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.

This Patron badge is from the Los Angeles Classic Jazz Festival, in 1994. The button is a made of speckled gold paper with black lettering covered with a clear film, on a round two-piece metal button with a pin back. There is a black ribbon attached to the back of the button.
Description

This Patron badge is from the Los Angeles Classic Jazz Festival, in 1994. The button is a made of speckled gold paper with black lettering covered with a clear film, on a round two-piece metal button with a pin back. There is a black ribbon attached to the back of the button. The button is printed:

LOS ANGELES
CLASSIC
JAZZ
FLOYD
LEVIN
FESTIVAL
1994

(the ribbon is printed):

PATRON

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
1994
user
Levin, Floyd
ID Number
2011.3086.130
nonaccession number
2011.3086
catalog number
2011.0386.130
Date made
1991
ID Number
2005.3021.142
nonaccession number
2005.3021
catalog number
2005.3021.142
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1991
ID Number
2016.0032.079
accession number
2016.0032
catalog number
2016.0032.079
This button is from the San Diego Jazz Party, in 1992. The button is a made of white paper with black and red ink covered with a clear film, on a round two-piece metal button with a pin back. The button serves as an attendee identifier to the SDJP.
Description

This button is from the San Diego Jazz Party, in 1992. The button is a made of white paper with black and red ink covered with a clear film, on a round two-piece metal button with a pin back. The button serves as an attendee identifier to the SDJP. The button is printed:

SAN DIEGO JAZZ PARTY
No 0370
1992

The San Diego Jazz Party (SDJP) is an annual weekend-long event featuring public live performances of traditional jazz music. It is a non-profit organization that also provides scholarships for young jazz musicians at the high school or college level. The SDJP was originally presented in Downtown San Diego by Bill and Beverly Muchnic, in 1988.

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
1992
user
Levin, Floyd
ID Number
2011.3086.099
nonaccession number
2011.3086
catalog number
2011.3086.099
This button is from The Jazz Club of Sarasota festival in Sarasota, Florida, in 1995. This button is made of pink paper with black printing covered with a clear film, on a heart-shaped metal button with a pin back.
Description

This button is from The Jazz Club of Sarasota festival in Sarasota, Florida, in 1995. This button is made of pink paper with black printing covered with a clear film, on a heart-shaped metal button with a pin back. The button is printed:

1995 Patron
the jazz club
of Sarasota
15th Anniversary
"A Sentimental Journey"

The Jazz Club of Sarasota was founded by retired advertising executive Hal Davis. The club started as a casual get-together of jazz enthusiasts listening to music in the home of Hal and Evelyn Davis. By 1980, the club held its first concert featuring American jazz guitarist John Paul “Bucky” Pizzarelli (1926-2020) and his son John. The Jazz Club continued to expand its scope and reach to include a yearly program of concerts and lectures as well as school residency and scholarship programs.

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
1995
user
Levin, Floyd
ID Number
2011.3086.083
nonaccession number
2011.3086
catalog number
2011.3086.083
This button is from the Dixieland Jazz Festival in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, in 1991. This round button has a light green background and black printing covered with a clear film, on a two-piece metal button with a pin back.
Description

This button is from the Dixieland Jazz Festival in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, in 1991. This round button has a light green background and black printing covered with a clear film, on a two-piece metal button with a pin back. The button is printed:

RAMADA LONDON BRIDGE RESORT
4th
Annual
DIXIELAND
JAZZ FESTIVAL
1991
LAKE HAVASU CITY, AZ

The Dixieland Jazz Festival is an annual event held in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, home of the reconstructed “New” London Bridge built in the 1830s. The bridge was purchased by Missouri entrepreneur Robert P. McCullough from the City of London in 1968, and installed in Lake Havasu City, a city he founded.

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
1991
user
Levin, Floyd
ID Number
2011.3086.092
nonaccession number
2011.3086
catalog number
2011.3086.092
This clear plastic McDonald’s® premium toy bag was used to distribute toy #2, “Mr. Potato Head and Mrs. Potato Head.” The bags were used to package McDonald’s® toys inside the Happy Meal® box.
Description
This clear plastic McDonald’s® premium toy bag was used to distribute toy #2, “Mr. Potato Head and Mrs. Potato Head.” The bags were used to package McDonald’s® toys inside the Happy Meal® box. The premium bag has Ronald McDonald and the golden arches logo printed on one side and pertinent toy information printed inside a blue box. On the reverse, warning information regarding the toys has been printed for consumers. The Happy Meal® was released in 1979 as a way to package a meal together in a fun, collectible container that appealed to children. Happy Meals® have since become progressively more elaborate in the type of food offered (with various healthier options) and the premiums available with the meal. In 1996, McDonald’s® and Disney signed a 10 year, exclusive partnership agreement where McDonald’s® was able to use Disney characters for Happy Meal® premiums and Disney would receive free promotion of upcoming movies through McDonald’s®. This partnership appeared like a natural fit for the two companies since they had an overlapping market base. From November 26, 1999 through December 23, 1999, McDonald’s® marketed the Toy Story 2 Happy Meal® premiums.
The McDonald’s Corporation is one of the most recognizable hamburger restaurants in the United States. As of 2011, the McDonald’s Corporation and franchisees were operating in 119 countries with 1.9 million employees, making it the 4th largest employer in the world.
In 1940, Richard (Dick) and Maurice (Mac) McDonald opened the first McDonald’s Bar-B-Q drive-in restaurant in San Bernardino, California. In 1948, the brothers redesigned their menu, centering on the 15 cent hamburger. In 1954, Ray Kroc, a Multimixer (milkshake machine) salesman, became interested in the McDonalds brothers’ high volume restaurant. He worked out a deal with the brothers to be their franchising agent and opened the first franchise location in Illinois the following year. Under Kroc’s direction, the company grew to become the giant we know today.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1999
ID Number
2012.3045.06
catalog number
2012.3045.06
nonaccession number
2012.3045
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1992
ID Number
2005.3021.081
nonaccession number
2005.3021
catalog number
2005.3021.081
This button is from the San Diego Jazz Party, in 1995. The button is a made of white paper with black and red ink covered with a clear film, on a round two-piece metal button with a pin back. The button serves as an attendee identifier to the SDJP.
Description

This button is from the San Diego Jazz Party, in 1995. The button is a made of white paper with black and red ink covered with a clear film, on a round two-piece metal button with a pin back. The button serves as an attendee identifier to the SDJP. The button is printed and handwritten:

SAN DIEGO
JAZZ PARTY
Myllie
Crabb
511
1995

The San Diego Jazz Party (SDJP) is an annual weekend-long event featuring public live performances of traditional jazz music. It is a non-profit organization that also provides scholarships for young jazz musicians at the high school or college level. The SDJP was originally presented in Downtown San Diego by Bill and Beverly Muchnic, in 1988.

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
1995
user
Levin, Floyd
ID Number
2011.3086.113
nonaccession number
2011.3086
catalog number
2011.3086.113
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1992
ID Number
2016.3009.287
nonaccession number
2016.3009
catalog number
2016.3009.287
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1992
ID Number
2005.3021.079
nonaccession number
2005.3021
catalog number
2005.3021.079
This Patron badge is from the San Diego Swinging Jazz Festival in San Diego, in 1999. It is made of white paper with blue 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 blue and black ink, encapsulated in plastic. The badge is printed:

San
Diego
Swinging
Jazz
Patron
1999

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
1999
user
Levin, Floyd
ID Number
2011.3086.059
nonaccession number
2011.3086
catalog number
2011.3086.059
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1996
ID Number
2016.3009.292
nonaccession number
2016.3009
catalog number
2016.3009.292
This Patron badge is from the Los Angeles Classic Sweet & Hot Music Festival, in 1999. It made of green paper with black and yellow ink, encapsulated in plastic.
Description

This Patron badge is from the Los Angeles Classic Sweet & Hot Music Festival, in 1999. It made of green paper with black and yellow ink, encapsulated in plastic. The badge is printed:

[foundation logo]
THE LOS ANGELES
SWEET & HOT
MUSIC FESTIVAL
Patron
1999.

Founded in 1996, The Sweet & Hot Music Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the music of the 1920s through 50s. The foundation produces an annual event in Los Angeles which support jazz education programs for Los Angeles area high school students.

The foundation also honors legends in classic jazz by placing permanent bronze plaques with their names, in the ground surrounding the pool and garden area at the Los Angeles Airport Marriott Hotel. Known as the “Sweet & Hot Music Walk of Fame,” it features jazz greats Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, George Gershwin and Benny Goodman, Cole Porter, Lionel Hampton and Billie Holiday.

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
1999
user
Levin, Floyd
ID Number
2011.3086.065
nonaccession number
2011.3086
catalog number
2011.3086.065
This button is from the Palm Springs Jazz Festival in Palm Springs, California, in 1990-1991. It is made of pink paper with black lettering with a clear film, on a two-piece metal button with a pin back.
Description

This button is from the Palm Springs Jazz Festival in Palm Springs, California, in 1990-1991. It is made of pink paper with black lettering with a clear film, on a two-piece metal button with a pin back. The button is printed:

Classic Jazz Management
Palm
Springs
Jazz
90-91
WYNDHAM PALM SPRINGS

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
1990-1991
user
Levin, Floyd
ID Number
2011.3086.100
nonaccession number
2011.3086
catalog number
2011.3086.100
This button is from the Marvellous Melbourne Jazz Festival in Melbourne, Australia, in 1997. It is a round button with an orange background with black and white printing, covered with a clear film, on a two-piece metal button with a pin back.
Description

This button is from the Marvellous Melbourne Jazz Festival in Melbourne, Australia, in 1997. It is a round button with an orange background with black and white printing, covered with a clear film, on a two-piece metal button with a pin back. The button is printed:

MARVELLOUS
Melbourne
Jazz Festival
[stylized image of trumpet and two hands]
JANUARY 19-26, 1997

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
1997
user
Levin, Floyd
ID Number
2011.3086.102
nonaccession number
2011.3086
catalog number
2011.3086.102
John Coltrane. A Love Supreme (Impulse! GR-155)33-1/3 rpm. 1995 re-issue of an original 1964 recording.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
John Coltrane. A Love Supreme (Impulse! GR-155)
33-1/3 rpm. 1995 re-issue of an original 1964 recording.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1964
1995
recording artist
Coltrane, John
maker
Impulse
ID Number
2014.0007.01
accession number
2014.0007
catalog number
2014.0007.01
maker number
GR-155
This rectangular button has black text on a yellow background that reads: Finalist. Paradox 4.5 for DOS. Borland International, Inc. It includes the PC Computing logo and the words MVP 1993 and a cartoon of a black and grey 'Oscar' statue.Currently not on view
Description
This rectangular button has black text on a yellow background that reads: Finalist. Paradox 4.5 for DOS. Borland International, Inc. It includes the PC Computing logo and the words MVP 1993 and a cartoon of a black and grey 'Oscar' statue.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1993
ID Number
2009.3071.068
catalog number
2009.3071.068
nonaccession number
2009.3071
This badge is from Jersey JazzFest in New Jersey, in 1995. It is a button made of paper with a white background and black printing covered with a clear film, on a two-piece metal button with a pin back. A blue ribbon is attached to the bottom of the button.
Description

This badge is from Jersey JazzFest in New Jersey, in 1995. It is a button made of paper with a white background and black printing covered with a clear film, on a two-piece metal button with a pin back. A blue ribbon is attached to the bottom of the button. The button is printed:

JERSEY
JAZZFEST
1995

(The ribbon is printed):

AFJS

The New Jersey Jazz Society was founded in 1972 to “promote and preserve the great American musical art form known as Jazz through live jazz performances and educational outreach and scholarships.” Jersey JazzFest is an annual event sponsored by the New Jersey Jazz Society, which is a member of the American Federation of Jazz Societies (AFJS).

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
1995
user
Levin, Floyd
ID Number
2011.3086.205
nonaccession number
2011.3086
catalog number
2011.3086.205
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1996
ID Number
2005.3021.089
This button is from the Hotel Jerome Jazz Festival in Aspen, Colorado, in 1993. It is a rectangular button with rounded corners, yellow background with black and pink ink covered with a clear film, on a two-piece metal button with a pin back.
Description

This button is from the Hotel Jerome Jazz Festival in Aspen, Colorado, in 1993. It is a rectangular button with rounded corners, yellow background with black and pink ink covered with a clear film, on a two-piece metal button with a pin back. The button is printed:

Jerome Jazz 93
240
Hotel Jerome - Aspen, Colorado

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
1993
user
Levin, Floyd
ID Number
2011.3086.095
nonaccession number
2011.3086
catalog number
2011.3086.095
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1997
ID Number
2005.3021.133
nonaccession number
2005.3021
catalog number
2005.3021.133
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1999
ID Number
2005.3021.092.1
nonaccession number
2005.3021
catalog number
2005.3021.092.1
This button is from the San Diego Jazz Party, in 1995. The button is a made of white paper with black and red ink covered with a clear film, on a round two-piece metal button with a pin back. The button serves as an attendee identifier to the SDJP.
Description

This button is from the San Diego Jazz Party, in 1995. The button is a made of white paper with black and red ink covered with a clear film, on a round two-piece metal button with a pin back. The button serves as an attendee identifier to the SDJP. The button is printed and handwritten:

SAN DIEGO
JAZZ PARTY
Lucille
Levin
272
1995

The San Diego Jazz Party (SDJP) is an annual weekend-long event featuring public live performances of traditional jazz music. It is a non-profit organization that also provides scholarships for young jazz musicians at the high school or college level. The SDJP was originally presented in Downtown San Diego by Bill and Beverly Muchnic, in 1988.

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
1995
user
Levin, Floyd
ID Number
2011.3086.111
nonaccession number
2011.3086
catalog number
2011.3086.111

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