The Tommy Shepard collection came through the generous gift of Mike & Stephanie Costley of Palm Springs, California. Mike, a professional singer and former vocalist for the Tommy Shepard Orchestra, was a good friend of Mr. Shepard’s until Tommy's passing in 1993. He was later given Tommy's library of materials by Tommy’s widow, Gwen. Before her passing in 2004, Mike, with her blessing, established Tommy’s legacy at the University of Arizona.

Special thanks goes to Malcolm McNab, Ralph Carmichael, Bob Bain, Gary Tole and Sue Raney for their help in identifying so many of the artists represented in the collection.

Additional support has come from the Al & Marilyn Cook Endowed Fund For The Advancement of Jazz.