Popular Entertainment

This Museum's popular entertainment collections hold some of the Smithsonian's most beloved artifacts. The ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz reside here, along with the Muppet character Kermit the Frog, and props from popular television series such as M*A*S*H and All in the Family. But as in many of the Museum's collections, the best-known objects are a small part of the story.

The collection also encompasses many other artifacts of 19th- and 20th-century commercial theater, film, radio, and TV—some 50,000 sound recordings dating back to 1903; posters, publicity stills, and programs from films and performances; puppets; numerous items from World's Fairs from 1851 to 1992; and audiovisual materials on Groucho Marx, to name only a few.

Ganus Brothers Quartet. side 1: Have a Sunny Smile; side 2: Rejoice In God (Columbia 15390-D).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Ganus Brothers Quartet. side 1: Have a Sunny Smile; side 2: Rejoice In God (Columbia 15390-D).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1928
recording artist
Ganus Brothers Quartette
manufacturer
Columbia
ID Number
1996.0320.16517
label number
15390-D
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.16517
Ma Rainey. side 1: Dream Blues; side 2: Lost Wandering Blues (Paramount 12098).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Ma Rainey. side 1: Dream Blues; side 2: Lost Wandering Blues (Paramount 12098).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1924
recording artist
Rainey, Ma
manufacturer
Paramount
ID Number
1996.0320.17581
accession number
1996.0320
maker number
12098
catalog number
1996.0320.17581
Bush Brothers. side 1: Keep Your Light Shining; side 2: The Pathway (Columbia 15524-D).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Bush Brothers. side 1: Keep Your Light Shining; side 2: The Pathway (Columbia 15524-D).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1929
recording artist
Bush Brothers
manufacturer
Columbia
ID Number
1996.0320.12594
collector/donor number
9149
maker number
15524-D
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.12594
The Deal Family. side 1: The Home Coming Week; side 2: Where Shall I Be (Columbia 15670-D).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
The Deal Family. side 1: The Home Coming Week; side 2: Where Shall I Be (Columbia 15670-D).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1929
recording artist
Deal Family
manufacturer
Columbia
ID Number
1996.0320.15145
collector/donor number
10599
maker number
15670-D
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.15145
This sheet music is for the song “Happy Days Are Here Again,” with music by Milton Ager and words by Jack Yellen. It was published by Ager, Yellen and Brownstein, Inc. in New York, New York in 1929.
Description
This sheet music is for the song “Happy Days Are Here Again,” with music by Milton Ager and words by Jack Yellen. It was published by Ager, Yellen and Brownstein, Inc. in New York, New York in 1929. The song was featured in the 1930 Metro-Goldwyn Pre-Code romantic musical film Chasing Rainbows, directed by Charles Reisner and starred Bessie Love and Charles King, Jack Benny, Marie Dressler, and Eddie Phillips.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1929
publisher
Ager, Yellen & Bornstein Inc.
ID Number
1984.1117.13
accession number
1984.1117
catalog number
1984.1117.13
Vernon Dalhart. side 1: The John T. Scopes Trial; side 2: Bryan's Last Fight (Silvertone 3134).78 rpm.
Description

Vernon Dalhart. side 1: The John T. Scopes Trial; side 2: Bryan's Last Fight (Silvertone 3134).
78 rpm. Both tracks were originally recorded in 1925 and released on Gennett 3134.

Silvertone Records was a record label sold by the Sears-Roebuck Company in their stores and through mail-order. The discs were manufactured mainly by Columbia Records, with some made by Paramount Records and Gennett Records, from 1916-1928 and 1940-1941.

Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1925
recording artist
Dalhart, Vernon
manufacturer
Silvertone
ID Number
1996.0320.14491
collector/donor number
256
maker number
3134
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.14491
This sheet music is for the song “Insignificant Me,” with lyrics by Harry B. and Robert B. Smith and music by Max R. Steiner. It was published by Harms, Inc. in New York, New York in 1923.Currently not on view
Description
This sheet music is for the song “Insignificant Me,” with lyrics by Harry B. and Robert B. Smith and music by Max R. Steiner. It was published by Harms, Inc. in New York, New York in 1923.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1923
publisher
Harms, Inc.
ID Number
1983.0694.15
accession number
1983.0694
catalog number
1983.0694.15
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
Mack Allen. side 1: A Warning to Boys; side 2: A Warning to Girls (Harmony 729-H)78 rpmMack Allen is a pseudonym on Harmony for Vernon Dalhart.Harmony Records was a division of Columbia Records from 1925 to 1932.
Description

Mack Allen. side 1: A Warning to Boys; side 2: A Warning to Girls (Harmony 729-H)
78 rpm

Mack Allen is a pseudonym on Harmony for Vernon Dalhart.

Harmony Records was a division of Columbia Records from 1925 to 1932. It was a budget label that was comprised of original recordings identical to that of Columbia’s other budget labels, Velvet Tone Records and Diva Records.

Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1928
recording artist
Allen, Mack
Dalhart, Vernon
manufacturer
Harmony
ID Number
1996.0320.10445
collector/donor number
12912
maker number
729-H
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.10445
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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

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