Message" (1982) by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. The name Sugar Hill was inspired by an affluent section of Harlem that used the same name. Sugar Hill Records closed in 1985. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Gillett, Charlie. “<a href="http://www.britannica.com/money/business-organization">Sugar Hill Records: ‘Rapper’s Delight</a>.’” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. Quan, Jay. “<a href="https://rockthebells.com/articles/hip-hop-label-101-sugar-hill-records/">Hip-Hop Label 101: Sugar Hill Records</a>.” Rock the Bells, 6 Nov. 2022. “<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sugar_Hill_Records_(hip_hop_label)">Sugar Hill Records (Hip Hop Label)</a>.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 2 June 2024. <div></div> Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Ludder, Rachelle Music