Donald Kahn Papers

Identity elements

Reference code

US US.INSON Mss 044

Name and location of repository

Level of description

Folder

Title

Donald Kahn Papers

Date(s)

  • 1930 - 2007 (Creation)

Extent

1 lft; 1 document box, 1 clamshell box

Name of creator

(1918-07-17 - 2008-04-11)

Biographical history

Donald Gustav Kahn (July 17, 1918—April 11, 2008), the only son of Gus and Grace LeBoy Kahn, was born in Chicago during the early phase of his father’s songwriting career. He realized as a five-year old that he wanted to follow in his father’s musical footsteps, but as a composer and arranger, not a lyricist. Donald studied music at Pomona College and served in the Air Force during World War II. In 1956, he collaborated with noted lyricist Stanley Styne to create his most popular work, “A Beautiful Friendship.” The song was recorded by a number of artists including Ella Fitzgerald, Margaret Whiting, Frank Sinatra, and Nat King Cole. In the 1970s, Donald wrote music for Sesame Street. Although he labored in the shadow of his father, he worked tirelessly to keep his father’s legacy alive and was a strong proponent for Whoopee!, a 1990s revival of Whoopee.

Content and structure elements

Scope and content

The collection consists of sheet music, manuscripts, correspondence, and other material documenting the career of Donald Kahn.

System of arrangement

Conditions of access and use elements

Conditions governing access

All material is open to the public without restriction. Copyright laws of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) govern the making of photocopies or other reproductions.

Physical access

Technical access

Conditions governing reproduction

The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to the Great American Songbook Foundation. Music written prior to 1923 is in the public domain. For more information, please consult the staff of the Library & Archives.

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Finding aids

Uploaded finding aid

Acquisition and appraisal elements

Custodial history

Immediate source of acquisition

Received from Margaret Kahn, widow of Donald Kahn, on November 18, 2008.

Appraisal, destruction and scheduling information

Accruals

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Notes element

Specialized notes

  • Citation: Donald Kahn Papers, MSS 044, The Great American Songbook Foundation.
  • Processing information: Processed by Lisa Lobdell, Archivist. Completed May 22, 2012.

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Description control element

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Sources used

Archivist's note

AtoM description created by Ashlee James, February 2018.

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