Music & Musical Instruments

Jesse Fuller's Silvertone Guitar

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.

Date: 1920s

King Porter Stomp; The Pearls

Jelly Roll Morton. side 1: King Porter Stomp; side 2: The Pearls (Brunswick 80067), from the album, A King of the Piano, Volume One (Brunswick B-1018).78 rpm. Both tracks were originally recorded in 1926 and released on Vocalian 1020.
Description
Jelly Roll Morton. side 1: King Porter Stomp; side 2: The Pearls (Brunswick 80067), from the album, A King of the Piano, Volume One (Brunswick B-1018).
78 rpm. Both tracks were originally recorded in 1926 and released on Vocalian 1020. This pressing was released in 1945.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1926
release date
1945
recording artist
Morton, Jelly Roll
manufacturer
Brunswick
ID Number
1979.1023.091
maker number
80067
B-1018
accession number
1979.1023
catalog number
1979.1023.091

Frankie and Johnny; The Brakeman's Blues

Jimmie Rodgers. side 1: Frankie and Johnny; side 2: The Brakeman's Blues (RCA Victor 21-0044), from the album, Yodeling Yours (RCA Victor P 244), 78 rpm. Side 1 was recorded in 1929. Side 2 was recorded in 1928. The album was released in 1949.Currently not on view
Description
Jimmie Rodgers. side 1: Frankie and Johnny; side 2: The Brakeman's Blues (RCA Victor 21-0044), from the album, Yodeling Yours (RCA Victor P 244),
78 rpm. Side 1 was recorded in 1929. Side 2 was recorded in 1928. The album was released in 1949.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1929
1928
release date
1949
recording artist
Rodgers, Jimmie
manufacturer
RCA Victor
ID Number
1996.0320.05257
maker number
21-0044
P 244
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05257

Vega Violin

This violin was made by the Vega Company in Boston, Massachusetts in 1924. The Vega Company was established in Boston in 1899. It is commonly known as an important manufacturer of banjos, but separate departments of the firm also marketed bowed-string and band instruments.
Description
This violin was made by the Vega Company in Boston, Massachusetts in 1924. The Vega Company was established in Boston in 1899. It is commonly known as an important manufacturer of banjos, but separate departments of the firm also marketed bowed-string and band instruments. The Vega Company was sold to the C. F. Martin guitar company in Nazareth, Pennsylvania in 1970. This violin is made of a two-piece table of spruce, two-piece back of quarter cut maple with medium, irregular, descending figure, ribs of similar maple, bird’s-eye maple neck, pegbox and scroll, and reddish-orange varnish.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1924
maker
Vega Co.
ID Number
1984.0185.01
catalog number
1984.0185.01
accession number
1984.0185

"Boze Cos Polske"

This music chart was made for the Bosstone Grand Autoharp by the Bosstone Co. in East Boston, Massachusetts, around 1924-1926. This music chart is for the tune No.144, "Boze Cos Polske." It is made of paper with printed playing instructions.
Description
This music chart was made for the Bosstone Grand Autoharp by the Bosstone Co. in East Boston, Massachusetts, around 1924-1926. This music chart is for the tune No.144, "Boze Cos Polske." It is made of paper with printed playing instructions. The chart is placed under the strings and used as a template for playing the instrument. Accessioned with Bosstone Autoharp (Cat. #MI.66.196).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1924-1926
ID Number
MI.66.196.144
catalog number
66.196.144
accession number
271968
maker number
No. 144

Il Travatore

This player piano roll was made by QRS in Chicago, Illinois, 1920s. It is roll # WF8536– music from Il Travatore (roll 2), by Giuseppe Verdi.Currently not on view
Description
This player piano roll was made by QRS in Chicago, Illinois, 1920s. It is roll # WF8536– music from Il Travatore (roll 2), by Giuseppe Verdi.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1920s
manufacturer
QRS Records
ID Number
MI.71.12.10
accession number
292526
catalog number
71.12.10
maker number
WF8536

Gourd Guitar

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1900-1925
ID Number
MI.312902
accession number
64657
catalog number
312902

Valencia (A Song of Spain)

This sheet music is for the song “Valencia (A Song of Spain),” with lyrics by Lucien Boyer, Jacques Charles and Clifford Grey and music by José Padilla. It was published by Harms, Inc. in New York, New York in 1925.
Description

This sheet music is for the song “Valencia (A Song of Spain),” with lyrics by Lucien Boyer, Jacques Charles and Clifford Grey and music by José Padilla. It was published by Harms, Inc. in New York, New York in 1925. The cover features an image of French actress and singer Mistinguett (born Jeanne Florentine Bourgeois, 1873-1956).

”Valencia (A Song of Spain)” was featured in the American musical, The Great Temptations, with music by Maurice Rubens, book by Harold Atteridge, and lyrics by Clifford Grey. The Great Temptations opened at the Winter Garden Theatre on May 18, 1926 and closed on November 6, 1926.

Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1925
publisher
Harms, Inc.
ID Number
1985.0624.05
accession number
1985.0624
catalog number
1985.0624.05

"Coming Through the Rye"

This music chart was made for the Bosstone Grand Autoharp by the Bosstone Co. in East Boston, Massachusetts, around 1924-1926. This music chart is for the tune No.19, “Coming Through the Rye.” It is made of paper with printed playing instructions.
Description
This music chart was made for the Bosstone Grand Autoharp by the Bosstone Co. in East Boston, Massachusetts, around 1924-1926. This music chart is for the tune No.19, “Coming Through the Rye.” It is made of paper with printed playing instructions. The chart is placed under the strings and used as a template for playing the instrument. Accessioned with Bosstone Autoharp (Cat. #MI.66.196).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1924-1926
ID Number
MI.66.196.020
maker number
No. 19
catalog number
66.196.020
accession number
271968

"Bring Back My Bonnie To Me"

This music chart was made for the Bosstone Grand Autoharp by the Bosstone Co. in East Boston, Massachusetts, around 1924-1926. This music chart is for the tune No.76, “Bring Back My Bonnie To Me.” It is made of paper with printed playing instructions.
Description
This music chart was made for the Bosstone Grand Autoharp by the Bosstone Co. in East Boston, Massachusetts, around 1924-1926. This music chart is for the tune No.76, “Bring Back My Bonnie To Me.” It is made of paper with printed playing instructions. The chart is placed under the strings and used as a template for playing the instrument. Accessioned with Bosstone Autoharp (Cat. #MI.66.196).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1924-1926
ID Number
MI.66.196.076
catalog number
66.196.076
accession number
271968

"Cheyenne (Shy Ann)"

This music chart was made for the Bosstone Grand Autoharp by the Bosstone Co. in East Boston, Massachusetts, around 1924-1926. This music chart is for the tune No.142, "Cheyenne (Shy Ann)." It is made of paper with printed playing instructions.
Description
This music chart was made for the Bosstone Grand Autoharp by the Bosstone Co. in East Boston, Massachusetts, around 1924-1926. This music chart is for the tune No.142, "Cheyenne (Shy Ann)." It is made of paper with printed playing instructions. The chart is placed under the strings and used as a template for playing the instrument. Accessioned with Bosstone Autoharp (Cat. #MI.66.196).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1924-1926
ID Number
MI.66.196.142
catalog number
66.196.142
accession number
271968

"The Spanish Cavalier"

This music chart was made for the Bosstone Grand Autoharp by the Bosstone Co. in East Boston, Massachusetts, around 1924-1926. This music chart is for the tune No.141, "The Spanish Cavalier." It is made of paper with printed playing instructions.
Description
This music chart was made for the Bosstone Grand Autoharp by the Bosstone Co. in East Boston, Massachusetts, around 1924-1926. This music chart is for the tune No.141, "The Spanish Cavalier." It is made of paper with printed playing instructions. The chart is placed under the strings and used as a template for playing the instrument. Accessioned with Bosstone Autoharp (Cat. #MI.66.196).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1924-1926
ID Number
MI.66.196.141
catalog number
66.196.141
accession number
271968

"Toot, Toot, Tootsie (Goo'bye)"

This sheet music is for the song “Toot, Toot, Tootsie (Goo’ Bye),” with words and music by Gus Kahn, Ernie Erdman and Dan Russo. It was published by Leo Feist, Inc. in New York, New York in 1922.
Description
This sheet music is for the song “Toot, Toot, Tootsie (Goo’ Bye),” with words and music by Gus Kahn, Ernie Erdman and Dan Russo. It was published by Leo Feist, Inc. in New York, New York in 1922. This song was featured in the Broadway musical Bombo, with book and lyrics by Harold R. Atteridge and music by Sigmund Romberg, which opened on October 6, 1921 at the Jolson Theatre and starred Al Jolson and Janet Adair. There is an image of American singer, comedian, and actor Al Jolson (1886-1950) on the cover.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1922
depicted (sitter)
Jolson, Al
publisher
Leo Feist, Inc.
ID Number
1983.0691.19
accession number
1983.0691
catalog number
1983.0691.19

"Nancy Lee"

This music chart was made for the Bosstone Grand Autoharp by the Bosstone Co. in East Boston, Massachusetts, around 1924-1926. This music chart is for the tune No.58, “Nancy Lee.” It is made of paper with printed playing instructions.
Description
This music chart was made for the Bosstone Grand Autoharp by the Bosstone Co. in East Boston, Massachusetts, around 1924-1926. This music chart is for the tune No.58, “Nancy Lee.” It is made of paper with printed playing instructions. The chart is placed under the strings and used as a template for playing the instrument. Accessioned with Bosstone Autoharp (Cat. #MI.66.196).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1924-1926
ID Number
MI.66.196.059
catalog number
66.196.059
accession number
271968
maker number
No. 58

"To Know You Is To Love You"

This sheet music is for the song, “To Know You Is To Love You,” with words by B. G. De Sylva and Lew Brown, and music by Ray Henderson. It was published by De Sylva, Brown and Henderson, Inc.
Description

This sheet music is for the song, “To Know You Is To Love You,” with words by B. G. De Sylva and Lew Brown, and music by Ray Henderson. It was published by De Sylva, Brown and Henderson, Inc. in New York, New York in 1928.

"To Know You Is To Love You" was featured in the musical, Hold Everything, with music by Ray Henderson, Book by Jack McGowan, and lyrics by Lew Brown and B. C. DeSylva. Hold Everything opened on Broadway at the Broadhurst Theatre on October 10, 1928, and closed on October 5, 1929, for a run of 409 performances.

The cover art for this sheet music was made by American artist Helen Van Doorn Morgan (1899-1963). Morgan created sheet music covers mostly from 1920-1930.

Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1928
publisher
DeSylva, Brown and Henderson, Inc.
ID Number
1987.0914.13
accession number
1987.0914
catalog number
1987.0914.13

"That Wonderful Something (Is Love)"

This sheet music is for the song “That Wonderful Something (Is Love),” with lyrics by Joe Goodwin and music by Louis Alter. It was published by Robbins Music Corp.
Description

This sheet music is for the song “That Wonderful Something (Is Love),” with lyrics by Joe Goodwin and music by Louis Alter. It was published by Robbins Music Corp. in New York, New York in 1929.

"That Wonderful Something (Is Love)" was featured in the 1929 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer pre-code romantic comedy drama film, Untamed, directed by Jack Conway and starred Joan Crawford, Robert Montgomery, Ernest Torrence, and Holmes Herbert. The cover features an image of Joan Crawford, who performed this song with Montgomery in the film.

Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1929
publisher
Robbins Music Corporation
ID Number
1985.0624.08
accession number
1985.0624
catalog number
1985.0624.08

"Russian Lullaby"

This sheet music is for the song "Russian Lullaby" by Irving Berlin. It was published by Irving Berlin, Inc. in New York, New York, in 1927. The cover is yellow with an illustration on the right hand side of a fountain with a statue of Cupid.Currently not on view
Description
This sheet music is for the song "Russian Lullaby" by Irving Berlin. It was published by Irving Berlin, Inc. in New York, New York, in 1927. The cover is yellow with an illustration on the right hand side of a fountain with a statue of Cupid.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1927
publisher
Irving Berlin, Inc.
ID Number
2004.0263.01
accession number
2004.0263
catalog number
2004.0263.01

"Song of Love"

This sheet music is for the song “Song of Love,” with music adapted from melodies of Franz Schubert and Heinrich Berte by Sigmund Romberg and lyrics by Dorothy Donnelly. It was published by Leo Feist, Inc. in New York, New York in 1921.
Description
This sheet music is for the song “Song of Love,” with music adapted from melodies of Franz Schubert and Heinrich Berte by Sigmund Romberg and lyrics by Dorothy Donnelly. It was published by Leo Feist, Inc. in New York, New York in 1921. This song was featured in the Broadway musical Blossom Time, based on the Viennese operetta Das Dreimäderlhaus (House of the Three Girls). Blossom Time opened at the Ambassador Theatre on September 29, 1921.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1921
publisher
Leo Feist, Inc.
ID Number
1983.0692.15
accession number
1983.0693
catalog number
1983.0693.15

Song of the Vagabonds

This sheet music is for the song “Song of the Vagabonds,” with lyrics by W.H. Post and Brian Hooker and music by Rudolf Friml. It was published by Henry Waterson, Inc. in New York, New York in 1925.
Description

This sheet music is for the song “Song of the Vagabonds,” with lyrics by W.H. Post and Brian Hooker and music by Rudolf Friml. It was published by Henry Waterson, Inc. in New York, New York in 1925. The cover features an image of British actor and singer Dennis King (1897-1971) in the role of François Villon.

”Song of the Vagabonds” was featured in the operetta, The Vagabond King, with music by Rudolf Friml and book and lyrics by Brian Hooker and William H. Post. The Vagabond King opened at the Casino Theatre on September 21, 1925 and closed at the Century Theatre on December 4, 1926, for a total of 511 performances.

Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1925
publisher
Henry Waterson Inc.
ID Number
1985.0624.06
accession number
1985.0624
catalog number
1985.0624.06

Hohner Chromonica Chromatic Harmonica

This harmonica was made by M. Hohner in Germany, around 1913-1924. It is a Chromonica (Chromatic) model in the key of C, with 10 single holes and 40 reeds.
Description

This harmonica was made by M. Hohner in Germany, around 1913-1924. It is a Chromonica (Chromatic) model in the key of C, with 10 single holes and 40 reeds. This harmonica has a metal and wooden comb with metal cover plates attached to the top and bottom with screws and nuts, and a metal slide. Accessioned with original cardboard box. The harmonica is engraved:

THE “CHROMONICA”
(CHROMATIC HARMONICA)
MADE BY M. HOHNER GERMANY

Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1913-1924
maker
Hohner, M.
ID Number
1988.0783.391
accession number
1988.0783
catalog number
1988.0783.391

Youbert B-Flat Cornet

This cornet was made by Henri Youbert for the L. Grunewald Co., Ltd. In New Orleans, Louisiana around 1900 to 1915. It is a B-flat cornet made of nickel plated brass with 3 piston valves. This cornet is engraved:Hri Youbertespecially made forL.
Description

This cornet was made by Henri Youbert for the L. Grunewald Co., Ltd. In New Orleans, Louisiana around 1900 to 1915. It is a B-flat cornet made of nickel plated brass with 3 piston valves. This cornet is engraved:

Hri Youbert

especially made for
L. Grunewald Co.
Limited
New Orleans, La.

Louis Grunewald (1827-1915) immigrated to the United States from Germany in 1852. Grunewald became a prominent businessman in New Orleans as the owner of the Grunewald Hotel (later becoming The Roosevelt New Orleans), a music publishing house and music instrument seller, the L. Grunewald Co., Ltd., and his own theater, Grunewald Hall.

Location
Currently not on view
date made
1900-1925
maker
Youbert, Henri
ID Number
MI.70.29
accession number
290484
catalog number
70.29

57 Varieties; I Ain't Got Nobody

Earl Hines. side 1: 57 Varieties; side 2: I Ain't Got Nobody (Columbia 35875), from the album, Hot Jazz Classics - Earl Hines (Columbia C-41).78 rpm. Both tracks were originally recorded in 1928 and released on Okeh 8653.
Description

Earl Hines. side 1: 57 Varieties; side 2: I Ain't Got Nobody (Columbia 35875), from the album, Hot Jazz Classics - Earl Hines (Columbia C-41).
78 rpm. Both tracks were originally recorded in 1928 and released on Okeh 8653. This album was released in 1944.

The cover art for this album was made by Alex Steinweiss. Alexander “Alex” Steinweiss (1917-2011) was an American artist and graphic designer. He was the first art director of Columbia Records, expanding the use of album covers and cover art. Steinweiss created album cover art from 1938 to 1973.

Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1928
release date
1944
recording artist
Hines, Earl
manufacturer
Columbia
ID Number
1978.0670.495
maker number
35875
C-41
accession number
1978.0670
catalog number
1978.0670.495

"Jim Along Josie"

This music chart was made for the Bosstone Grand Autoharp by the Bosstone Co. in East Boston, Massachusetts, around 1924-1926. This music chart is for the tune No.124, “'Jim Along Josie.” It is made of paper with printed playing instructions.
Description
This music chart was made for the Bosstone Grand Autoharp by the Bosstone Co. in East Boston, Massachusetts, around 1924-1926. This music chart is for the tune No.124, “'Jim Along Josie.” It is made of paper with printed playing instructions. The chart is placed under the strings and used as a template for playing the instrument. Accessioned with Bosstone Autoharp (Cat. #MI.66.196).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1924-1926
ID Number
MI.66.196.124
catalog number
66.196.124
accession number
271968

Friction Harp Case

This case was made by an unknown maker in the United States, in the 1920s. It is a custom-made case for a Friction Harp (Cat. #2008.0098.01).Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This case was made by an unknown maker in the United States, in the 1920s. It is a custom-made case for a Friction Harp (Cat. #2008.0098.01).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1920s
ID Number
2008.0098.01.01
catalog number
2008.0098.01.01
accession number
2008.0098

"Three O'Clock in the Morning"

This music chart was made for the Bosstone Grand Autoharp by the Bosstone Co. in East Boston, Massachusetts, around 1924-1926. This music chart is for the tune No.90, “Three O'Clock in the Morning.” It is made of paper with printed playing instructions.
Description
This music chart was made for the Bosstone Grand Autoharp by the Bosstone Co. in East Boston, Massachusetts, around 1924-1926. This music chart is for the tune No.90, “Three O'Clock in the Morning.” It is made of paper with printed playing instructions. The chart is placed under the strings and used as a template for playing the instrument. Accessioned with Bosstone Autoharp (Cat. #MI.66.196).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1924-1926
ID Number
MI.66.196.090
catalog number
66.196.090
accession number
271968

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