The Eva Jessye collection contains the personal papers and collected material of Eva Jessye, a prominent choral director, composer, arranger, writer, poet, actress and African American Music historian. Born in Coffeyville, Kansas in 1895, Jessye gained prominence as the conductor for Original Dixie Jubilee Singers, and as choral director for Gertrude Stein and Virgil Thomson's opera
Four Saints in Three Acts. Jessye was the choral director for the original production (and many subsequent productions) of
Porgy and Bess. The collection includes both materials from Jessye's personal and professional life as well as collected material which documents prominent African Americans.
The Eva Jessye Collection contains both personal papers of Jessye, as well as material collected by Jessye. The Eva Jessye collection is made up of twelve series: Biographical; Correspondence; Eva Jessye Choir; Writings (Performances, Poetry and Speeches); Music; Productions; Eva Jessye Programs; Collected Programs; Eva Jessye Clippings; Black History Clippings; Photographs; and Awards and Certificates.