Editor’s Note: A version of this article first appeared in Broadside, the magazine of the Library of Virginia, Summer 2008. Approached by MGM to record a “beat-ballad” version of his 1951 hit, “It’s All in the Game,” Tommy Edwards went into the Metropolitan Studios in New York City on June 9, 1958, and laid down several tracks. He had not recorded any material during the previous 32 months, and the session, reportedly the last one remaining on his contract, was likely his last opportunity to salvage his career. 1946 clipping advertising Edwards’s performance at the Ba ..read more

The Library of Virginia, one of the oldest state libraries and archives in the nation, is marking its bicentennial in 2023 with a free exhibition—200 Years, 200 Stories, which offers visitors the chance to explore the stories of fascinating Virginians from all walks of life and endeavors. In the field of music, a passion of mine, there is an embarrassment of riches. Our state boasts pioneers in almost every important American music genre from country to blues to hip hop. As you can imagine, making the final selection of artists to include was difficult. Featuring Mary Higdon “Sunshine ..read more

Richmond Times Dispatch, September 01, 1935, page 35. In September 1935, the Richmond Times-Dispatch grabbed readers’ attention with the dramatic headline, “Buckroe Fish Packer Now Devil’s Nemesis.” The feature provided an early glimpse into the amazing life of pioneer Elder Lightfoot Solomon Michaux, dubbed at the time the “world’s greatest radio evangelist” by the New York Amsterdam News and the “best known colored man in the United States today” by the Washington Post. Online databases, especially Virginia Chronicle, the Library of Virginia’s digital newspaper archive, he ..read more

The Common Ground Virginia History Book Club focuses on approachable books focused on Virginia-centered nonfiction. Most of these books are historical narratives and biographies such as Code Girls by Liza Mundy and A Brave and Cunning Prince by James Horn, but there is not one right way to approach history and our first pick for 2023 approaches history differently. Team Photograph by Lauren Haldeman combines graphic novel, poetry, memoir and Civil War history into one slim but compelling volume. Poetry and illustrations might not be the very first things that come to mind in regards ..read more

The Library of Virginia is now open by appointment only. During this initial reopening phase, researchers will be able to use the collections by appointment Tuesday-Friday, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM. More information is available here. Hauntin' Tales of Jim Bordwine ``Mountain Man`` By Jim Bordwine Redemption From Tyranny : Herman Husband's American Revolution By Bruce E. Stewart Appalachian Fiddler Albert Hash : The Last Leaf on the Tree By Malcolm L. Smith Britain's Black Debt : Reparations for Caribbean Slavery and Native Genocide By Hilary Beckles Murder in Roanok ..read more