Music & Musical Instruments

The Museum's music collections contain more than 5,000 instruments of American and European heritage. These include a quartet of 18th-century Stradivari stringed instruments, Tito Puente's autographed timbales, and the Yellow Cloud guitar that belonged to Prince, to name only a few. Music collections also include jukeboxes and synthesizers, square-dancing outfits and sheet music, archival materials, oral histories, and recordings of performances at the museum. The vast Sam DeVincent Collection of Illustrated Sheet Music is a remarkable window into the American past in words, music, and visual imagery. The Duke Ellington and Ruth Ellington Boatwright collections contain handwritten music compositions, sound recordings, business records, and other materials documenting the career of this renowned musician. In various ways, our collections find expression in performances of the Smithsonian Chamber Players, the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra, and in other public programs.

various artists. side 1: Mordido [part 3]; side 2: Mordido [part 4] (Mercury 11015), from the album, Norman Granz' Jazz at the Philharmonic, Vol. 9. 78 rpm.The cover art for this album was by David Stone Martin (born David Livingstone Martin, 1913-1992).
Description

various artists. side 1: Mordido [part 3]; side 2: Mordido [part 4] (Mercury 11015), from the album, Norman Granz' Jazz at the Philharmonic, Vol. 9.
78 rpm.

The cover art for this album was by David Stone Martin (born David Livingstone Martin, 1913-1992). Martin was an American artist best known for his illustrations on jazz album covers for labels including Mercury, Asch, Clef, Disc, and Dial. Many of his commissions were from Martin’s longtime friend, American jazz record producer and concert promoter Norman Granz (1918-2001).

Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1947
recording artist
Jacquet, Illinois
Phillips, Flip
Harris, Bill
McGhee, Howard
Jones, Jo
Brown, Ray
Jones, Hank
manufacturer
Mercury
ID Number
1978.0670.626
accession number
1978.0670
maker number
11015
MERCURY VOL. 9
catalog number
1978.0670.626
Howard McGhee and his Orchestra. side 1: Cool Fantasy [part 1]; side 2: Cool Fantasy [part 2] (Modern 20-618).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Howard McGhee and his Orchestra. side 1: Cool Fantasy [part 1]; side 2: Cool Fantasy [part 2] (Modern 20-618).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1945
recording artist
McGhee, Howard
manufacturer
Modern
ID Number
2014.0105.88
accession number
2014.0105
catalog number
2014.0105.88
20-618
various artists. side 1: Lady Be Good [part 2]; side 2: Lady Be Good [part 3] (Stinson 999-3), from the album, Jazz At the Philharmonic (Stinson S-999).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
various artists. side 1: Lady Be Good [part 2]; side 2: Lady Be Good [part 3] (Stinson 999-3), from the album, Jazz At the Philharmonic (Stinson S-999).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1944
recording artist
Smith, Willie
Jacquet, Illinois
Ventura, Charlie
Guy, Joe
McGhee, Howard
Finney, Garland
Livingston, Ulysses
Callender, Red
manufacturer
Stinson
ID Number
1978.0670.657
accession number
1978.0670
maker number
999-3
S-999
catalog number
1978.0670.657
various artists. side 1: How High the Moon [part 3]; side 2: Lady Be Good [part 1] (Asch 453-2), from the album, Jazz at the Philharmonic, Volume 1 (Asch 453).78 rpm.The cover art for this album was by David Stone Martin (born David Livingstone Martin, 1913-1992).
Description

various artists. side 1: How High the Moon [part 3]; side 2: Lady Be Good [part 1] (Asch 453-2), from the album, Jazz at the Philharmonic, Volume 1 (Asch 453).
78 rpm.

The cover art for this album was by David Stone Martin (born David Livingstone Martin, 1913-1992). Martin was an American artist best known for his illustrations on jazz album covers for labels including Mercury, Asch, Clef, Disc, and Dial. Many of his commissions were from Martin’s longtime friend, American jazz record producer and concert promoter Norman Granz (1918-2001).

Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1944
recording artist
Guy, Joe
McGhee, Howard
Jacquet, Illinois
Ventura, Charlie
Smith, Willie
Finney, Garland
Livingston, Ulysses
Callender, Red
Krupa, Gene
manufacturer
Asch
ID Number
1978.0670.754
maker number
453-2
453
accession number
1978.0670
catalog number
1978.0670.754
various artists. side 1: How High the Moon [part 3]; side 2: Lady Be Good [part 1] (Stinson 999-2), from the album, Jazz At the Philharmonic (Stinson S-999).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
various artists. side 1: How High the Moon [part 3]; side 2: Lady Be Good [part 1] (Stinson 999-2), from the album, Jazz At the Philharmonic (Stinson S-999).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1944
recording artist
Smith, Willie
Jacquet, Illinois
Ventura, Charlie
Guy, Joe
McGhee, Howard
Finney, Garland
Livingston, Ulysses
Callender, Red
manufacturer
Stinson
ID Number
1978.0670.656
accession number
1978.0670
maker number
999-2
S-999
catalog number
1978.0670.656
various artists.
Description

various artists. side 1: One O'Clock Jump; side 2: Two O'Clock Jump (Modern 20-641), from the album, Gene Norman Presents Just Jazz.
78 rpm.

This pressing is from a live recording in the Civic Auditorium, Pasadena, California on April 29, 1947 of a Just Jazz concert presented by American impresario, Gene Norman.

Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1947
recording artist
Garner, Errol
Mills, Jackie
Callendar, Red
Gray, Wardell
McGhee, Howard
Carter, Benny
Dickenson, Vic
Ashby, Irving
manufacturer
Modern
ID Number
1978.0670.645
accession number
1978.0670
maker number
20-641
catalog number
1978.0670.645
various artists. side 1: Perdido [part 3]; side 2: Perdido ]part 4] (Mercury 11002), from the album, Norman Granz' Jazz At the Philharmonic, Vol. 8.78 rpm.The cover art for this album was by Merle Shore, American artist, illustrator, and graphic designer.
Description

various artists. side 1: Perdido [part 3]; side 2: Perdido ]part 4] (Mercury 11002), from the album, Norman Granz' Jazz At the Philharmonic, Vol. 8.
78 rpm.

The cover art for this album was by Merle Shore, American artist, illustrator, and graphic designer. Shore served as Art Director for Verve, Capitol, and Reprise record companies.

Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1947
recording artist
Jacquet, Illinois
Phillips, Flip
Harris, Bill
McGhee, Howard
Jones, Jo
Brown, Ray
Jones, Hank
manufacturer
Mercury
ID Number
1978.0670.632
accession number
1978.0670
maker number
11002
MERCURY VOL. 8
catalog number
1978.0670.632
various artists. side 1: Lady Be Good [part 2]; side 2: Lady Be Good [part 3] (Asch 453-3), from the album, Jazz at the Philharmonic, Volume. 1 (Asch 453).78 rpm.The cover art for this album was by David Stone Martin (born David Livingstone Martin, 1913-1992).
Description

various artists. side 1: Lady Be Good [part 2]; side 2: Lady Be Good [part 3] (Asch 453-3), from the album, Jazz at the Philharmonic, Volume. 1 (Asch 453).
78 rpm.

The cover art for this album was by David Stone Martin (born David Livingstone Martin, 1913-1992). Martin was an American artist best known for his illustrations on jazz album covers for labels including Mercury, Asch, Clef, Disc, and Dial. Many of his commissions were from Martin’s longtime friend, American jazz record producer and concert promoter Norman Granz (1918-2001).

Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1944
recording artist
Guy, Joe
McGhee, Howard
Jacquet, Illinois
Ventura, Charlie
Smith, Willie
Finney, Garland
Livingston, Ulysses
Callender, Red
Krupa, Gene
manufacturer
Asch
ID Number
1978.0670.755
maker number
453-3
453
accession number
1978.0670
catalog number
1978.0670.755
Howard McGhee, Wardell Gray, Sonny Criss, Dodo Marmarosa, Red Callendar, and Jackie Mills.
Description

Howard McGhee, Wardell Gray, Sonny Criss, Dodo Marmarosa, Red Callendar, and Jackie Mills. side 1: Groovin' High [part 1]; side 2: Groovin' High [part 2] (Modern 20-639)
78 rpm

This pressing is from a live recording in the Civic Auditorium, Pasadena, California on April 29, 1947 of a Just Jazz concert presented by American impresario, Gene Norman.

Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1947
recording artist
McGhee, Howard
Gray, Wardell
Criss, Sonny
Marmarosa, Dodo
Callender, Red
Mills, Jackie
manufacturer
Modern
ID Number
2014.0105.89
accession number
2014.0105
catalog number
2014.0105.89
20-639
Howard McGhee, Lucky Thompson, Jack McVea, Irving Ashby, Jimmy Bunn, and Red Callender. side 1: Oodie Coo Bop [part 1]; side 2: Ooodie Coo Bop [part 2] (Black & White 150).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Howard McGhee, Lucky Thompson, Jack McVea, Irving Ashby, Jimmy Bunn, and Red Callender. side 1: Oodie Coo Bop [part 1]; side 2: Ooodie Coo Bop [part 2] (Black & White 150).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1946
recording artist
McGhee, Howard
Callender, Red
Thompson, Lucky
McVea, Jack
Ashby, Irving
Bunn, Jimmy
manufacturer
Black & White
ID Number
1978.0670.015
accession number
1978.0670
maker number
150
catalog number
1978.0670.015
various artists.
Description

various artists. side 1: Three O'Clock Jump; side 2: Four O'Clock Jump (Modern 20-642), from the album, Gene Norman Presents Just Jazz.
78 rpm.

This pressing is from a live recording in the Civic Auditorium, Pasadena, California on April 29, 1947 of a Just Jazz concert presented by American impresario, Gene Norman.

Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1947
recording artist
Garner, Errol
Gray, Wardell
McGhee, Howard
Carter, Benny
Dickenson, Vic
Ashby, Irving
Mills, Jackie
Callendar, Red
manufacturer
Modern
ID Number
1978.0670.646
accession number
1978.0670
maker number
20-642
catalog number
1978.0670.646
various artists. side 1: Mordido [part 1]; side 2: Mordido [part 6] (Mercury 11013), from the album, Norman Granz' Jazz at the Philharmonic, Vol. 9. 78 rpm.The cover art for this album was by David Stone Martin (born David Livingstone Martin, 1913-1992).
Description

various artists. side 1: Mordido [part 1]; side 2: Mordido [part 6] (Mercury 11013), from the album, Norman Granz' Jazz at the Philharmonic, Vol. 9.
78 rpm.

The cover art for this album was by David Stone Martin (born David Livingstone Martin, 1913-1992). Martin was an American artist best known for his illustrations on jazz album covers for labels including Mercury, Asch, Clef, Disc, and Dial. Many of his commissions were from Martin’s longtime friend, American jazz record producer and concert promoter Norman Granz (1918-2001).

Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1947
recording artist
Jacquet, Illinois
Phillips, Flip
Harris, Bill
McGhee, Howard
Jones, Jo
Brown, Ray
Jones, Hank
manufacturer
Mercury
ID Number
1978.0670.624
accession number
1978.0670
maker number
11013
MERCURY VOL. 9
catalog number
1978.0670.624
various artists. side 1: Mordido [part 2]; side 2: Mordido [part 5] (Mercury 11014), from the album, Norman Granz' Jazz at the Philharmonic, Vol. 9. 78 rpm.The cover art for this album was by David Stone Martin (born David Livingstone Martin, 1913-1992).
Description

various artists. side 1: Mordido [part 2]; side 2: Mordido [part 5] (Mercury 11014), from the album, Norman Granz' Jazz at the Philharmonic, Vol. 9.
78 rpm.

The cover art for this album was by David Stone Martin (born David Livingstone Martin, 1913-1992). Martin was an American artist best known for his illustrations on jazz album covers for labels including Mercury, Asch, Clef, Disc, and Dial. Many of his commissions were from Martin’s longtime friend, American jazz record producer and concert promoter Norman Granz (1918-2001).

Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1947
recording artist
Jacquet, Illinois
Phillips, Flip
Harris, Bill
McGhee, Howard
Jones, Jo
Brown, Ray
Jones, Hank
manufacturer
Mercury
ID Number
1978.0670.625
accession number
1978.0670
maker number
11014
MERCURY VOL. 9
catalog number
1978.0670.625
various artists. side 1: Perdido [part 1]; side 2: Perdido [part 6] (Mercury 11000), from the album, Norman Granz' Jazz At the Philharmonic, Vol. 8.78 rpm.The cover art for this album was by Merle Shore, American artist, illustrator, and graphic designer.
Description

various artists. side 1: Perdido [part 1]; side 2: Perdido [part 6] (Mercury 11000), from the album, Norman Granz' Jazz At the Philharmonic, Vol. 8.
78 rpm.

The cover art for this album was by Merle Shore, American artist, illustrator, and graphic designer. Shore served as Art Director for Verve, Capitol, and Reprise record companies.

Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1947
recording artist
Jacquet, Illinois
Phillips, Flip
Harris, Bill
McGhee, Howard
Jones, Jo
Brown, Ray
Jones, Hank
manufacturer
Mercury
ID Number
1978.0670.630
accession number
1978.0670
maker number
11000
MERCURY VOL. 8
catalog number
1978.0670.630
various artists. side 1: Perdido [part 2]; side 2: Perdido [part 5] (Mercury 11001). form the album, Norman Granz' Jazz at the Philharmonic, Vol. 8.78 rpm.The cover art for this album was by Merle Shore, American artist, illustrator, and graphic designer.
Description

various artists. side 1: Perdido [part 2]; side 2: Perdido [part 5] (Mercury 11001). form the album, Norman Granz' Jazz at the Philharmonic, Vol. 8.
78 rpm.

The cover art for this album was by Merle Shore, American artist, illustrator, and graphic designer. Shore served as Art Director for Verve, Capitol, and Reprise record companies.

Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1947
recording artist
Jacquet, Illinois
Phillips, Flip
Harris, Bill
McGhee, Howard
Jones, Jo
Brown, Ray
Jones, Hank
manufacturer
Mercury
ID Number
1978.0670.631
accession number
1978.0670
maker number
11001
MERCURY VOL. 8
catalog number
1978.0670.631
various artists. side 1: How High the Moon [part 1]; side 2: How High the Moon [part 2] (Stinson 999-1), from the album, Jazz At the Philharmonic (Stinson S-999).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
various artists. side 1: How High the Moon [part 1]; side 2: How High the Moon [part 2] (Stinson 999-1), from the album, Jazz At the Philharmonic (Stinson S-999).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1944
recording artist
Smith, Willie
Jacquet, Illinois
Ventura, Charlie
Guy, Joe
McGhee, Howard
Finney, Garland
Livingston, Ulysses
Callender, Red
manufacturer
Stinson
ID Number
1978.0670.655
accession number
1978.0670
maker number
999-1
S-999
catalog number
1978.0670.655
various artists. side 1: How High the Moon [part 1]; side 2: How High the Moon [part 2] (Asch 453-1), from the album, Jazz at the Philharmonic, Volume 1 (Asch 453).78 rpm.The cover art for this album was by David Stone Martin (born David Livingstone Martin, 1913-1992).
Description

various artists. side 1: How High the Moon [part 1]; side 2: How High the Moon [part 2] (Asch 453-1), from the album, Jazz at the Philharmonic, Volume 1 (Asch 453).
78 rpm.

The cover art for this album was by David Stone Martin (born David Livingstone Martin, 1913-1992). Martin was an American artist best known for his illustrations on jazz album covers for labels including Mercury, Asch, Clef, Disc, and Dial. Many of his commissions were from Martin’s longtime friend, American jazz record producer and concert promoter Norman Granz (1918-2001).

Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1944
recording artist
Guy, Joe
McGhee, Howard
Jacquet, Illinois
Ventura, Charlie
Smith, Willie
Finney, Garland
Livingston, Ulysses
Callender, Red
Krupa, Gene
manufacturer
Asch
ID Number
1978.0670.753
maker number
453-1
453
accession number
1978.0670
catalog number
1978.0670.753
Errol Garner, Wardell Gray, Howard McGhee, Benny Carter, Vic Dickenson, Irving Ashby, Jackie Mills, and Red Callendar.
Description (Brief)

Errol Garner, Wardell Gray, Howard McGhee, Benny Carter, Vic Dickenson, Irving Ashby, Jackie Mills, and Red Callendar. side 1: One O'Clock Jump; side 2: Two O'Clock Jump (Modern 20-641).
78 rpm

This pressing is from a live recording in the Civic Auditorium, Pasadena, California on April 29, 1947 of a Just Jazz concert presented by American impresario, Gene Norman.

Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1947
recording artist
Garner, Errol
Gray, Wardell
McGhee, Howard
Callendar, Red
Carter, Benny
Dickenson, Vic
Ashby, Irving
Mills, Jackie
manufacturer
Modern
ID Number
1978.0670.330
maker number
20-641
accession number
1978.0670
catalog number
1978.0670.330
Errol Garner, Wardell Gray, Howard McGhee, Benny Carter, Vic Dickenson, Irving Ashby, Jackie Mills, and Red Callendar.
Description (Brief)

Errol Garner, Wardell Gray, Howard McGhee, Benny Carter, Vic Dickenson, Irving Ashby, Jackie Mills, and Red Callendar. side 1: Three O'Clock Jump; side 2: Four O'Clock Jjump (Modern 20-642).
78 rpm

This pressing is from a live recording in the Civic Auditorium, Pasadena, California on April 29, 1947 of a Just Jazz concert presented by American impresario, Gene Norman.

Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1947
recording artist
Garner, Errol
Gray, Wardell
McGhee, Howard
Callendar, Red
Carter, Benny
Dickenson, Vic
Ashby, Irving
Mills, Jackie
manufacturer
Modern
ID Number
1978.0670.329
maker number
20-642
accession number
1978.0670
catalog number
1978.0670.329
Howard McGhee, Wardell Gray, Sonny Criss, Dodo Marmarosa, Red Callendar, and Jackie Mills.
Description (Brief)

Howard McGhee, Wardell Gray, Sonny Criss, Dodo Marmarosa, Red Callendar, and Jackie Mills. side 1: Groovin' High [part 1]; side 2: Groovin' High [part 2] (Modern 20-639).
78 rpm

This pressing is from a live recording in the Civic Auditorium, Pasadena, California on April 29, 1947 of a Just Jazz concert presented by American impresario, Gene Norman.

Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1947
recording artist
McGhee, Howard
Gray, Wardell
Callendar, Red
Mills, Jackie
Criss, Sonny
Marmarosa, Dodo
manufacturer
Modern
ID Number
1978.0670.331
maker number
20-639
accession number
1978.0670
catalog number
1978.0670.331
side 1: Howard McGhee Sextet. Crossword's [Al's Tune]; side 2: Howard McGhee. Mood McGhee (New Jazz NJ 815).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
side 1: Howard McGhee Sextet. Crossword's [Al's Tune]; side 2: Howard McGhee. Mood McGhee (New Jazz NJ 815).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1948
recording artist
Howard McGhee Sextet
McGhee, Howard
manufacturer
New Jazz
ID Number
1978.0670.341
maker number
815
accession number
1978.0670
catalog number
1978.0670.341

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