Interview with Herbert Feemster

Object Details

Scope and Contents: Singer Herbert Feemster - known as Herb Fame and part of the duo Peaches & Herb - describes the strong community and family-atmosphere of the Barry Farms neighborhood, located in southeast Washington, D.C., where he grew up. He explains the influence the Barry Farms neighborhood had on him and the ways in which his childhood revolved around the Barry Farms community, including singing on the corner under the street lights. He talks about his early singing experiences at Birney Elementary School, the importance of the church and God, and the influence of rock and roll. Feemster explains he knew he wanted to sing from an early age, and how singing in church and his mother influenced his singing. He talks briefly about his time in the Navy, starting to sing about one year prior to leaving the Navy, and jobs he held post-Navy. Feemster talks the first recording of Peaches & Herb; the lack of creative input in the recordings in the 1960s; and his creative input when working with Freddie Perren in the 1970s. He also talks about his work process, specific songs he recorded, his favorite and least favorite songs, and going after one's dreams no matter what others say. He explains his discontentment because he is always searching and wanting to do things.; Interview. Dated 20110208.

Topic: African Americans; African American musicians; Musicians; Civic leaders; Communities

Place: Anacostia (Washington, D.C.); Washington (D.C.); United States; Barry Farms (Washington, D.C.)

Collection Rights: Collection items available for reproduction, but the Archives makes no guarantees concerning copyright restrictions. Other intellectual property rights may apply. Archives cost-recovery and use fees may apply when requesting reproductions.

Citation: Interview with Herbert Feemster, Anacostia Community Museum Archives, Smithsonian Institution.