The Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University

In 1999, shortly before his death at the age of 74, eminent jazz and classical guitarist Charlie Byrd made a gift of his personal collection of manuscripts, scores, published music, recordings, and personal papers documenting his career, to the Peabody Institute. Included in the collection are a large amount of printed music for various instrumental groups, sheet music for solo guitar, volumes of violin and piano sonatas, organ works, and chamber music. Composers in the collection include Johann Sebastian Bach, John Dowland, Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, and many musicians with whom Byrd performed including Laurindo Almeida, Antonio-Carlos Jobim, and Django Reinhardt. The manuscripts include Byrd's own arrangements, transcriptions, and original compositions. Much of the music is heavily annotated. The personal papers include correspondence, tour schedules, concert programs, informational performance notes, photographs, and memorabilia.