The Jessye Norman Papers span from 1881 to 2020, with the bulk of the materials dating from 1976 to 1999. The collection documents many aspects of the acclaimed soprano's life and career, from her international legacy as a Wagnerian opera star to her philanthropic efforts in the United States.

The Project Files series documents some of Norman's international opera and recital performances and recordings and consists of two subseries: Performances, and Albums and Videos. Each of the performance project files may contain a combination of correspondence, travel plans, contracts, lodging arrangements, venue specifications, and personnel information for a specific recital, opera, or benefit, primarily from 1984 to the early 2000s. Correspondence, album cover proofs, recording schedules, contracts, and personal notes from Norman’s televised programs and numerous audio recordings comprise the Albums and Videos subseries.

The Correspondence series contains letters, faxes, and printed emails exchanged primarily between Norman’s business managers and assistants and individuals or organizations with whom she had working relationships through her career, such as Philips Records and the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival. These materials largely detail inquiries and negotiations for Norman’s performances, although some is with project collaborators.

The Business Papers series chiefly captures the inner workings of Norman's office and assistants, including the activities of L’Orchidee, Inc., of which she was president. These files detail contracts, performance and rehearsal schedules, travel itineraries and logistics, philanthropic events, and day-to-day activities. There are also abundant financial documents, such as expense records, receipts, tax information, and royalty statements.

The Legal Papers series contains correspondence, memoranda, invoices, and additional materials related to civil cases and proceedings between Norman, L’Orchidee, Inc., and law firms in the United States and England. A large portion of these are from Edmonds & Beier, LLP, who represented Norman from approximately 1988 to 1995. All materials are restricted until 2044.

The Music series chiefly consists of annotated printed scores for Norman's most frequently performed repertoire, especially the art songs of Richard Strauss, Johannes Brahms, Franz Schubert, and Francis Poulenc. The series also includes a smaller number of original compositions and arrangements, including some for performance projects such as Sacred Ellington and her Great Day in the Morning radio program. Norman's interest in and support of the African American spiritual tradition is evident by the significant quantities of such works that are present.

The Biographical Materials series captures elements of Norman's life off-stage. She was an active philanthropist, guest speaker, interviewee, and frequent recipient of awards throughout her lifetime. Included here are documents related to these activities, as well as notebooks, annotated writings, and realia.

The Programs and Publicity series documents the greater part of Norman’s performing career, beginning with early recitals in 1965 through her final performances in the 2010s. Related promotional materials include mailings from music festivals, orchestras, and performance venues for which Norman was a featured artist and advertisements for her recitals and recordings.

The Clippings series contains reviews, concert announcements, biographical features, and advertisements for Norman’s recordings published in newspapers and magazines in the United States and abroad.

The Photographs series consists of images of Norman in a variety of settings: studio headshots, candid photographs from events, performances, and headshots from collaboratng pianists. It also includes photographs of sets from the operas Oedipus Rex and The Makropulos Case.