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.

Jimmie Rodgers [James Frederick "Jimmie" Rodgers]. side 1: Ring-A-Ling-A-Lario; side 2: Wonderful You (Roulette R-4158)45 rpm. Accessioned with original printed sleeve.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Jimmie Rodgers [James Frederick "Jimmie" Rodgers]. side 1: Ring-A-Ling-A-Lario; side 2: Wonderful You (Roulette R-4158)
45 rpm. Accessioned with original printed sleeve.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1959
recording artist
Rodgers, Jimmie
manufacturer
Roulette
ID Number
1996.3034.06630
catalog number
1996.3034.06630
label number
R-4158
nonaccession number
1996.3034
side 1: Joe Sullivan Quartet. Panama; side 2: Joe Sullivan. The Chimes (Disc 6004), from the album, Joe Sullivan Quartet (Disc 701).78 rpm.Album cover illustration was by David Stone Martin (born David Livingstone Martin, 1913-1992).
Description

side 1: Joe Sullivan Quartet. Panama; side 2: Joe Sullivan. The Chimes (Disc 6004), from the album, Joe Sullivan Quartet (Disc 701).
78 rpm.

Album cover illustration 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, 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
1945
recording artist
Sullivan, Joe
Joe Sullivan Quartet
artist
Martin, David Stone
manufacturer
Disc
ID Number
1978.0670.600
accession number
1978.0670
maker number
6004
701
catalog number
1978.0670.600
This sheet music is for the song “Pagan Love Song.” The song’s lyrics were written by Arthur Freed and the music was composed by Nacio Herb Brown. The sheet music was published by the Robbins Music Corporation in 1929.
Description (Brief)
This sheet music is for the song “Pagan Love Song.” The song’s lyrics were written by Arthur Freed and the music was composed by Nacio Herb Brown. The sheet music was published by the Robbins Music Corporation in 1929. The cover features a background image of a reclining man playing a ukulele on the beach. There is a central inset photograph of Ramon Novarro who starred in the MGM movie, The Pagan on the cover.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1929
performer
Novarro, Ramon
publisher
Robbins Music Corporation
ID Number
1983.0424.053
accession number
1983.0424
catalog number
1983.0424.053
Josh White. side 1: Evil Hearted Man; side 2: Nobody Knows You When You Are Down and Out (Decca 23652), from the album, Ballads and Blues (Decca A-447).78 rpm. Side 1 was recorded in 1944. Side 2 was recorded in 1945. This album was released in 1946.Currently not on view
Description
Josh White. side 1: Evil Hearted Man; side 2: Nobody Knows You When You Are Down and Out (Decca 23652), from the album, Ballads and Blues (Decca A-447).
78 rpm. Side 1 was recorded in 1944. Side 2 was recorded in 1945. This album was released in 1946.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1944
1945
release date
1946
recording artist
White, Josh
manufacturer
Decca
ID Number
1988.0824.29
accession number
1988.0824
maker number
23652
catalog number
1988.0824.29
maker number
A-447
side 1: The Baby Dodds Trio. Albert's Blues; side 2: Don Ewell and Baby Dodds.
Description

side 1: The Baby Dodds Trio. Albert's Blues; side 2: Don Ewell and Baby Dodds. Manhattan Stomp (Circle J-1002) from the album, A Session With Baby Dodds (Circle S-17).
78 rpm.

Album design was by Jimmy Ernst (born Hans-Ulrich Ernst, 1920-1984), a German-born American painter.

Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1946
recording artist
Baby Dodds Trio
Dodds, Baby
Ewell, Don
manufacturer
Circle
ID Number
1978.0670.473
maker number
J-1002
S-17
accession number
1978.0670
catalog number
1978.0670.473
This sheet music is for the song “A Wonderful Guy” with music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II. It was published by Williamson Music Inc.
Description

This sheet music is for the song “A Wonderful Guy” with music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II. It was published by Williamson Music Inc. in New York, New York, in 1949.

"A Wonderful Guy" was featured in the Broadway musical South Pacific, with music by Richard Rogers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II and book by Hammerstein and Joshua Logan. South Pacific opened at the Majestic Theatre on April 7, 1949. The original Broadway production was a critical and commercial success, receiving a record 10 Tony Awards.

Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1949
publisher
Williamson Music, Inc.
ID Number
1986.0588.16
accession number
1986.0588
catalog number
1986.0588.16
This sheet music for the song “Hey There Mame” was written by Will Heelan and composed by George Hamilton. The music was published by F. A. Mills of New York, New York in 1899.
Description
This sheet music for the song “Hey There Mame” was written by Will Heelan and composed by George Hamilton. The music was published by F. A. Mills of New York, New York in 1899. The music appeared as a supplement to the “New York Journal and Advertiser.” The cover has a green pattern background with purple print, and a large inset photograph of singer Marie Dressler on the right.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1899
lyricist
Heelan, Will A.
performer
Dressler, Marie
publisher
F. A. Mills
ID Number
1982.0440.72
accession number
1982.0440
catalog number
1982.0440.72
This sheet music is for the song “Karama” that was written and composed by Vivian Grey (pseudonym for Miss Mabel McKinley, a niece of President McKinley). The sheet music was published by Leo Feist Inc. of New York, New York in 1904.
Description (Brief)
This sheet music is for the song “Karama” that was written and composed by Vivian Grey (pseudonym for Miss Mabel McKinley, a niece of President McKinley). The sheet music was published by Leo Feist Inc. of New York, New York in 1904. The song is a march and two-step, and the cover calls it a Japo-Rhapsody. The cover features a profile portrait illustration of an Asian woman.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1904
composer
Grey, Vivian
publisher
Feist, Leo
ID Number
1983.0424.070
accession number
1983.0424
catalog number
1983.0424.070
Sophie Tucker. side 1: You've Got to Be Loved to Be Healthy; side 2: The Older They Get the Younger They Want 'Em (Decca 23420), from the album, Sophie Tucker (Decca A-396).78 rpm. Both tracks were recorded in 1944. This album was released in 1945.Currently not on view
Description
Sophie Tucker. side 1: You've Got to Be Loved to Be Healthy; side 2: The Older They Get the Younger They Want 'Em (Decca 23420), from the album, Sophie Tucker (Decca A-396).
78 rpm. Both tracks were recorded in 1944. This album was released in 1945.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1944
release date
1945
recording artist
Tucker, Sophie
manufacturer
Decca
ID Number
1979.1023.117
accession number
1979.1023
maker number
23420
A-396
catalog number
1979.1023.117
This player piano roll was made by Aeolian Co. in New York, New York. It is Roll #9567 - Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg (The Master-Singers of Nuremburg) – By Silent Hearth, by Richard Wagner, improvisation by Bendel.Currently not on view
Description
This player piano roll was made by Aeolian Co. in New York, New York. It is Roll #9567 - Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg (The Master-Singers of Nuremburg) – By Silent Hearth, by Richard Wagner, improvisation by Bendel.
Location
Currently not on view
manufacturer
Aeolian Co.
ID Number
MI.73.36a.114
catalog number
73.36a.114
accession number
304324
maker number
9567
This music strip was made by Autophone Comapny in Ithaca, New York, about 1878. It is Autophone strip #48 - "Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep." This strip can be played in 22-key model autophones.This instrument features U. S. Patent #211821, dated December 3, 1878, by Henry B.
Description

This music strip was made by Autophone Comapny in Ithaca, New York, about 1878. It is Autophone strip #48 - "Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep." This strip can be played in 22-key model autophones.

This instrument features U. S. Patent #211821, dated December 3, 1878, by Henry B. Horton, for improvements in mechanical musical instruments that play perforated paper strips. In the patent description the inventor uses the term “autophone” to describe the instrument.

Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1878
ID Number
MI.68.13.07
accession number
277816
catalog number
68.13.07
Richard Dyer-Bennet. side 1: The Willow Tree; side 2: Villikens and His Dinah (Decca 24210), from the album, Richard Dyer-Bennet - 20th Century Minstrel (Decca 573).78 rpm. Side 1 was recorded in 1944. Side 2 was recorded in 1945.
Description
Richard Dyer-Bennet. side 1: The Willow Tree; side 2: Villikens and His Dinah (Decca 24210), from the album, Richard Dyer-Bennet - 20th Century Minstrel (Decca 573).
78 rpm. Side 1 was recorded in 1944. Side 2 was recorded in 1945. This album was released in 1948.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1944
1945
release date
1948
recording artist
Dyer-Bennet, Richard
manufacturer
Decca
ID Number
1996.0320.05098
maker number
24210
573
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05098
Savannah Churchill. side 1: The Gypsy Was Wrong; side 2: Just Whisper (Decca 29262).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Savannah Churchill. side 1: The Gypsy Was Wrong; side 2: Just Whisper (Decca 29262).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1954
recording artist
Churchill, Savannah
composer
Crane, Jimmie
Jacobs, Al
Jaffe, Moe
Reichner, Bickley
manufacturer
Decca
ID Number
1996.0153.08722
catalog number
1996.0153.08722
label number
29262
accession number
1996.0153
This sheet music is for the song “Sky Anchors (Naval Aviation Song),” by Fred Waring. It was published by Words and Music, Inc. in New York, New York in 1942. The red cover features a photograph of 7 aircraft flying in Formation.Currently not on view
Description
This sheet music is for the song “Sky Anchors (Naval Aviation Song),” by Fred Waring. It was published by Words and Music, Inc. in New York, New York in 1942. The red cover features a photograph of 7 aircraft flying in Formation.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1942
recording artist
Waring, Fred
publisher
Words and Music, Inc.
ID Number
1984.0568.18
accession number
1984.0568
catalog number
1984.0568.18
The Southernaires. side 1: Couldn't Hear Nobody Pray; side 2: Steal Away to Jesus (Decca 2856), from the album, The Southernaires in a Recital of Spirituals (Decca 83).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
The Southernaires. side 1: Couldn't Hear Nobody Pray; side 2: Steal Away to Jesus (Decca 2856), from the album, The Southernaires in a Recital of Spirituals (Decca 83).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1939
recording artist
Southernaires
manufacturer
Decca
ID Number
1996.0320.05286
maker number
2856
83
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05286
This music roll was made by Aeolian Organ and Music Company, in New York, New York, around 1895-1900. It is Roll #702, playable in a Celestina or Mandolina model roller organ. This roll sold for 90 cents.
Description

This music roll was made by Aeolian Organ and Music Company, in New York, New York, around 1895-1900. It is Roll #702, playable in a Celestina or Mandolina model roller organ. This roll sold for 90 cents. The tune list for this roll is as follows:

Watch on the Rhine
Deutschland über alles
Das Zerbrochene Ringlein
Die Drei Reiter
Die Gute Kamerad
Der Tannenbaum

Location
Currently not on view
date made
1895-1900
ID Number
MI.73.02a.06
accession number
301352
catalog number
73.02a.06
Frank Luther and Zora Layman.
Description
Frank Luther and Zora Layman. side 1: Christmas Day in the Morning [track 1] They Come with Blissful Sing [track 2] Baby's Night [track 3]; side 2: Gos Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen [track 1] Old Christmas [track 2] Cradle Song of the Virgin [track 3] (Decca 2863), from the album, Christmas in Song, Volume 1 (Decca 94).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1939
recording artist
Luther, Frank
Layman, Zora
manufacturer
Decca
ID Number
1996.0320.05175
maker number
2863
94
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05175
Sidney Bechet's Blue Note Jazz Men. side 1: Salty Dog; side 2: Weary Blues (Blue Note 49).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Sidney Bechet's Blue Note Jazz Men. side 1: Salty Dog; side 2: Weary Blues (Blue Note 49).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1945
recording artist
Sidney Bechet's Blue Note Jazz Men
manufacturer
Blue Note
ID Number
1978.0670.769
maker number
49
accession number
1978.0670
catalog number
1978.0670.769
This sheet music is for the song, “They’re All Good American Names,” with words by William Jerome and music by Jean Schwartz. It was published by Jerome H. Remick and Co. in New York, New York in 1911.
Description
This sheet music is for the song, “They’re All Good American Names,” with words by William Jerome and music by Jean Schwartz. It was published by Jerome H. Remick and Co. in New York, New York in 1911. There is an inset image of Jerome and Schwartz on the cover.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1911
publisher
Jerome H. Remick & Co.
ID Number
1988.0538.17
accession number
1988.0538
catalog number
1988.0538.17
Benny Goodman and his Orchestra. side 1: More Than You Know; side 2: Superman (Columbia 55002).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Benny Goodman and his Orchestra. side 1: More Than You Know; side 2: Superman (Columbia 55002).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1940
recording artist
Bryan, Mike
Bernstein, Arthur
Yaeger, Harry
Goodman, Benny
Williams, Cootie
Benny Goodman and his Orchestra
Forest, Helen
Martin, Skippy
Bivona, Gus
Snyder, Bob
Henderson, Jack
Auld, George
Fila, Alec
Maxwell, Jimmy
Goodman, Irving
McGarity, Lou
Cutshall, Bob
Layton, Bernie
manufacturer
Columbia
ID Number
1988.0698.2484
catalog number
1988.0698.2484
accession number
1988.0698
maker number
55002
collector/donor number
12-29
This square piano was made by Samuel Neilson in New York, New York around 1807-1815. He was listed at 19 Barclay Street, the address on the nameboard of the piano, during this time period.
Description (Brief)
This square piano was made by Samuel Neilson in New York, New York around 1807-1815. He was listed at 19 Barclay Street, the address on the nameboard of the piano, during this time period. The only other known instrument by Samuel Neilson is a 6-octave square piano in he Kenneth G. Fiske Museum of Musical Instruments. This piano has a compass of FF-c4, an English double action, leather covered with felt hammers, double-strings throughout, with tuning pins on the right, 1 pedal: dampers, wood frame, and a mahogany (?) case.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1807-1815
maker
Neilson, Samuel
ID Number
MI.315694
catalog number
315694
accession number
58488
This sheet music for the song, “Say Once Again That You Love Me” was written and composed by Jean Revo. The song was originally published by the Oliver Ditson Company of New York, New York in 1903, and appeared as a supplement to the “New York Herald” on February 15, 1903.
Description
This sheet music for the song, “Say Once Again That You Love Me” was written and composed by Jean Revo. The song was originally published by the Oliver Ditson Company of New York, New York in 1903, and appeared as a supplement to the “New York Herald” on February 15, 1903. The sheet music features a cover illustration of dancing couple in a kiss. Sheet music was so popular in the early 20th century that newspapers would insert them into their Sunday editions to boost sales.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1903
composer; lyricist
Revo, Jean
publisher
Oliver Ditson Company
ID Number
1982.0440.46
accession number
1982.0440
catalog number
1982.0440.46
This player piano roll was made by Aeolian Co. in New York, New York. It is Roll #1225 - Sea Pieces, Op. 55, No. 5 - Song, No 6 - From the Depths, by Edward MacDowell.Currently not on view
Description
This player piano roll was made by Aeolian Co. in New York, New York. It is Roll #1225 - Sea Pieces, Op. 55, No. 5 - Song, No 6 - From the Depths, by Edward MacDowell.
Location
Currently not on view
manufacturer
Aeolian Co.
ID Number
MI.73.36a.020
accession number
304324
catalog number
73.36a.020
maker number
1227
Jelly Roll Morton. side 1: Honky Tonk Blues I; side 2: Honky Tonk Blues II (Circle 87/88), from the album, Jelly Roll Morton, Volume 12: I'm the Winin' Boy (Circle Limited Edition #306).78 rpm.This recording is part of a limited edition 45 twelve-inch record set, The Saga of Mr.
Description

Jelly Roll Morton. side 1: Honky Tonk Blues I; side 2: Honky Tonk Blues II (Circle 87/88), from the album, Jelly Roll Morton, Volume 12: I'm the Winin' Boy (Circle Limited Edition #306).
78 rpm.

This recording is part of a limited edition 45 twelve-inch record set, The Saga of Mr. Jelly Lord. The set is comprised of interviews and musical performances of musician Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" Morton (1890-1941) recorded by American ethnomusicologist Alan Lomax (1915-2002) at the Coolidge Auditorium, Library of Congress, from May 23, 1938 to December 14, 1938. In the interviews, Morton recounts his experiences, both in New Orleans and on the road, as a popular musician of the early twentieth century.

The Saga of Mr. Jelly Lord limited edition record set was issued by Circle Sound Inc., incrementally with two albums every three months, beginning in late 1947. The recordings were pressed on red vinylite. Album design and typography for this set was by Jimmy Ernst (born Hans-Ulrich Ernst, 1920-1984), a German-born American painter.

Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1938
recording artist
Morton, Jelly Roll
manufacturer
Circle
ID Number
1988.0698.2607
catalog number
1988.0698.2607
accession number
1988.0698
maker number
JM-87
JM-88
serial number
306

Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.

If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.