Larry Appelbaum: A Guardian of Jazz History and a Champion of Cultural Preservation
Larry Appelbaum, a devoted music archivist and one of the most influential figures in jazz scholarship, passed away on February 21 in Washington, D.C., at the age of 67. His death, caused by complications from pneumonia, marked the end of a remarkable life dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich history of jazz. Over a storied career at the Library of Congress, Appelbaum not only elevated the institution to become a leading center for jazz research but also uncovered some of the most significant recordings in the genre’s history. His work left an indelible mark on the world of jazz, ensuring that its legacy would endure for future generations.
Appelbaum’s expertise lay in the intricate and often laborious task of preserving recorded music and speech, a process that frequently involved transferring media from outdated formats to modern technologies. While this work required immense attention to detail and patience, it also offered moments of serendipitous discovery that made it deeply rewarding. Among his most notable finds was a 1957 recording of a concert by the Thelonious Monk Quartet featuring John Coltrane at Carnegie Hall. This previously unknown tape, which Appelbaum stumbled upon in 2005 while processing a large collection of jazz recordings, was a revelation for jazz historians. It provided unparalleled insight into the creative partnership between Monk and Coltrane, two of the genre’s most iconic figures. The recording was later released to critical acclaim and inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, cementing its place in jazz history.
Beyond his work in archives, Appelbaum was a cornerstone of the jazz community. For years, he hosted a weekly radio program on WPFW in Washington, D.C., called The Sound of Surprise, a name borrowed from jazz critic Whitney Balliett to describe the genre at its finest. His show became a trusted source for jazz enthusiasts, offering a mix of classic recordings and hidden gems. Appelbaum’s influence extended further through his contributions to jazz publications and his role in organizing lectures, performances, and conferences at the Library of Congress. He was instrumental in persuading numerous jazz legends and their estates, including Max Roach and the estates of Eric Dolphy and Billy Strayhorn, to donate their personal papers and memorabilia to the library. These acquisitions significantly enriched the institution’s holdings and provided invaluable resources for researchers.
Appelbaum’s contributions to jazz scholarship were equally profound. He co-authored or contributed to several authoritative works on the subject, including Jazz: The First Century (2000) and The Encyclopedia of Radio (2004). His most ambitious project, however, was likely his work on the six-CD boxed set Jazz: The Smithsonian Anthology (2011), which offered a comprehensive exploration of the genre’s evolution and diversity. Despite his academic credentials, Appelbaum was first and foremost a fan of jazz, driven by a deep love for the music and a desire to share its beauty with the world.
Born on April 12, 1957, in Washington, D.C., Appelbaum grew up in a family that encouraged his early fascination with music. His father, Melvin, owned clothing stores in suburban Maryland, while his mother, Estelle, managed the household. Appelbaum’s connection to the Library of Congress began during his college years at the University of Maryland, where he interned at the institution. After graduating with a degree in radio, film, and television in 1979, he joined the library’s staff full-time, rising through the ranks to become the director of its Magnetic Recording Laboratory. This role required him to transfer fragile and often obscure recordings into modern formats, a process that demanded technical skill and a meticulous eye for detail.
Appelbaum’s career was not without challenges. In 2017, he suffered a stroke that left him with mobility issues, though he continued to work remotely for the Library of Congress until his retirement in 2020. He is survived by his two brothers, Howard and Marc, and his longtime companion, Masha Morozova. Through his tireless efforts to uncover, preserve, and share the music he loved, Larry Appelbaum left behind a legacy that will inspire jazz enthusiasts and scholars for generations to come. His story serves as a testament to the enduring power of jazz and the dedicated individuals who work behind the scenes to ensure its survival.