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
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1964
recording artist
Benton, Brook
manufacturer
Mercury
ID Number
1996.3034.00547
label number
72333
catalog number
1996.3034.00547
nonaccession number
1996.3034
Lu Watters and his Yerba Buena Jazz Band. side 1: Emporer Norton's Hunch; side 2: Skid Da De Dat (Mercury 11050), from the album, Lu Watters Jazz (Mercury C-103).78 rpm.The cover art for this album was by David Stone Martin (born David Livingstone Martin, 1913-1992).
Description

Lu Watters and his Yerba Buena Jazz Band. side 1: Emporer Norton's Hunch; side 2: Skid Da De Dat (Mercury 11050), from the album, Lu Watters Jazz (Mercury C-103).
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
1950
recording artist
Lu Watters' Yerba Buena Jazz Band
manufacturer
Mercury
ID Number
1978.0670.638
accession number
1978.0670
maker number
11050
C-103
catalog number
1978.0670.638
Rex Allen and the Arizona Wranglers. side 1: Honolulu Boogie; side 2: Too-Lee-Rollum (Mercury 6286).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Rex Allen and the Arizona Wranglers. side 1: Honolulu Boogie; side 2: Too-Lee-Rollum (Mercury 6286).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1950
recording artist
Allen, Rex
Arizona Wranglers
manufacturer
Mercury
ID Number
1996.0320.10462
collector/donor number
15741
maker number
6286
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.10462
various artists. side 1: The Man I Love [part 3]; side 2: The Man I Love [part 4] (Mercury 11044), from the album Norman Granz' Jazz At the Philharmonic, Vol. 11.78 rpm.The cover art for this album was by David Stone Martin (born David Livingstone Martin, 1913-1992).
Description

various artists. side 1: The Man I Love [part 3]; side 2: The Man I Love [part 4] (Mercury 11044), from the album Norman Granz' Jazz At the Philharmonic, Vol. 11.
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
1950
recording artist
Young, Lester
Ventura, Charlie
Smith, Willie
Gillespie, Dizzy
Powell, Mel
Hadnott, Billy
Young, Lee
manufacturer
Mercury
ID Number
1978.0670.637
accession number
1978.0670
maker number
11044
MERCURY VOL. 11
catalog number
1978.0670.637
various artists. side 1: Body and Soul; side 2: Rosetta [part 1] (Mercury 11030), from the album Norman Granz' Jazz at the Philharmonic, Vol. 5 (Mercury)78 rpmCurrently not on view
Description (Brief)
various artists. side 1: Body and Soul; side 2: Rosetta [part 1] (Mercury 11030), from the album Norman Granz' Jazz at the Philharmonic, Vol. 5 (Mercury)
78 rpm
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1944
composer
Hines, Earl
Wood, Henri
lyricist
Heyman, Edward
composer
Green, Johnny
lyricist
Eyton, Frank
Sour, Robert
manufacturer
Mercury
ID Number
1996.0153.11927.02
catalog number
1996.0153.11927.02
accession number
1996.0153
label number
11030
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1962
recording artist
Page, Patti
manufacturer
Mercury
ID Number
1996.3034.05799
label number
72078
nonaccession number
1996.3034
catalog number
1996.3034.05799
Oscar Peterson. side 1: Three O'Clock in the Morning; side 2: All the Things You Are (Mercury 8923), from the album, Oscar Peterson (Mercury C106).78 rpm.The cover art for this album was by David Stone Martin (born David Livingstone Martin, 1913-1992).
Description

Oscar Peterson. side 1: Three O'Clock in the Morning; side 2: All the Things You Are (Mercury 8923), from the album, Oscar Peterson (Mercury C106).
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
release date
1950
recording artist
Peterson, Oscar
manufacturer
Mercury
ID Number
1981.0656.470
accession number
1981.0656
maker number
8923
C106
catalog number
1981.0656.470
Lu Watters and his Yerba Buena Jazz Band. side 1: Sage Hen Strut; side 2: When the Saints Go Marching In (Mercury 11051), from the album, Lu Watters Jazz (Mercury C-103).78 rpm.The cover art for this album was by David Stone Martin (born David Livingstone Martin, 1913-1992).
Description

Lu Watters and his Yerba Buena Jazz Band. side 1: Sage Hen Strut; side 2: When the Saints Go Marching In (Mercury 11051), from the album, Lu Watters Jazz (Mercury C-103).
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
1950
recording artist
Lu Watters' Yerba Buena Jazz Band
manufacturer
Mercury
ID Number
1978.0670.639
accession number
1978.0670
maker number
11051
C-103
catalog number
1978.0670.639
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1961
recording artist
Benton, Brook
manufacturer
Mercury
ID Number
1996.3034.00542
label number
71859
nonaccession number
1996.3034
catalog number
1996.3034.00542
Charlie Parker with strings. side 1: April in Paris; side 2: If I Should Lose You (Mercury 11037), from the album, Charlie Parker With Strings (Mercury C-101).78 rpm.The cover art for this album was by David Stone Martin (born David Livingstone Martin, 1913-1992).
Description

Charlie Parker with strings. side 1: April in Paris; side 2: If I Should Lose You (Mercury 11037), from the album, Charlie Parker With Strings (Mercury C-101).
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
1949
recording artist
Parker, Charlie
manufacturer
Mercury
ID Number
1978.0670.628
accession number
1978.0670
maker number
11037
C-101
catalog number
1978.0670.628
Rex Allen and his Arizona Wranglers. side 1: The Empty Christmas Stocking; side 2: Tears on My Old Guitar (Mercury 6136).78 rpm. Side 1 was recorded in 1947.. Side 2 was recorded in 1948.Currently not on view
Description
Rex Allen and his Arizona Wranglers. side 1: The Empty Christmas Stocking; side 2: Tears on My Old Guitar (Mercury 6136).
78 rpm. Side 1 was recorded in 1947.. Side 2 was recorded in 1948.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1947
1948
recording artist
Rex Allen and his Arizona Wranglers
manufacturer
Mercury
ID Number
1996.0320.10455
collector/donor number
8809
maker number
6136
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.10455
Rex Stewart's Big Eight. side 1: The Little Goose; side 2: Zaza (Mercury 1101).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Rex Stewart's Big Eight. side 1: The Little Goose; side 2: Zaza (Mercury 1101).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1944
recording artist
Rex Stewart's Big Eight
manufacturer
Mercury
ID Number
1978.0670.724
maker number
1101
accession number
1978.0670
catalog number
1978.0670.724
various artists. side 1: The Man I Love [part 1]; side 2: The Man I Love [part 6] (Mercury 11042), from the album Norman Granz' Jazz at the Philharmonic, Vol. 11.78 rpm.The cover art for this album was by David Stone Martin (born David Livingstone Martin, 1913-1992).
Description

various artists. side 1: The Man I Love [part 1]; side 2: The Man I Love [part 6] (Mercury 11042), from the album Norman Granz' Jazz at the Philharmonic, Vol. 11.
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
1950
recording artist
Young, Lester
Ventura, Charlie
Smith, Willie
Gillespie, Dizzy
Powell, Mel
Hadnott, Billy
Young, Lee
manufacturer
Mercury
ID Number
1978.0670.635
accession number
1978.0670
maker number
11042
MERCURY VOL. 11
catalog number
1978.0670.635
Charlie Parker with strings. side 1: I Didn't Know What Time It Was; side 2: Summertime (Mercury 11038), from the album, Charlie Parker With Strings (Mercury C-101).78 rpm.The cover art for this album was by David Stone Martin (born David Livingstone Martin, 1913-1992).
Description

Charlie Parker with strings. side 1: I Didn't Know What Time It Was; side 2: Summertime (Mercury 11038), from the album, Charlie Parker With Strings (Mercury C-101).
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
1949
recording artist
Parker, Charlie
manufacturer
Mercury
ID Number
1978.0670.629
accession number
1978.0670
maker number
11038
C-101
catalog number
1978.0670.629
various artists.
Description

various artists. side 1: How High the Moon [part 2]; side 2: How High the Moon [part 3] (Mercury 11010), from the album, Norman Granz' Jazz At the Philharmonic: How High the Moon"

.
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
1946
recording artist
Smith, Willie
Rich, Buddy
Kersey, Kenny
Fonville, Benny
Hawkins, Coleman
Phillips, Flip
Clayton, Buck
Young, Trummy
manufacturer
Mercury
ID Number
1978.0670.634
accession number
1978.0670
maker number
11010
catalog number
1978.0670.634
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1967
recording artist
New Colony Six
manufacturer
Mercury
ID Number
1996.3034.05584
label number
72737
catalog number
1996.3034.05584
nonaccession number
1996.3034
Rex Allen and The Prairie Ramblers. side 1: Atomic Power; side 2: You Started Honky Tonkin' (Mercury 6008).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Rex Allen and The Prairie Ramblers. side 1: Atomic Power; side 2: You Started Honky Tonkin' (Mercury 6008).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1946
recording artist
Allen, Rex
Prairie Ramblers
manufacturer
Mercury
ID Number
1996.0320.10446
collector/donor number
4005
maker number
6008
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.10446
David Bowie. side 1: Space Oddity; side 2: Wild Eyed Boy from Freecloud (Mercury 72949)45 rpmCurrently not on view
Description (Brief)
David Bowie. side 1: Space Oddity; side 2: Wild Eyed Boy from Freecloud (Mercury 72949)
45 rpm
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1969
recording artist; composer
Bowie, David
manufacturer
Mercury
ID Number
2000.3053.2212
label number
72949
catalog number
2000.3053.2212
nonaccession number
2000.3053
Charlie Parker with strings. side 1: Everything Happens To Me; side 2: Just Friends (Mercury 11036), from the album, Charlie Parker With Strings (Mercury C-101).78 rpm.The cover art for this album was by David Stone Martin (born David Livingstone Martin, 1913-1992).
Description

Charlie Parker with strings. side 1: Everything Happens To Me; side 2: Just Friends (Mercury 11036), from the album, Charlie Parker With Strings (Mercury C-101).
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
1949
recording artist
Parker, Charlie
manufacturer
Mercury
ID Number
1978.0670.627
accession number
1978.0670
maker number
11036
C-101
catalog number
1978.0670.627
various artists. side 1: How High the Moon [part 1]; side 2: How High the Moon [part 4] (Mercury 11009), from the album, Norman Granz' Jazz At the Philharmonic: How High the Moon.
Description

various artists. side 1: How High the Moon [part 1]; side 2: How High the Moon [part 4] (Mercury 11009), from the album, Norman Granz' Jazz At the Philharmonic: How High the Moon. 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
1946
recording artist
Smith, Willie
Hawkins, Coleman
Phillips, Flip
Clayton, Buck
Young, Trummy
Rich, Buddy
Kersey, Kenny
Fonville, Benny
manufacturer
Mercury
ID Number
1978.0670.633
maker number
11009
catalog number
1978.0670.633
accession number
1978.0670
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. Norman Granz' Jazz at the Philharmonic, Vol. 5 (Mercury). Album cover for 3 discs (Mercury 11030, 11031, 11032)78 rpmCurrently not on view
Description (Brief)
various artists. Norman Granz' Jazz at the Philharmonic, Vol. 5 (Mercury). Album cover for 3 discs (Mercury 11030, 11031, 11032)
78 rpm
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1944
manufacturer
Mercury
ID Number
1996.0153.11927.01
catalog number
1996.0153.11927.01
accession number
1996.0153
various artists. side 1: The Man I Love [part 2]; side 2: The Man I Love [part 5] (Mercury 11043). from the album Norman Granz' Jazz At the Philharmonic, Vol. 1178 rpmCurrently not on view
Description
various artists. side 1: The Man I Love [part 2]; side 2: The Man I Love [part 5] (Mercury 11043). from the album Norman Granz' Jazz At the Philharmonic, Vol. 11
78 rpm
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1950
recording artist
Young, Lester
Ventura, Charlie
Smith, Willie
Gillespie, Dizzy
Powell, Mel
Hadnott, Billy
Young, Lee
manufacturer
Mercury
ID Number
1978.0670.636
accession number
1978.0670
maker number
11043
MERCURY VOL. 11
catalog number
1978.0670.636

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