Raymond White, a beloved figure in the U.S. Library of Congress Music Division, is set to retire on Friday, July 31, concluding an impressive 44.5-year career. White, who began as a temporary employee in 1980 before securing a permanent position in 1982, has been a cornerstone of the institution, known for his profound knowledge and engaging storytelling.
Throughout his tenure, White has captivated patrons, scholars, and VIPs alike with his expertise spanning from classical composers like Beethoven to popular Broadway show tunes. He is particularly celebrated for his ability to bring historical artifacts to life, sharing delightful anecdotes about great works of art and the evolution of simple songs into major hits. His first assignment involved sorting copyright deposit sheet music in preparation for the Music Division's move to the Madison Building.
White expressed that he still gets "goosebumps" when handling the Library's treasures, including recent interactions with Gershwin family members regarding the upcoming "American in Paris" centenary. He emphasized the Library's dedication to understanding the creative "process," stating, "We certainly want to know what the final product was, but we’re as eager to know how it got there." This principle is evident in materials like Walt Whitman's manuscripts and the rough draft of the Declaration of Independence.
Among his favorite items are two Bach church cantatas, Beethoven's Piano Sonata Opus 109, and Mozart's Violin Concerto No. 5, which Mozart composed at age 19. White recounted tailoring presentations to guests, such as showing opera star Denyce Graves Montgomery an annotated score from the first production of "Carmen," her breakout role, which left her "blown away."
Looking ahead, White's immediate retirement plans include cleaning his house and visiting friends within driving distance, opting for "travel with a small 't'" rather than grand excursions. He does not personally collect historical artifacts, preferring watercolors for his home.