Faush Collection Finding Aid
Faush Collection
Span Dates: 1941-2007
Bulk Dates: 1960-1970
Creator: Erskine Faush
Prepared by: Ashley Estelle
Extent: 64 Folders; 3 containers
Language: Collection materials are in English
Collection organized by: Performance Materials; Personal and Family Materials; Miscellaneous; 1976 Walkout Materials
Immediate Source of Acquisition
This collection was initially compiled and preserved by Rev. Dr. Erskine Faush and later given to Bob Friedman for inclusion in the BBRM Collection. It was formally donated to the institution by Faush’s wife, Audrey Faush.
Biographical / Historical Note
Rev. Dr. Erskine Faush (1931–2020) was a prominent African American radio broadcaster, pastor, and gospel concert promoter based in Birmingham, Alabama. A trailblazing media figure, Faush co-founded WATV Radio and hosted gospel programs that reached wide audiences across the South. For most of his adult life, he spent a significant amount of time in the Birmingham radio scene. In addition to his broadcasting career, Faush served as pastor of Metropolitan A.M.E. Zion Church. He was an influential figure in the local religious and cultural landscape from the mid to late 20th century, fostering the growth of gospel music and African American spiritual expression. This collection reflects his career during the height of his public ministry and media presence.
Scope and Contents Note
The Faush Collection spans the years 1959 to 2007, concentrated between the ‘60s and ‘70s. It comprises mostly ephemera, correspondence, receipts, contracts, flyers, programs, carbon copies, and promotional materials that document Rev. Dr. Erskine Faush’s role in organizing and promoting gospel music concerts and radio events. The collection also includes miscellaneous documents from his first wife and his collection. The materials capture the administrative, promotional, and personal aspects of gospel performances held primarily in Birmingham, Alabama, and show the relationship between the secular and radio community. Highlights include business correspondence with national gospel groups, performance contracts with artists such as James Cleveland, Dorothy Norwood, the Mighty Clouds of Joy, and the Caravans, and promotional documents related to WENN Radio during the time he worked there. Notable items include a 1965 Western Union telegram from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and a collection of documents related to the WENN Radio Walkout of 1976.
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Detailed Finding Aid