Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 1974-2010 (Creation)
Level of description
Extent and medium
2 video cassettes : VHS TRT:7:38
2 video cassettes : 3/4 in. U-Matic TRT:9:23
1 folder
9 optical discs : CD ; audio TRT: 3:09:34
2 audio cassettes : DAT TRT: 43:22
11 open reels : 2 in. ; audio TRT: 2:38:42
46 open reels : 1/4 in. ; audio TRT: 13:31:23
5 audio cassettes : 3/4 in. TRT: 3:17:46
Context area
Name of creator
Biographical history
Mendelson Joe (b Birrel Josef Mendelson, often known as Joe Mendelson) was born and raised in Maple, Ontario. He is an active writer, musician, painter, and political activist.
After graduating from the University of Toronto, Joe worked as a blues musician, playing guitar. At this time, he performed using the name Joe Mendelson. By 1968, he had joined fellow Canadian guitarist Mike McKenna and formed the band McKenna Mendelson Mainline. As a band, they entertained fans till 1972 when they split, though they briefly reformed in 1975.
Joe’s music career continued as he performed as a solo artist. It is also then when he adopted the reversal of his names, opting for Mendelson Joe, instead of the previous Joe Mendelson. Since becoming a musician, he has released many titles, including the hit “Dance with Joe”. As a musician he has appeared on Sharon, Lois & Bram's Elephant Show. Albums released include: Women Are The Only Hope, Buried Treasure, Art Is the Healer, Humans, and Canuckian.
1975 was an important year for Joe. Not only did he begin his solo career as a musician, but he also began to paint. After finding some old paint in the garbage, he tried his hand at the visual medium. He is now an internationally recognized contemporary Canadian artist. His work has been shown internationally, and some is housed in the government run Art Bank. Since 2000, he has lived in the Almaguin Highlands north of Muskoka, Ontario.
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Donated to the archive by Mendelson Joe.
Content and structure area
Scope and content
The collection focuses on Mendelson Joe’s musical career. Video and audio material capture many songs written and performed by Joe. Master demos, commercial releases, and some worksheets are present.
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Accruals
System of arrangement
Series are based on the media format.
Series 1: 1” Video – Box 1
• 2016.004.001 – 2016.004.004
Series 2: ¾” Video – Box 1
• 2016.004.005 – 2016.004.006
Series 3: VHS – Box 1
• 2016.004.007 – 2016.004.008
Series 4: DAT’s – Box 1
• 2016.004.009
Series 5: ¾” Audio – Box 1
• 2016.004.010 – 2016.004.014
Series 6: 2” Audio – Boxes 2 – 3
• 2016.004.015 – 2016.004.017: Box 2
• 2016.004.018 – 2016.004.020: Box 3
Series 7: Anthem Records Production Records – Box 4
• 2016.004.021
Series 8: ¼” Audio – Boxes 4 – 6
• 2016.004.022 – 2016.004.038: Box 4
• 2016.004.039 – 2016.004.048.2: Box 5
• 2016.004.049 – 2016.004.058: Box 6
• 2016.004.064 – 2016.004.066: Box 6
Series 9: CD’s – Box 6
• 2016.004.059 – 2016.004.063
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
Preservation concerns may limit access, consult archivist.
Conditions governing reproduction
Copyright remains with donor.
Language of material
- English
Script of material
Language and script notes
Physical characteristics and technical requirements
Finding aids
Contact archivist for further finding aid information.
Allied materials area
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related units of description
Notes area
Alternative identifier(s)
Access points
Subject access points
Place access points
Name access points
Genre access points
Description control area
Description identifier
Institution identifier
Rules and/or conventions used
Dates of creation revision deletion
Created August 13, 2019 by Elizabeth Carroll.
Language(s)
- English