The circus is known as a visual experience but it is also an explosion of sound. The Robert L. Parkinson Library and Research Center at Circus World holds an extensive collection of sound recordings on a variety of formats including glass and vinyl phonographic records, magnetic tape, cassette tape, and digital files. Access to these materials is often restricted due to the fragile condition of the original recordings or the availability of functioning vintage equipment.
Since 2015 the library has embarked on a project to digitize its sound recordings. The results of this project can be heard on this page. Here you will find oral history interviews, musical performances, and vintage radio advertisements from the 1940s through the present day. |
Full catalog listings for each audio file can be found in the library online catalog circus.pastperfectonline.com/ under call numbers starting with "CWM AUDIO."
To listen to any audio recording click on a button. A new page including both the sound recording and transcript (if available) will appear.
To listen to any audio recording click on a button. A new page including both the sound recording and transcript (if available) will appear.
Manager and Proprietor
|
Performer, Proprietor, and Manager
|
Manager and Proprietor
|
Multiple interviews of early 20th century circus performers and employees
|
Musician
|
Press Agent
|
Performer
|
Hartford Fire Survivor
|
Performer
|
Performer
|
Performer and Proprietor
|
Performer
|
Performer
|
Performer
|
Press Agent
|
Performer
|
Performer
|
Performer
|
Performer
|
Performer
|
Performer
|
Performer
|
Performer
|
Performer
|
Performer
|
Performer
|
Multiple Performers
|
Multiple Performers
|
Radio Advertisement
|
Radio Advertisement
|
Radio Advertisement
|
Recorded Live Performance
|
Recorded Live Performance
|
Recorded Live
Performance |
Performer
|
Radio Broadcast, 1943
|
Radio Advertisement
|
Vaudeville recording
|
Performer
|
Performer
|
Performer, Manager, and Proprietor
|
Performer and Proprietor
|
Cook House department
|
Performer
|
Various Ringling Employees
|
Radio Advertisement
|
Performer
|
Clown and Administrator
|
Transportation Manager-Railroads
|
Performer and Administrator
|
Clown College
|
Performer
|
Performer
|
Talent Agent
|
Performer
|
Clown and Director
|
Manager and Proprietor
|
Manager and Proprietor
|
Independent Sound
Clips |