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.

Bob Crosby and his Orchestra. side 1: Ec-Stacy; side 2: Chain Gang (Decca DU 40145).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Bob Crosby and his Orchestra. side 1: Ec-Stacy; side 2: Chain Gang (Decca DU 40145).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1942
recording artist
Bob Crosby and his Orchestra
manufacturer
Decca
ID Number
1978.0670.213
accession number
1978.0670
catalog number
1978.0670.213
maker number
DU 40145
Bunny Berigan and his Blue Boys. side 1: You Took Advantage of Me; side 2: Chicken and Waffles (Decca 18117), from the album, Gemsof Jazz, Vol. 2 (Decca A-201).78 rpm. Both tracks were recorded in 1935. This album was released in 1941.Currently not on view
Description
Bunny Berigan and his Blue Boys. side 1: You Took Advantage of Me; side 2: Chicken and Waffles (Decca 18117), from the album, Gemsof Jazz, Vol. 2 (Decca A-201).
78 rpm. Both tracks were recorded in 1935. This album was released in 1941.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1935
release date
1941
recording artist
Bunny Berigan and his Blue Boys
manufacturer
Decca
ID Number
1978.0670.548
accession number
1978.0670
maker number
18117
A-201
catalog number
1978.0670.548
Original Cast Album. This Is the Army (Decca A-340). 4-disc set. (album for 1988.0384.02-.-05).78 rpm.This album is from the Broadway musical This Is the Army, with book by James McColl, and music and lyrics by Irving Berlin. The musical was produced by the U. S.
Description

Original Cast Album. This Is the Army (Decca A-340). 4-disc set. (album for 1988.0384.02-.-05).
78 rpm.

This album is from the Broadway musical This Is the Army, with book by James McColl, and music and lyrics by Irving Berlin. The musical was produced by the U. S. Army in 1942, and featured a cast of U. S. soldiers, for the benefit of the Army Relief Fund. The revue ran at the Broadway Theatre from July 4, 1942, to September 26, 1942, for 113 performances.

Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1942
composer
Berlin, Irving
manufacturer
Decca
ID Number
1988.0384.01
accession number
1988.0384
maker number
340
catalog number
1988.0384.01
side 1: Lyn Murray and his Orchestra with Audrey Marsh. I'm Wishing; side 2: Lyn Murray and his Orchestra with Harrison Knox. One Song (Decca 23328), from the album, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (Decca A-368).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
side 1: Lyn Murray and his Orchestra with Audrey Marsh. I'm Wishing; side 2: Lyn Murray and his Orchestra with Harrison Knox. One Song (Decca 23328), from the album, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (Decca A-368).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1944
recording artist
Lyn Murray and his Orchestra
Marsh, Audrey
Knox, Harrison
manufacturer
Decca
ID Number
1979.1023.116
accession number
1979.1023
maker number
23328
A-368
catalog number
1979.1023.116
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
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
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
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
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
side 1: Lyn Murray and his Orchestra. Whistle While You Work; side 2: Lyn Murray and his Orchestra with Evelyn Knight and Andy Love Four.
Description
side 1: Lyn Murray and his Orchestra. Whistle While You Work; side 2: Lyn Murray and his Orchestra with Evelyn Knight and Andy Love Four. Bluddle-Uddle-Um-Dum (The Washing Song) (Decca 23327), from the album, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (Decca A-368).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1944
recording artist
Lyn Murray and his Orchestra
Knight, Evelyn
Andy Love Four
manufacturer
Decca
ID Number
1979.1023.115
accession number
1979.1023
maker number
23327
A-368
catalog number
1979.1023.115
side 1: John Kirby and his Onyx Club Boys. From A Flat to C; side 2: Al Cooper's Savoy Sultans. When I Grow Too Old to Dream (Decca 4206), from the album, Alto Saxology (Decca 246).78 rpm. Side 1 was originally recorded in 1938 and released on Decca 2216.
Description
side 1: John Kirby and his Onyx Club Boys. From A Flat to C; side 2: Al Cooper's Savoy Sultans. When I Grow Too Old to Dream (Decca 4206), from the album, Alto Saxology (Decca 246).
78 rpm. Side 1 was originally recorded in 1938 and released on Decca 2216. Side 2 was originally recorded in 1939 and released on Decca 2930. The album was released in 1942.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1938
1939
release date
1942
recording artist
John Kirby and his Onyx Club Boys
Al Cooper's Savoy Sultans
manufacturer
Decca
ID Number
1978.0670.580
accession number
1978.0670
maker number
4206
246
catalog number
1978.0670.580
Richard Dyer-Bennet. side 1: Greensleeves; side 2: Oh Sally My Dear (Decca 24212), from the album, Richard Dyer-Bennet - 20th Century Minstrel (Decca 573).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Richard Dyer-Bennet. side 1: Greensleeves; side 2: Oh Sally My Dear (Decca 24212), from the album, Richard Dyer-Bennet - 20th Century Minstrel (Decca 573).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1944
1945
release date
1948
recording artist
Dyer-Bennet, Richard
manufacturer
Decca
ID Number
1996.0320.05100
maker number
24212
573
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05100
Gene Krupa and his Chicagoans. side 1: Blues of Israel; side 2: Three Little Words (Decca 18114), from the album, Gems of Jazz, Vol. 2 (Decca A-201).78 rpm. Both tracks were recorded in 1935. This album was released in 1941.Currently not on view
Description
Gene Krupa and his Chicagoans. side 1: Blues of Israel; side 2: Three Little Words (Decca 18114), from the album, Gems of Jazz, Vol. 2 (Decca A-201).
78 rpm. Both tracks were recorded in 1935. This album was released in 1941.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1935
release date
1941
recording artist
Gene Krupa and his Chicagoans
manufacturer
Decca
ID Number
1978.0670.546
accession number
1978.0670
maker number
18114
A-201
catalog number
1978.0670.546
Jimmie Noone and his Orchestra. side 1: The Blues Jumped a Rabbit; side 2: He's the Different Type of Guy (Decca 18439), from the album, Gems of Jazz, Vol. 5 (Decca A-324).78 rpm. Both tracks were recorded in 1936. The album was released in 1942.Currently not on view
Description
Jimmie Noone and his Orchestra. side 1: The Blues Jumped a Rabbit; side 2: He's the Different Type of Guy (Decca 18439), from the album, Gems of Jazz, Vol. 5 (Decca A-324).
78 rpm. Both tracks were recorded in 1936. The album was released in 1942.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1936
release date
1942
recording artist
Jimmie Noone and his Orchestra
manufacturer
Decca
ID Number
1978.0670.567
accession number
1978.0670
maker number
18439
A-324
catalog number
1978.0670.567
Burl Ives. side 1: Dublin City [tarck 1] Cockle Shells [track 2]; side 2: Old Dan Tucker [track 1] The Erie Canal [track 2] (Decca 23504), from the album, Ballads and Folk Songs (Decca A-407).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Burl Ives. side 1: Dublin City [tarck 1] Cockle Shells [track 2]; side 2: Old Dan Tucker [track 1] The Erie Canal [track 2] (Decca 23504), from the album, Ballads and Folk Songs (Decca A-407).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1945
recording artist
Ives, Burl
manufacturer
Decca
ID Number
1996.0320.05128
maker number
23504
407
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05128
Lawson-Haggart Jazz Band. Blues on the River (Decca DL 5439).33-1/3 rpm.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Lawson-Haggart Jazz Band. Blues on the River (Decca DL 5439).
33-1/3 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
release date
1952
recording artist
Lawson-Haggart Jazz Band
manufacturer
Decca
ID Number
1978.0670.698
accession number
1978.0670
catalog number
1978.0670.698
maker number
DL 5439
Denver Darling and his Texas Cowhands. side 1: We're Gonna Have to Slap the Dirty Little Jap (And Uncle Sam's the Guy Who Can Do It); side 2: Get Your Gun and Come Along (We're Fixin' to Kill a Skunk) (Decca 6027).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Denver Darling and his Texas Cowhands. side 1: We're Gonna Have to Slap the Dirty Little Jap (And Uncle Sam's the Guy Who Can Do It); side 2: Get Your Gun and Come Along (We're Fixin' to Kill a Skunk) (Decca 6027).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1942
recording artist
Denver Darling and his Texas Cowhands
manufacturer
Decca
ID Number
1996.0320.14879
collector/donor number
6957
maker number
6027
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.14879
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1955
recording artist
Bernstein, Elmer
manufacturer
Decca
ID Number
1996.3034.00563
nonaccession number
1996.3034
catalog number
1996.3034.00563
label number
ED 2337
Woody Herman and his Orchestra. side 1: Woodchopper's Ball; side 2: Indian Boogie Woogie (Decca 25079).78 rpm. Side 1 was recorded in 1939 and initially released on Decca 2440. Side 2 was recorded in 1938 and initially released on Decca 2250.Currently not on view
Description
Woody Herman and his Orchestra. side 1: Woodchopper's Ball; side 2: Indian Boogie Woogie (Decca 25079).
78 rpm. Side 1 was recorded in 1939 and initially released on Decca 2440. Side 2 was recorded in 1938 and initially released on Decca 2250.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1939
1938
recording artist
Woody Herman and his Orchestra
manufacturer
Decca
ID Number
1981.0566.090
accession number
1981.0566
maker number
25079
catalog number
1981.0566.090
Art Hodes and his Orchestra. side 1: Georgia Cake Walk; side 2: Liberty Inn Drag (Decca 18437), from the album, Gems of Jazz, Vol. 5 (Decca A-324).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Art Hodes and his Orchestra. side 1: Georgia Cake Walk; side 2: Liberty Inn Drag (Decca 18437), from the album, Gems of Jazz, Vol. 5 (Decca A-324).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1942
recording artist
Art Hodes and his Orchestra
manufacturer
Decca
ID Number
1978.0670.565
accession number
1978.0670
maker number
18437
A-324
catalog number
1978.0670.565
side 1: Celeste Holm with Oklahoma Orchestra. I Can't Say No; side 2: Alfred Drake and Howard da Silva with Oklahoma Orchestra. Pore Jud Is Daid (Decca 23286), from the album, Oklahoma! (Decca A-359).
Description

side 1: Celeste Holm with Oklahoma Orchestra. I Can't Say No; side 2: Alfred Drake and Howard da Silva with Oklahoma Orchestra. Pore Jud Is Daid (Decca 23286), from the album, Oklahoma! (Decca A-359). 78 rpm.

This album is from the 1943 Broadway musical Oklahoma!, with book and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II and music by Richard Rogers. Oklahoma! opened on March 31, 1943 at the St. James Theatre and ran for 2,212 performances.

Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1943
recording artist
Holm, Celeste
Drake, Alfred
da Silva, Howard
manufacturer
Decca
ID Number
1980.0339.10
maker number
23286
A-359
accession number
1980.0339
catalog number
1980.0339.10
Michael Coleman. side 1: The Wind That Shakes the Barley/The Lady on the Island; side 2: The Kid on the Mountain (Decca 12067), from the album, Irish Jigs and Reels (Decca 205).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Michael Coleman. side 1: The Wind That Shakes the Barley/The Lady on the Island; side 2: The Kid on the Mountain (Decca 12067), from the album, Irish Jigs and Reels (Decca 205).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1936
release date
1941
recording artist
Coleman, Michael
manufacturer
Decca
ID Number
1996.0320.05071
maker number
12067
250
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05071
The Ranch Boys. side 1: Clementine [track 1] Little Ah Sed [track 2]; side 2: Little Old Sos Shanty on the Claim [track 1] Goodbye, Old Paint [track 2] (Decca 2643), from the album, Favorite Cowboy Songs (Decca 65).78 rpm. side 1 was recorded in 1938.
Description
The Ranch Boys. side 1: Clementine [track 1] Little Ah Sed [track 2]; side 2: Little Old Sos Shanty on the Claim [track 1] Goodbye, Old Paint [track 2] (Decca 2643), from the album, Favorite Cowboy Songs (Decca 65).
78 rpm. side 1 was recorded in 1938. side 2 was recorded in 1937. This album was released in 1939.
Location
Currently not on view
release date
1939
recording date
1938
1937
recording artist
Ranch Boys
manufacturer
Decca
ID Number
1996.0320.05208
maker number
2643
65
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05208

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