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.

Prop violin used by Lindsey Stirling in the music video for her song "Beyond the Veil." The wooden violin was made in Czechoslovakia in the 20th century and it bears a fake Stradavari label; the actual maker is unknown.
Description (Brief)
Prop violin used by Lindsey Stirling in the music video for her song "Beyond the Veil." The wooden violin was made in Czechoslovakia in the 20th century and it bears a fake Stradavari label; the actual maker is unknown. In the video, Stirling is shown waking up on a beach to see a girl running into the sea; the girl is holding this violin. As Stirling pursues the girl through the water, she discovers an underwater fantasy world. That plot line is intercut with footage of Stirling playing a different violin on the beach and in a forest.
Lindsey Stirling is an American musician, dancer, and songwriter known for blending a diverse variety of musical styles including classical, pop, rock, and electronic influences with dance performance. As a contestant on season five of the television series America’s Got Talent in 2010, Stirling gained an enthusiastic following among viewers who enjoyed her unique dance and violin performances, but was voted off by the celebrity judges in the quarter finals. Undaunted by their criticism, Stirling started posting music videos online in 2011, pairing mash-ups of electro-pop styles with lively steps and twirls in settings often drawn from video games or movies. Her posts inspired millions, then billions, of fans worldwide and revealed how audiences and entertainers could forego traditional tastemakers and gatekeepers to build powerful connections directly through digital platforms.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
20th century
associated date
2014
performer
Stirling, Lindsey
ID Number
2015.0303.03
accession number
2015.0303
catalog number
2015.0303.03
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
presentation date
2006
ID Number
2018.0078.11
accession number
2018.0078
catalog number
2018.0078.11
serial number
L07-04
This cuatro was made by Rafael Aviles Vazquez in Puerto Rico in 1999-2000. A type of plucked 10-string instrument (5 courses, double-strung), it is now ubiquitous in most groups playing any kind of Puerto Rican music.
Description
This cuatro was made by Rafael Aviles Vazquez in Puerto Rico in 1999-2000. A type of plucked 10-string instrument (5 courses, double-strung), it is now ubiquitous in most groups playing any kind of Puerto Rican music. It is used in the manner of a first guitar: to play melodies and to “floretear” or accompany singing. The instrument is used today in salsa orchestras and plena music groups and is, of course, the king of Puerto Rican country music.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1999-2000
maker
Avilés Vázquez, Rafael
ID Number
2001.0014.02
accession number
2001.0014
catalog number
2001.0014.02
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
2000
depicted (sitter)
King, B. B.
maker
Gibson Guitar Corp.
ID Number
2019.0144.11
accession number
2019.0144
catalog number
2019.0144.11
serial number
02560332
This saxophone was made by Yamaha Corporation, in Japan. It is a B-flat tenor saxophone YTS-62 Series, serial #003554. Made of brass.
Description (Brief)

This saxophone was made by Yamaha Corporation, in Japan. It is a B-flat tenor saxophone YTS-62 Series, serial #003554. Made of brass. Stenciled on bell:

[Yamaha logo] YAMAHA
JAPAN

and stamped:

YAMAHA
YTS-62
003354

This saxophone was previously owned and used by American tenor saxophonist and bandleder, Charlie Ventura (born Charles Venturo, 1916–1992).

Location
Currently not on view
date made
2001-
2001-2005
user
Ventura, Charlie
maker
Yamaha Corporation
ID Number
2013.0151.01
accession number
2013.0151
catalog number
2013.0151.01
serial number
003354
This cello case is made of molded black plastic, with metal fittings, and red-burgundy plush interior. Accessioned with cello )Cat. 2002.0074.04).Currently not on view
Description
This cello case is made of molded black plastic, with metal fittings, and red-burgundy plush interior. Accessioned with cello )Cat. 2002.0074.04).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
20th century
ID Number
2002.0074.04.01
catalog number
2002.0074.04.01
accession number
2002.0074
Working on assignment, Henry Horenstein photographed EmmyLou Harris (b. 1947) at her home. In the 1970s, Harris represented the generation of musicians who were influenced by traditional country, rock, and folk music.
Description
Working on assignment, Henry Horenstein photographed EmmyLou Harris (b. 1947) at her home. In the 1970s, Harris represented the generation of musicians who were influenced by traditional country, rock, and folk music. Over the years, Harris has had a profound impact on contemporary popular and country music.
Location
Currently not on view
negative
1980
print
2003
maker
Horenstein, Henry
ID Number
2003.0169.034
accession number
2003.0169
catalog number
2003.0169.034
Pearl Butler accepts a song request from a young fan. Pearl (1927-1998) and Carl Butler (1927-1992) were part of the honky-tonk and bluegrass music movements before World War II.
Description
Pearl Butler accepts a song request from a young fan. Pearl (1927-1998) and Carl Butler (1927-1992) were part of the honky-tonk and bluegrass music movements before World War II. After their 1962 hit, "Don't Let Me Cross Over," the Butlers became one of the most popular male-female vocal teams in country music.
Location
Currently not on view
negative
1973
print
2003
maker
Horenstein, Henry
ID Number
2003.0169.076
accession number
2003.0169
catalog number
2003.0169.076
Henry Horenstein photographed Hank Williams Jr., the son of legendary singer Hank Williams, leaving his tour bus. Williams Jr. (b. 1949) spent his early career singing his father's songs in his own style.
Description
Henry Horenstein photographed Hank Williams Jr., the son of legendary singer Hank Williams, leaving his tour bus. Williams Jr. (b. 1949) spent his early career singing his father's songs in his own style. After a 1974 suicide attempt and a mountain climbing accident in 1975, he revamped his own image, modeling it after rowdy southern rockers. Later he was considered part of the Outlaw Country Movement.
Location
Currently not on view
negative
1973
print
2003
maker
Horenstein, Henry
ID Number
2003.0169.074
accession number
2003.0169
catalog number
2003.0169.074
At Tootsie's Orchid Lounge, musicians could hang out, perform and hope for a chance to be discovered.Currently not on view
Description
At Tootsie's Orchid Lounge, musicians could hang out, perform and hope for a chance to be discovered.
Location
Currently not on view
negative
1974
print
2003
maker
Horenstein, Henry
ID Number
2003.0169.111
catalog number
2003.0169.111
accession number
2003.0169
An intergenerational crowd leaves the Ryman Auditorium after a show. The "WSM" stands for "We Shield Millions," the motto for the insurance company that originally funded the Grand Ole Opry.Currently not on view
Description
An intergenerational crowd leaves the Ryman Auditorium after a show. The "WSM" stands for "We Shield Millions," the motto for the insurance company that originally funded the Grand Ole Opry.
Location
Currently not on view
print
2003
maker
Horenstein, Henry
ID Number
2003.0169.060
accession number
2003.0169
catalog number
2003.0169.060
This harmonica was made by Alfredo Hering S. A. in Brazil, undetermined date. It is a Sonhadora Luxo Double model in the keys of C and G, with 24 double holes and 48 reeds.
Description
This harmonica was made by Alfredo Hering S. A. in Brazil, undetermined date. It is a Sonhadora Luxo Double model in the keys of C and G, with 24 double holes and 48 reeds. This harmonica has a red-brown stained wooden comb with metal cover plates with beige and red abstract decoration, attached to the sides with nails. Accessioned with original cardboard box.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
20th Century
maker
Hering S. A., Alfredo
ID Number
1988.0783.047
accession number
1988.0783
catalog number
1988.0783.047
This shekere was made by an unknown maker, provenance unknown, 20th century. It is a shekere made from a dried gourd, with reddish-brown plastic beads woven into a cord net covering the gourd. a rope network of reddish-brown plastic beads.
Description (Brief)

This shekere was made by an unknown maker, provenance unknown, 20th century. It is a shekere made from a dried gourd, with reddish-brown plastic beads woven into a cord net covering the gourd. a rope network of reddish-brown plastic beads. This shekere was used by the all-woman, African-American a cappella group, Sweet Honey in the Rock.

For thirty years, Sweet Honey in The Rock, a Grammy Award-winning ensemble of African-American women, has stirred, consoled, and uplifted audiences internationally with messages of love, struggle, and liberation through music deeply rooted in the African American experience. Sweet Honey in The Rock was established in 1973 by Bernice Johnson Reagon. Since then, twenty-two women have participated as members in its powerful communion of lyrics, movement, and social commentary. Members of the group at the time of donation include Ysaye Maria Barnwell, Nitanu Bolade Casel, Aisha Kahlil, Carol Lynn Malliard, Bernice Johnson Reagon, and American Sign Language interpreter Shirley Childress Saxon.

Location
Currently not on view
date made
20th century
user
Sweet Honey In The Rock
ID Number
2003.0290.10
accession number
2003.0290
catalog number
2003.0290.10
Norman Blake (b. 1938) ranks as one of the major bluegrass guitarists of the 1970s. Proficient with a variety of instruments, he played as a sideman to June Carter, Bob Dylan, and other artists.
Description
Norman Blake (b. 1938) ranks as one of the major bluegrass guitarists of the 1970s. Proficient with a variety of instruments, he played as a sideman to June Carter, Bob Dylan, and other artists. He played with Joan Baez in the recording of her hit, "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down."
Location
Currently not on view
negative
1974
print
2003
Associated Name
Blake, Norman
maker
Horenstein, Henry
ID Number
2003.0169.100
accession number
2003.0169
catalog number
2003.0169.100
Concession stands provided refreshments for park vistors.Currently not on view
Description
Concession stands provided refreshments for park vistors.
Location
Currently not on view
negative
1972
print
2003
maker
Horenstein, Henry
ID Number
2003.0169.088
accession number
2003.0169
catalog number
2003.0169.088
This Patron badge is from the San Diego Swinging Jazz Festival in San Diego, in 1999. It is made of white paper with red and black ink, encapsulated in plastic.
Description

This Patron badge is from the San Diego Swinging Jazz Festival in San Diego, in 1999. It is made of white paper with red and black ink, encapsulated in plastic. The badge is printed:

San
Diego
Swinging
Jazz
Patron
2000

The non-profit organization, America’s Finest City Dixieland Jazz Society (AFCDJS) in San Diego, California, held its first Great American Dixieland Jazz Festival, in 1979. The festival now known as The San Diego Jazz Fest & Swing Extravaganza is held every Thanksgiving weekend. The organization supports the San Diego traditional jazz community with monthly concerts, education programs, publication of a newsletter, an adult traditional Jazz camp, and a lending library of small band music.

Floyd Levin (1922-2007) was a Los Angeles textile manufacturer who turned his passion for jazz into a second career as an influential jazz journalist and historian. His numerous reviews, profiles, and articles were published in magazines such as Down Beat, Jazz Journal International, Metronome, and American Rag. He also authored Classic Jazz: A Personal View of the Music and the Musicians. Items in this collection (2011.3086) were acquired from Levin’s attendance at Jazz Festivals, conferences, and other music events.

Location
Currently not on view
date made
2000
user
Levin, Floyd
ID Number
2011.3086.114
nonaccession number
2011.3086
catalog number
2011.3086.114
A man listens to music at the Hillbilly Ranch bar.Currently not on view
Description
A man listens to music at the Hillbilly Ranch bar.
Location
Currently not on view
print
2003
maker
Horenstein, Henry
ID Number
2003.0169.067
accession number
2003.0169
catalog number
2003.0169.067
Fans gather around the stage to hear the husband and wife team of Carl and Pearl Butler at the Lone Star Ranch Music Park.Currently not on view
Description
Fans gather around the stage to hear the husband and wife team of Carl and Pearl Butler at the Lone Star Ranch Music Park.
Location
Currently not on view
negative
1973
print
2003
maker
Horenstein, Henry
ID Number
2003.0169.077
accession number
2003.0169
catalog number
2003.0169.077
Carl and Pearl Butler pose for photographs with fans.Currently not on view
Description
Carl and Pearl Butler pose for photographs with fans.
Location
Currently not on view
negative
1973
print
2003
Associated Name
Butler, Pearl
Butler, Carl
maker
Horenstein, Henry
ID Number
2003.0169.090
accession number
2003.0169
catalog number
2003.0169.090
Tootsie's Orchid Lounge offered a place where hopeful musicians could put their demo 45s in the jukebox.Currently not on view
Description
Tootsie's Orchid Lounge offered a place where hopeful musicians could put their demo 45s in the jukebox.
Location
Currently not on view
negative
1972
print
2003
maker
Horenstein, Henry
Horenstein, Henry
ID Number
2003.0169.109
catalog number
2003.0169.109
accession number
2003.0169
This state-of-the-art grand piano was made by the Yamaha Corporation in Tokyo, Japan in 2000. The company had planned to make just three of the pianos to mark its 100th year of manufacturing.
Description
This state-of-the-art grand piano was made by the Yamaha Corporation in Tokyo, Japan in 2000. The company had planned to make just three of the pianos to mark its 100th year of manufacturing. This Pro 2000 model features computer-based control of keys, DVD player, voice control, and the ability to play music from a CD or an external video. The piano is serial number 5872002 and has a compass of AAA-c5, Yamaha repetition action, felt hammers, wound and plain steel string, single-, double-, and triple-strung, 3 pedals: una corda, sostenuto, and dampers, a one-piece cast-iron aluminized frame, cross-strung, and a cheery and brushed aluminum case with a two-section Plexiglas lid.
Location
Currently not on view (control box; monitor; pedal box; pedal rods)
Date made
2000
maker
Yamaha Corporation
ID Number
2000.0273.01
accession number
2000.0273
serial number
5872002
catalog number
2000.0273.01
This bow was made by an unknown maker in France, early 20th century. It is a violin bow made of an octagonal Pernambuco stick, with an ebony frog with an inset shield, and a silver and ebony button.Currently not on view
Description
This bow was made by an unknown maker in France, early 20th century. It is a violin bow made of an octagonal Pernambuco stick, with an ebony frog with an inset shield, and a silver and ebony button.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
ID Number
MI.73.43
catalog number
73.43
accession number
306526
Rebecca "Dolly" Parton (b. 1946) was the subject of Henry Horenstein's first published photograph. It appeared in Boston After Dark (now the Boston Phoenix). He had an hour to meet and photograph Parton, a lengthy sitting photographers today rarely have.
Description
Rebecca "Dolly" Parton (b. 1946) was the subject of Henry Horenstein's first published photograph. It appeared in Boston After Dark (now the Boston Phoenix). He had an hour to meet and photograph Parton, a lengthy sitting photographers today rarely have. When Horenstein photographed Parton, she already had twenty albums to her name. But the crossover hit, "Here You Come Again," made her a superstar in 1977.
Location
Currently not on view
negative
1972
print
2003
Associated Name
Parton, Dolly
maker
Horenstein, Henry
ID Number
2003.0169.103
accession number
2003.0169
catalog number
2003.0169.103
Jean Shepard (b.1933) joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1956. Beginning with her first solo top ten single, "A Satisfied Mind" in 1955, Shepard's pure country voice led to hit after hit.Currently not on view
Description
Jean Shepard (b.1933) joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1956. Beginning with her first solo top ten single, "A Satisfied Mind" in 1955, Shepard's pure country voice led to hit after hit.
Location
Currently not on view
print
2003
maker
Horenstein, Henry
ID Number
2003.0169.051
accession number
2003.0169
catalog number
2003.0169.051

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