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Special Collections Hours:
Mon - Fri:
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sat-Sun: Closed
University of the Pacific alumni Dave and Iola Brubeck established the Brubeck Collection and the Brubeck Institute in conjunction with their alma mater to preserve, promote, and pass on the rich legacy of jazz to future generations.
Iola and Dave Brubeck, c.1985Dave Brubeck (b. 1920) is a world-renowned pianist and composer of jazz and classical music. Brubeck has been performing professionally since the 1930s and continues to tour the world. The Brubeck Quartet embodied the sound of “West Coast jazz” and was one of the most popular bands in the world during the 1950s and 1960s. In 1959 the Quartet released the groundbreaking album Time Out, which featured jazz performed in unusual time signatures. One of the tunes from this album, “Take Five,” became the best selling jazz single in history. Throughout his career, Brubeck has been a pioneer in exploring musical approaches such as polytonality (playing multiple keys within the same tune) and polyrhythms (playing multiple rhythms within the same tune). Although best known as a jazz musician, Brubeck’s compositions also include large-scale choral and orchestral works in a classical tradition. In addition to his musical achievements, Brubeck is well known for his life-long support of human rights and social justice.
The Brubeck Collection is a unique accumulation of materials representing over seventy years in the creative life of one of jazz's most renowned practitioners. It includes, in its 350+ linear feet, a vast array of business papers, correspondence, musical scores, photographs, and audio and video recordings.
