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.

Resource Type: Sheet music

“Lady Bountiful”

This sheet music is for the song “Lady Bountiful.” The song’s lyrics were written by Robert Hobart Davis and the music was composed by Louis F. Gottschalk. This sheet music appeared as a supplement to the “New York American and Journal” on Sunday, April 13, 1902.
Description (Brief)
This sheet music is for the song “Lady Bountiful.” The song’s lyrics were written by Robert Hobart Davis and the music was composed by Louis F. Gottschalk. This sheet music appeared as a supplement to the “New York American and Journal” on Sunday, April 13, 1902. The cover was drawn by Gene Carr, creator of the “Lady Bountiful” comic strip, and shows the character of Lady Bountiful walking down the street in front of a collection of raggedy children. There cover also features an inset photograph of Mamie Gilroy, an actress who portrayed Lady Bountiful in a musical comedy of the same name.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1902
publisher
Robbins Music Corporation
ID Number
1983.0424.054
accession number
1983.0424
catalog number
1983.0424.054

"I'm Tellin' the Birds - Tellin' the Bees (How I Love You)"

This sheet music is for the song, “I’m Tellin’ the Birds – Tellin’the Bees (How I Love You),” by Cliff Friend and Lew Brown. It was published by Irving Berlin, Inc. in New York, New York in 1926.
Description

This sheet music is for the song, “I’m Tellin’ the Birds – Tellin’the Bees (How I Love You),” by Cliff Friend and Lew Brown. It was published by Irving Berlin, Inc. in New York, New York in 1926. There is an inset image of pianist Franz Rath on the cover.

The cover art for this sheet music was made by American artist and illustrator Sydney Lefkowitz (Leff) (1901-2005). Leff began his career as a commercial artist while he was still in high school. He would produce sheet music covers through the 1940s and subsequently moved on to generating advertising for Madison Avenue clients.

Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1926
publisher
Irving Berlin, Inc.
ID Number
1987.0914.08
accession number
1987.0914
catalog number
1987.0914.08

“Hold Me”

This sheet music is for the song “Hold Me” that was written and composed by Art Hickman and Ben Black. The song was featured in the 1920 revue of “Ziegfeld Follies” that was produced by Edward Royce at the New Amsterdam Theatre in New York City.
Description (Brief)
This sheet music is for the song “Hold Me” that was written and composed by Art Hickman and Ben Black. The song was featured in the 1920 revue of “Ziegfeld Follies” that was produced by Edward Royce at the New Amsterdam Theatre in New York City. This sheet music was published by Jerome H. Remick & Co. in 1920. The cover features head shot photographs of “Ziegfeld Girls,” who were chorus members in the yearly revue show “Ziegfeld Follies” that was created by Florenz Ziegfeld, Jr.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1920
publisher
Jerome H. Remick & Co.
ID Number
1983.0424.042
accession number
1983.0424
catalog number
1983.0424.042

"Remember Me"

This sheet music is for the composition, “Remember Me,” by Minna Brinkmann. It was published by Belwin, Inc. in New York, New York in 1929. This sheet music is No. 61 from the Belwin series Edition Beautiful, published from 1920s-1930s.
Description

This sheet music is for the composition, “Remember Me,” by Minna Brinkmann. It was published by Belwin, Inc. in New York, New York in 1929. This sheet music is No. 61 from the Belwin series Edition Beautiful, published from 1920s-1930s.

Belwin was formed in 1918 by music publishing employee Max Winkler (1888-1965), film-maker Max Winkler (1875-1961), and publisher of original composition and arrangements for silent cinema S.M. Berg. The name Belwin was created by combining the surnames of Berg and Winkler.

Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1929
composer
Brinkmann, M.
publisher
Belwin Inc.
ID Number
1984.0568.39
accession number
1984.0568
catalog number
1984.0568.39

"The Way You Look Tonight"

This sheet music is for the song “The Way You Look Tonight,” with music by Jerome Kern and lyrics by Dorothy Fields. It was published by Chappell and Co., Inc.
Description

This sheet music is for the song “The Way You Look Tonight,” with music by Jerome Kern and lyrics by Dorothy Fields. It was published by Chappell and Co., Inc. in New York, New York in 1936.

"The Wat You Look Tonight" was featured in the 1936 RKO Radio Pictures musical comedy film Swing Time, directed by George Stevens and starred Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. The cover features a still from the film of stars Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.

Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1936
publisher
Chappell & Co. Inc.
ID Number
1985.0392.19
accession number
1985.0392
catalog number
1985.0392.19

"Still in Saigon"

This sheet music is for the song “Still in Saigon,” with words and music by Dan Daley. It was published by Dreens Music and Dan Daley Music in New York, New York in 1981.
Description
This sheet music is for the song “Still in Saigon,” with words and music by Dan Daley. It was published by Dreens Music and Dan Daley Music in New York, New York in 1981. The cover features an image of The Charlie Daniels Band, who recorded this song for their Epic Record album Windows released in 1982.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1981
depicted (sitter)
Charlie Daniels Band
publisher
Dreena Music
Dan Daley Music
ID Number
1985.0808.11
accession number
1985.0808
catalog number
1985.0808.11

Game of Love

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1904
composer
Levi, Maurice
depicted (sitter)
Friganza, Trixie
maker
Chas. K. Harris
ID Number
2018.3010.143
catalog number
2018.3010.143
nonaccession number
2018.3010

“He Found Her in the City”

This sheet music for the song “He Found Her in the City” was written and composed by Gussie L. Davis and published by Howley, Haviland and Co. of New York, New York in 1902. The sheet music appeared as a supplement to the “New York Herald” on December 28, 1902.
Description
This sheet music for the song “He Found Her in the City” was written and composed by Gussie L. Davis and published by Howley, Haviland and Co. of New York, New York in 1902. The sheet music appeared as a supplement to the “New York Herald” on December 28, 1902. The cover has an illustration of a city skyline shown from the perspective of someone looking at it across an icy river, next to a bridge.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1902
composer; lyricist
Davis, Gussie L.
publisher
Howley, Haviland, and Company
ID Number
1982.0440.47
accession number
1982.0440
catalog number
1982.0440.47

"Saint Louis Blues"

This sheet music is for the song “Saint Louis Blues,” with words and music by W. C. Handy. It was published by Handy Brothers Music Co., Inc. in New York, New York in 1914.Currently not on view
Description
This sheet music is for the song “Saint Louis Blues,” with words and music by W. C. Handy. It was published by Handy Brothers Music Co., Inc. in New York, New York in 1914.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1914
publisher
Handy Brothers Music Co. Inc.
ID Number
1984.0023.13
accession number
1984.0023
catalog number
1984.0023.13

"Mister Five by Five"

This sheet music is for the song “Mister Five by Five,” by Don Raye and Gene De Paul.
Description

This sheet music is for the song “Mister Five by Five,” by Don Raye and Gene De Paul. It was published by Leeds Music Corporation in New York, New York in 1942.

"Mister Five by Five" was featured in the 1942 Universal Pictures comedy film Behind the Eight Ball, directed by Edward F. Cline and starred Al Ritz, Jimmy Ritz, Harry Ritz, Carol Bruce, Dick Foran, Grace McDonald, Johnny Downs, and William Demarest.

Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1942
publisher
Leeds Music Corp.
ID Number
1985.0392.09
accession number
1985.0392
catalog number
1985.0392.09

“Rosenbaum”

This sheet music for the song "Rosenbaum" was written and composed by Fred Fischer and published by the Fred Fischer Music Publishing Company of New York, New York in 1908. The cover features an illustration of a soldier doll done by Gene Buck.
Description
This sheet music for the song "Rosenbaum" was written and composed by Fred Fischer and published by the Fred Fischer Music Publishing Company of New York, New York in 1908. The cover features an illustration of a soldier doll done by Gene Buck. The cover also has a photograph of Ben Welch on the lower right, a vaudevillian actor who would have performed this song.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1908
composer; lyricist
Fischer, Fred
publisher
Fred Fischer Music Pub. Co.
ID Number
1982.0439.32
accession number
1982.0439
catalog number
1982.0439.32

“Back to the Old, Old Home”

This sheet music for the song, "Back to the Old, Old Home" was written by Arthur Lamb and composed by Harry Carson. The music was published by the Thompson Music Company of Chicago, Illinois in 1893.
Description
This sheet music for the song, "Back to the Old, Old Home" was written by Arthur Lamb and composed by Harry Carson. The music was published by the Thompson Music Company of Chicago, Illinois in 1893. The simple cover is white with black bubble lettering, and advertises the song as a “ballad with waltz refrain.”
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1893
composer
Carson, Harry F.
lyricist
Lamb, Arthur J.
publisher
Thompson Music Company
ID Number
1982.0439.08
catalog number
1982.0439.008
accession number
1982.0439

Ballin' the Jack

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1913
lyricist
Burris, Jim
composer
Smith, Chris
depicted (sitter)
Brian, Donald
ID Number
2017.3021.242
nonaccession number
2017.3021
catalog number
2017.3021.242

"Many Happy Returns of the Day"

This sheet music is for the song “Many Happy Returns of the Day,” with lyrics by Al Dubin and music by Joe Burke. It was published by M. Witmark & Sons in New York, New York in 1931.
Description
This sheet music is for the song “Many Happy Returns of the Day,” with lyrics by Al Dubin and music by Joe Burke. It was published by M. Witmark & Sons in New York, New York in 1931. The cover features an image of American singer Kate Smith, who featured the song.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1931
depicted (sitter)
Smith, Kate
publisher
M. Witmark & Sons
ID Number
1985.0810.04
catalog number
1985.0810.04
accession number
1985.0810

"K-K-K-Katy"

This sheet music is for the song “K-K-K-Katy,” by Geoffrey O’Hara. It was published by Leo Feist, Inc. in New York, New York in 1918.Currently not on view
Description

This sheet music is for the song “K-K-K-Katy,” by Geoffrey O’Hara. It was published by Leo Feist, Inc. in New York, New York in 1918.

Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1918
publisher
Leo Feist Inc.
ID Number
1985.0238.02
accession number
1985.0238
catalog number
1985.0238.02

Charlie Kunz' Fox-Trot Medley

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1952
maker
Francis, Day & Hunter Ltd.
ID Number
2017.3021.294
nonaccession number
2017.3021
catalog number
2017.3021.294

"The Old Old Spinning Wheel"

This sheet music is for the song “The Old Spinning Wheel,” by Billy Hill. It was published by Shaprio, Bernstein and Co., Inc. in New York, New York in 1933.
Description

This sheet music is for the song “The Old Spinning Wheel,” by Billy Hill. It was published by Shaprio, Bernstein and Co., Inc. in New York, New York in 1933. The cover features an inset image of American musician, bandleader, and radio and television personality Fred Waring (1900-1984).

The cover art for this sheet music was made by brothers Joseph B. Wohlman (1899-1963) and Solomon (Saul) Wohlman (1895-1975) who formed Wohlman Studios around 1920. Wohlman Studios generated several hundred music covers and graphics during their three-decade career.

Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1933
publisher
Shapiro, Bernstein & Co., Inc.
ID Number
1985.0637.07
accession number
1985.0637
catalog number
1985.0637.07

"12th Street Rag"

This sheet music is for the song “12th Street Rag ,” by Euday L. Bowman. It was published by J.W. Jenkin’s Sons Music Co. in Kansas City, Missouri in 1919.Currently not on view
Description
This sheet music is for the song “12th Street Rag ,” by Euday L. Bowman. It was published by J.W. Jenkin’s Sons Music Co. in Kansas City, Missouri in 1919.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1919
publisher
J. W. Jenkin's Sons Music Co.
ID Number
1985.0393.18
accession number
1985.0393
catalog number
1985.0393.18

I'm Goin' Back To Whur I Come From

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1942
depicted (sitter); composer; lyricist
Robison, Carson
maker
Bob Miller, Inc.
ID Number
2018.3010.211
nonaccession number
2018.3010
catalog number
2018.3010.211

5-4-3-2-1

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1964
referenced
Mann, Manfred
maker
Music Publishing Company of Africa
ID Number
2017.3021.211
catalog number
2017.3021.211
nonaccession number
2017.3021

I'm Saving My Kisses For Someone

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1912
depicted (sitter)
Deslys, Gaby
lyricist
Oppenheim, Dave
depicted (sitter)
Pilcer, Harry
lyricist
Oppenheim, Dave
maker
Shapiro Music Publisher
ID Number
2018.3010.219
nonaccession number
2018.3010
catalog number
2018.3010.219

"So Long, Mother"

This sheet music is for the song “So Long, Mother,” with lyrics by Raymond Egan and Gus Kahn and music by Egbert Van Alstyne. It was published by Jerome H. Remick and Company of New York and Detroit in 1917.
Description
This sheet music is for the song “So Long, Mother,” with lyrics by Raymond Egan and Gus Kahn and music by Egbert Van Alstyne. It was published by Jerome H. Remick and Company of New York and Detroit in 1917. There is an image of American singer, comedian, and actor Al Jolson (1886-1950) on the cover.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1917
depicted (sitter)
Jolson, Al
publisher
Jerome H. Remick & Co.
ID Number
1984.0458.17
accession number
1984.0458
catalog number
1984.0458.17

"On a Clear Day You Can See Forever

This sheet music is for the song “On A Clear Day You Can See Forever,” with book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner and music by Burton Lane. It was published by Chappell and Co. Inc. in New York, New York, in 1965.
Description
This sheet music is for the song “On A Clear Day You Can See Forever,” with book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner and music by Burton Lane. It was published by Chappell and Co. Inc. in New York, New York, in 1965. The song was featured in the Paramount Pictures film, On a Clear Day You Can See Forever, directed by Vincente Minnelli and starred Barbra Steisand and Yves Montand.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1965
publisher
Chappell & Co. Inc.
ID Number
1985.0808.08
accession number
1985.0808
catalog number
1985.0808.08

“Darling Nelly Gray”

This sheet music is for the song “Darling Nelly Gray.” The song was written and composed by Benjamin Hanby, and published by Oliver Ditson and Company of New York in 1856. The plain cream white cover features black title text in a floral patterned frame.
Description
This sheet music is for the song “Darling Nelly Gray.” The song was written and composed by Benjamin Hanby, and published by Oliver Ditson and Company of New York in 1856. The plain cream white cover features black title text in a floral patterned frame. The song tells the story of a runaway slave pining for his love, Nelly Gray, still in slavery in Georgia.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1856
composer
Hanby, B. R.
publisher
Oliver Ditson & Co.
ID Number
1983.0235.01
accession number
1983.0235
catalog number
1983.0235.01

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