Cindy Wilson and Keith Bennett B-52's memorabilia
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Cindy Wilson and Keith Bennett B-52's memorabilia

Descriptive Summary

Title: Cindy Wilson and Keith Bennett B-52's memorabilia
Creator: B-52's (Musical group)
Inclusive Dates: 1977-2012
Bulk Dates: 1977-1990
Language(s): English
Extent: 20 Linear Feet (14 boxes, 3 oversize boxes, 11 items, 1 roll.
Collection Number: ms3905
Repository: Hargrett Library

Collection Description

Historical Note

The B-52's are a rock band formed in Athens, Georgia in 1976. They are known for incorporating new wave, postpunk, surf music, bouffant hairstyles, and thrift store chic into their style and sound.The original members consisted of Fred Schneider (vocals, percussion, keyboards), Kate Pierson (organ, bass, vocals), Cindy Wilson (vocals, bongos, tambourine, guitar), Ricky Wilson (guitars), and Keith Strickland (drums, guitars, synthesizers, various instruments). After Ricky Wilson's death in 1985, Keith Strickland switched to playing guitar full-time. The band played their first concert in 1977 at a Valentine's Day party.

The band gained early success with their first single, "Rock Lobster," and their self-titled debut album was released in 1979. The band released a string of popular albums in the 1980's, culminating with their mainstream breakthrough Cosmic Thing in 1989, featuring the hits "Love Shack," "Roam," and "Dead Beat Club." The B-52's still record and tour occassionally.

Scope and Content

The collection consists of artifacts, textiles, and other memorabilia associated with the B-52's, and, in particular, singer Cindy Wilson. Materials include wigs, dresses, coats, and boots from Cindy Wilson's stage wardrobe, Ricky Wilson's electric guitars, posters, and print souvenirs.

Administrative Information

Conditions Governing Access

In order to accommodate off-site retrieval and handling of materials, requests to view instruments in the reading room require a minimum of 24 hours' notice. These should be made using the "Request Material" button. Requests may be denied if they cannot be fulfilled without harm to the materials. For inquiries about access to instruments, please contact the Hargrett Library.

Preferred Citation

Cindy Wilson and Keith Bennett B52s memorabilia, ms3905, Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries.

Finding Aid Publication

Finding aid prepared on: 2015.

Related Materials and Subjects

Subject Terms

Series Descriptions and Folder Listing

 
oversized_box
1Promotional photographs (2), B-52's album sleeve display, Max's Kansas City concert poster
 
roll
1Fillmore concert poster, 1989 July 28-30
 
1Berlin concert poster, 1979 November 19
 
1Alive in New Zealand poster
 
1Group photograph poster (blue background)
 
portfolio
1Limited edition tour program created for Japanese tour, 1979
 
portfolio
2Handwritten lyrics sheets for "Strobe Light" and "Hero Worship"
 
box
1Cindy Wilson's design sketch for yellow fringe dress
 
item
1Floral gown from early B-52's tours, worn by Cindy Wilson, circa 1979
 
item
2Crushed velvet purple gown from AIDS benefit performance at the L. A. Forum, Los Angeles, CA, worn by Cindy Wilson, 1989
 
item
3Polka dot jacket from Cosmic Thing LP cover, worn by Cindy Wilson, 1989
 
item
4Black and pink "Wild Crowd" dress from Classic Center concert, Athens, GA, worn by Cindy Wilson, 2011
 
item
5Black courduroy tour jacket embroidered with B-52's logo
 
item
6Pink fringe dress, designed and worn by Cindy Wilson
 
item
7Brown and green velvet coat from Earth Day performance in Central Park, New York, NY, designed and worn by Cindy Wilson, 1989
 
item
8Purple pinstriped blazer from early touring and, later, Bouncing of the Satellites photo shoot, worn by Fred Schneider and Cindy Wilson, 1978-1979, 1985
 
oversized_box
2Long black designer gown with hand-sewn jewels, worn on stage by Cindy Wilson, circa 1980
 
box
2White ruffle dress, worn by Cindy Wilson, circa 1979
 
box
3Mondrian dress and boots, worn by Cindy Wilson, circa 1979
 
oversized_box
3Silver sequined hot pants, jacket, and hat, worn by Cindy Wilson on Cosmic Thing tour, 1990
 
box
4Silver sequined boots
 
box
5Autographed go-go boots, worn by Cindy Wilson, 1977-1980
 
box
6Birdcage wig, designed, created, and worn by Cindy Wilson, circa 1980
 
box
7Blonde bouffant wig, worn by Cindy Wilson
 
box
8Fruit wig, designed and created by Cindy Wilson and worn in the B-52's video for "The Girl from Ipanema Goes to Greenland", 1986
 
box
9Marching band helmet worn by Cindy Wilson for Life magazine photo shoot
 
box
10Costume tiara, worn by Cindy Wilson (photograph included)
 
box
11Rubber lobster stage prop
 
box
12Guitar equipment used by Ricky Wilson: instrument cable, Manny's Music Store guitar pick, string winder, string packaging, and metal rod
 
box
13Tambourine used by Cindy Wilson on tour, 1977-1985
 
item
MLS 1Mosrite double neck guitar played by Ricky Wilson, 1979-1985
 
item
MLS 2Mosrite blue electric guitar played by Ricky Wilson (notably used on debut album)
 
item
MLS 3Bongos used on stage and in studio by Cindy Wilson, 1978-1985
 
item
9Roland practice amplifier used by Ricky Wilson, 1979-1985

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