Popular Entertainment

Elvis Presley Record

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.

Culture: African Americans

California Raisin

The California Raisins are sculpted clay figures used as advertising and merchandising characters by the California Raisin Advisory Board. The figures were first developed by Will Vinton Productions in 1986 based on caricatures of African American rhythm-and-blues groups.
Description
The California Raisins are sculpted clay figures used as advertising and merchandising characters by the California Raisin Advisory Board. The figures were first developed by Will Vinton Productions in 1986 based on caricatures of African American rhythm-and-blues groups. The California Raisins are often accompanied by a soundtrack of “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” originally popularized by singer Marvin Gaye. The Raisins released numerous studio albums in the 1980s, starred in a cartoon series, and were nominated for an Emmy for their 1988 “Meet the Raisins” mockumentary. These figures were used in the Claymation advertisements from 1986 through 1991.
date made
1986 - 1991
user
California Raisins Advisory Board
producer
Will Vinton Productions
maker
Will Vinton Productions
ID Number
1991.3182.04
catalog number
1991.3182.04
nonaccession number
1991.3182

California Raisin

The California Raisins are sculpted clay figures used as advertising and merchandising characters by the California Raisin Advisory Board. The figures were first developed by Will Vinton Productions in 1986 based on caricatures of African American rhythm-and-blues groups.
Description
The California Raisins are sculpted clay figures used as advertising and merchandising characters by the California Raisin Advisory Board. The figures were first developed by Will Vinton Productions in 1986 based on caricatures of African American rhythm-and-blues groups. The California Raisins are often accompanied by a soundtrack of “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” originally popularized by singer Marvin Gaye. The Raisins released numerous studio albums in the 1980s, starred in a cartoon series, and were nominated for an Emmy for their 1988 “Meet the Raisins” mockumentary. These figures were used in the Claymation advertisements from 1986 through 1991.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1986 - 1991
user
California Raisins Advisory Board
producer
Will Vinton Productions
maker
Will Vinton Productions
ID Number
1991.3182.03
catalog number
1991.3182.03
nonaccession number
1991.3182

"Roll Them Roly Boly Eyes"

This sheet music is for the song, “Roll Them Roly Boly Eyes,” with words and music by Eddie Leonard. It was published by Harry Von Tilzer Music Publishing Co. in New York, New York in 1912.
Description
This sheet music is for the song, “Roll Them Roly Boly Eyes,” with words and music by Eddie Leonard. It was published by Harry Von Tilzer Music Publishing Co. in New York, New York in 1912. There is an image of American vaudevillian Eddie Leonard (1870-1941) on the cover.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1912
publisher
Harry Von Tilzer Music Publishing Co.
ID Number
1988.0538.14
accession number
1988.0538
catalog number
1988.0538.14

Mallets, used by Jeni LeGon

These mallets were made by an unknown maker, provenance unknown, late 1950s. They are carved wooden sticks, with small cylindrical heads covered in cross-woven reed soaked in glue or resin.Accessioned with steel drum (Cat. #2002.0389.04).
Description (Brief)

These mallets were made by an unknown maker, provenance unknown, late 1950s. They are carved wooden sticks, with small cylindrical heads covered in cross-woven reed soaked in glue or resin.

Accessioned with steel drum (Cat. #2002.0389.04). Used by Jeni LeGon in the traveling show with her dance troupe, "Jazz Caribe," 1959-1969.

Jeni LeGon (born Jennie Ligon, 1916– 2012), also credited as Jeni Le Gon, was an American dancer, dance instructor, and actress. She was one of the first African-American women to establish a solo career in tap dance. In 1999, the National Film Board of Canada released a documentary film about her life, Jeni Le Gon: Living in a Great Big Way, directed by Grant Greshuk and produced by Selwyn Jacob.

Location
Currently not on view
Date made
late 1950s
user
LeGon, Jeni
ID Number
2002.0389.04
catalog number
2002.0389.04
accession number
2002.0389

Daily News Vol. 46. No. 207

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1965-02-22
graphic artist
News Syndicate Co., Inc.
ID Number
2012.3028.01
accession number
2012.3028

"Mammy's Little Coal Black Rose"

This sheet music is for the song “Mammy’s Little Coal Black Rose,” with lyrics by Raymond Egan and music by Richard A. Witting. It was published by Jerome H. Remick Company of New York and Detroit in 1916.
Description
This sheet music is for the song “Mammy’s Little Coal Black Rose,” with lyrics by Raymond Egan and music by Richard A. Witting. It was published by Jerome H. Remick Company of New York and Detroit in 1916. There is an image of American singer, comedian, and actor Al Jolson (1886-1950) on the cover.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1916
depicted (sitter)
Jolson, Al
publisher
Jerome H. Remick & Co.
ID Number
1984.0458.14
accession number
1984.0458
catalog number
1984.0458.14

Painting of Duke Ellington

Acrylic on canvas painting of Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington, done by his granddaughter, Gaye Ellington in 1985. Ms.
Description (Brief)
Acrylic on canvas painting of Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington, done by his granddaughter, Gaye Ellington in 1985. Ms. Ellington painted this posthumous portrait in order to create a memorial that preserved her sense of the creative and loving legacy her grandfather had left her.
In a past interview, Gaye Ellington explained the reasons that led her to create this portrait, even though portraiture is not her usual subject matter: “Ever since my grandfather had died, a lot of people had done art work representing him. They were what other people saw in my grandfather. When I looked at them, they weren’t what I thought about him, and it disturbed me. … A lot of the photographs of him where very serious. I’m not saying he was always happy. But he would turn around in a minute and smile.”
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1985
depicted
Ellington, Duke
maker
Ellington, Gaye
ID Number
1989.0369.444
accession number
1989.0369
catalog number
1989.0369.444

Ballet shoes, worn by Misty Copeland

Pair of pink ballet shoes worn by Misty Copeland in practice sessions. In 2015, Copeland was named the principal dancer for the ABT. She is the first African American women to achieve this honor. Shoes are made of satin fabric, cotton lining and leather soles.
Description (Brief)

Pair of pink ballet shoes worn by Misty Copeland in practice sessions. In 2015, Copeland was named the principal dancer for the ABT. She is the first African American women to achieve this honor. Shoes are made of satin fabric, cotton lining and leather soles. Size 4 1/2 with elastic binding around top of slipper. Both shoes are signed at the toe by Misty Copeland. Shoes made by AXIOM. (Thailand).

Misty Copeland, prima ballerina from the American Ballet Theatre, mentors aspiring ballerinas from underrepresented communities. With support from foundations and businesses, the American Ballet Theatre created Project Plié in an effort to diversify ballet companies.

Location
Currently not on view
user
Copeland, Misty
ID Number
2016.0210.02
accession number
2016.0210
catalog number
2016.0210.02

“At a Georgia Camp Meeting”

This sheet music for the song "At a Georgia Camp Meeting," was written and composed by Kerry Mills and published by F.A. Mills in New York, New York in 1897.
Description
This sheet music for the song "At a Georgia Camp Meeting," was written and composed by Kerry Mills and published by F.A. Mills in New York, New York in 1897. The cover proclaims the song “a characteristic march which can be used effectively as a two-step, polka, or cake walk,” and shows images of blacks having a dignified party. The cake walk was often the last song at a dance and the best dancing couple was awarded a cake (the origin of the phrase “taking the cake”).
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1897
composer
Mills, Kerry
user
Woodside, Lura
publisher
F. A. Mills
ID Number
1979.1154.18
accession number
1979.1154
catalog number
1979.1154.18

Black Lightning No. 1

Black Lightning Year One No. 1 was written by Jen Van Meter, with art by Cully Hammer.
Description
Black Lightning Year One No. 1 was written by Jen Van Meter, with art by Cully Hammer. It is the first of a 2009 six-issue limited series documenting the origins of the titular DC superhero.
Created by writer Tony Isabella artist Trevor Von Eeden, Black Lightning was introduced to comic readers in 1977. The first African American to headline a DC title, the hero, a man named Jefferson Pierce, has the ability to create and manipulate electricity. The character has been featured in animated film and series and video games, and headlined his own television program on The CW from 2018-2021.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
2009
maker
D. C. Comics, Inc.
ID Number
2018.3010.263
catalog number
2018.3010.263
nonaccession number
2018.3010

“At an Ole Virginia Wedding”

This sheet music for the song "At an Ole Virginia Wedding" was written and composed by Maurice J. Steinberg. The music was originally published by T. B. Harms and Co.
Description
This sheet music for the song "At an Ole Virginia Wedding" was written and composed by Maurice J. Steinberg. The music was originally published by T. B. Harms and Co. of New York, New York in 1900 and as a Musical Supplement to the “Philadelphia Press on Sunday, September 9, 1900. The cover portrays an African American wedding ceremony. The colorful image depicts a bride and groom with stereotyped features. The background shows the guests dancing and talking while a band plays in the top right corner of the picture.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1900
distributor
Philadelphia Press
composer; lyricist
Maurice J. Steinberg & Co.
publisher
T. B. Harms & Co.
ID Number
1982.0440.21
accession number
1982.0440
catalog number
1982.0440.21

Amos & Andy Taxicab

Date made
1935
Associated Name
Gosden, Freeman
Correll, Charles
maker
Louis Marx and Company
ID Number
1989.0510.01
accession number
1989.0510
catalog number
1989.0510.01

Prince's Yellow Cloud Electric Guitar

In 1983, Prince hired the Minneapolis, Minnesota guitar company Knut-Koupee Enterprises to build this, likely his first “Cloud” guitar, the bold shape of which was inspired by a unique bass guitar designed in 1972 by Jeff Levin of Sardonyx Guitars.
Description
In 1983, Prince hired the Minneapolis, Minnesota guitar company Knut-Koupee Enterprises to build this, likely his first “Cloud” guitar, the bold shape of which was inspired by a unique bass guitar designed in 1972 by Jeff Levin of Sardonyx Guitars. Originally painted white, the guitar debuted in Prince’s breakout film, Purple Rain, and later was painted peach when Prince unveiled his 1987 album, Sign o' the Times. Like Prince’s genre-defying music, it features a flamboyantly fluid shape, with fretboard markers along the neck of the guitar (later added) that combine male and female symbols.
date made
1983
user
Prince
maker
Haugen, Barry
Rusan, David
Knut-Koupee Enterprises, Inc.
ID Number
1993.0435.01
catalog number
1993.0435.01
accession number
1993.0435

Tap Shoes, worn by Jeni LeGon

Mary Jane-style red leather tap shoes worn by dancer Dr. Jeni LeGon in the Twentieth-Century Fox film Ali Baba Goes to Town (1937).
Description

Mary Jane-style red leather tap shoes worn by dancer Dr. Jeni LeGon in the Twentieth-Century Fox film Ali Baba Goes to Town (1937). Holes in the toe plates to enable the dancer to stand on a nail embedded in the stage set floor to keep balance during a comedy dance scene requiring the dancer to lean as far forward close to the floor as possible.

LeGon was the first African American actor to sign a contract with a major Hollywood company. Ali Baba Goes to Town was nominated for an Oscar in Best Dance Direction.

Jeni LeGon (born Jennie Ligon, 1916– 2012), also credited as Jeni Le Gon, was an American dancer, dance instructor, and actress. She was one of the first African-American women to establish a solo career in tap dance. In 1999, the National Film Board of Canada released a documentary film about her life, Jeni Le Gon: Living in a Great Big Way, directed by Grant Greshuk and produced by Selwyn Jacob.

Date made
1937
user
Twentieth Century Fox
ID Number
2002.0389.01
accession number
2002.0389
catalog number
2002.0389.01

Luke Cage, Hero for Hire, Vol. 1, No. 4

This comic book, written by Archie Goodwin with pencil by William Graham Jr., features the superhero Luke Cage battling the Phantom of 42nd Street. on it's cover.
Description
This comic book, written by Archie Goodwin with pencil by William Graham Jr., features the superhero Luke Cage battling the Phantom of 42nd Street. on it's cover. Cage, an early African American superhero, was introduced in the first issue of the series (1973.) The book's title would chang to Luke Cage, Power Man and later, to Power Man and Iron Fist.
Inspired by the then popular blaxploitation film genre, Marvel Comics' editor Roy Thomas, writer Archie Goodwin and others created Luke Cage, an African American superhero also known as Power Man. Coming from Harlem, New York City, Cage attained super strength and near invulnerability after undergoing a scientific experiment. As a hero for hire, he offered his services to those in need for a price.
Cage has gone on to headline numerous Marvel titles, as well as being part of organizations such as The Avengers, The Defenders and The Thunderbolts.
The character has headlined his own television series, and has been represented in numerous animated programs, video games, and merchandise.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1972-12
ID Number
2018.0171.10
accession number
2018.0171
catalog number
2018.0171.10

"Little Alabama Coon"

This sheet music is for the song, “Little Alabama Coon,” with words and music by Hattie Starr. It was published by Willie Woodward and Co. in New York, New York in 1893. The cover features an inset image of actress Miss Franke M.
Description

This sheet music is for the song, “Little Alabama Coon,” with words and music by Hattie Starr. It was published by Willie Woodward and Co. in New York, New York in 1893. The cover features an inset image of actress Miss Franke M. Raymond.

“Little Alabama Coon” was featured in David Henderson’s American Extravaganza production of Aladdin, Jr.

Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1893
publisher
Willis Woodward & Co.
ID Number
1988.0693.03
accession number
1988.0693
catalog number
1988.0693.03

"Deep River"

This sheet music is for the song “Deep River,” adapted from an 1870s African American Spiritual. It was published by Larrabee Publications in New York, New York, in 1964.Currently not on view
Description
This sheet music is for the song “Deep River,” adapted from an 1870s African American Spiritual. It was published by Larrabee Publications in New York, New York, in 1964.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1964
publisher
Larrabee Publications
Larrabee Publications
ID Number
1983.0830.09
accession number
1983.0830
catalog number
1983.0830.09

She's Gotta Have It Movie Poster

Movie poster for She's Gotta Have It. Spike Lee directed this 1986 romantic comedy about a woman and her three lovers. Tracy Camilla Johns, Tommy Redmond Hicks, John Canada Terrell, and Spike Lee star in this film.Currently not on view
Description
Movie poster for She's Gotta Have It. Spike Lee directed this 1986 romantic comedy about a woman and her three lovers. Tracy Camilla Johns, Tommy Redmond Hicks, John Canada Terrell, and Spike Lee star in this film.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1986
Associated Name
Lee, Spike
ID Number
1987.0128.04
accession number
1987.0128
catalog number
1987.0128.04

Sammy Davis Jr. and friends

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1960
depicted (sitter)
Davis, Jr., Sammy
maker
Avery, Sid
ID Number
2002.0386.05
accession number
2002.0386
catalog number
2002.0386.05

Steel Drum, used by Jeni LeGon

This drum was made by an unknown maker, provenance unknown, late 1950s. It is a Steel Drum or Steelpan, made from a 55-gallon oil drum, with a red painted shell. Curved indentations in the top of steelpan make different musical notes when struck.
Description (Brief)

This drum was made by an unknown maker, provenance unknown, late 1950s. It is a Steel Drum or Steelpan, made from a 55-gallon oil drum, with a red painted shell. Curved indentations in the top of steelpan make different musical notes when struck. Each indentation is highlighted in yellow paint with indication of which note of the musical scale it will play when struck. Hand painted and used by Jeni LeGon in the traveling show with her dance troupe, "Jazz Caribe," 1959-1969. Painted on the shell:

JENI

(embossed on label maker tape):

JENI LEGON'S JAZZ CARIBE

Jeni LeGon (born Jennie Ligon, 1916– 2012), also credited as Jeni Le Gon, was an American dancer, dance instructor, and actress. She was one of the first African-American women to establish a solo career in tap dance. In 1999, the National Film Board of Canada released a documentary film about her life, Jeni Le Gon: Living in a Great Big Way, directed by Grant Greshuk and produced by Selwyn Jacob.

Location
Currently not on view
Date made
late 1950s
user
LeGon, Jeni
ID Number
2002.0389.03
catalog number
2002.0389.03
accession number
2002.0389

"Underground Rail Car or Song of the Fugitive"

This sheet music is for the song “Underground Rail Car or Song of the Fugitive,” by George N. Allen. It was published by S. Brainard and Company in Cleveland, Ohio in 1854.Currently not on view
Description
This sheet music is for the song “Underground Rail Car or Song of the Fugitive,” by George N. Allen. It was published by S. Brainard and Company in Cleveland, Ohio in 1854.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1854
composer
Allen, George N.
publisher
S. Brainard and Co.
ID Number
1986.0370.08
accession number
1986.0370
catalog number
1986.0370.08

Haverly's United Mastadon Minstrels

This colored print depicts twenty-five black performers in an outdoor arena or racetrack. They are dressed in tight pants with horseshoe designs that suggest a jockey motif. Some performers hold crops and wear caps and riding jackets.
Description
This colored print depicts twenty-five black performers in an outdoor arena or racetrack. They are dressed in tight pants with horseshoe designs that suggest a jockey motif. Some performers hold crops and wear caps and riding jackets. The center figure is performing a gymnastic stunt.Below the illustration are the words “Haverly’s Theatre / 12 Nights and 6 Matinees, / Commencing Monday, Dec. 26.”
Entertainment entrepreneur J. H. (Jack) Haverly (1837-1901) was born Christopher Haverly near Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. He launched his show business career in 1864 in Toledo, Ohio, where he purchased a variety theater. Inspired by entrepreneurs like P. T. Barnum, Haverly went on to manage other theaters, and he created minstrel and comic performance groups on the East Coast and in the Middle West. In the late 1870s he consolidated his troupes into a single company called the United Mastodon Minstrels which included forty performers, along with a brass band and drum corps. The group continued to grow and at one point had more than a hundred members. Around the same time, Haverly took control of a black performing group called Charles Callender's Original Georgia Minstrels, or Callender's Colored Minstrels, a group of performers which he renamed Haverly’s Colored Minstrels. He promoted their performances as authentic depictions of black life, even creating a mock plantation with costumed actors portraying slaves and overseers. Haverly’s troupes toured the United States, usually appearing at his own theaters in cities like New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, and San Francisco. They also traveled to England and Scotland. Featuring lavish stage sets and extravagant special effectsinspired by P. T. Barnum, his performers in blackface makeup and exotic costumes inspired the creation of smaller minstrel shows during the late nineteenth century.
This chromolithograph was produced by the Strobridge Lithographing Company. The Strobridge firm was founded in Cincinnati, Ohio about 1847 by lithographer Elijah C. Middleton. Middleton was known as one of the pioneers of chromolithography in the United States. By 1854 lithographer W. R. Wallace and bookseller Hines Strobridge (1823-1909) had joined the firm as partners. After the Civil War, Strobridge acquired sole ownership of the company and renamed it after himself. Strobridge and Company was well known for circus, theater, and movie posters. After leaving Strobridge and Company, Elijah Middleton became known as a portrait publisher, producing prints of George and Martha Washington, Daniel Webster, and other American historical figures.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1880
publisher
Strobridge Lithographing Company
maker
Strobridge Lithographing Company
ID Number
DL.60.2481
catalog number
60.2481
accession number
228146

"Massa's in De Cold Ground"

This sheet music is for the song, “Massa’s in de Cold Ground,” by Stephen C. Foster. It was published by Firth, Pond & Co. in New York, New York in 1853. Indicated on the cover, “As sung by Christy’s Minstrels.”Currently not on view
Description
This sheet music is for the song, “Massa’s in de Cold Ground,” by Stephen C. Foster. It was published by Firth, Pond & Co. in New York, New York in 1853. Indicated on the cover, “As sung by Christy’s Minstrels.”
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1853
publisher
Firth, Pond & Co.
ID Number
1986.0513.02
accession number
1986.0513
catalog number
1986.0513.02

Black Panther #1

Black Panther (Vol. 6) No 1 features the story "A Nation Under or Feet," written by Ta-Nehisi Coates, with art by Brian Stelfreeze.
Description
Black Panther (Vol. 6) No 1 features the story "A Nation Under or Feet," written by Ta-Nehisi Coates, with art by Brian Stelfreeze. The issue is the first of an 18 issue run (2016-2017) featuring the titular superhero.
Black Panther is a superhero created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, who first introduced the character in Marvel Comics' Fantastic Four #52 (1966.)
The alter ego of T'Challa, genius ruler of the fictional African kingdom of Wakanda, Black Panther is considered the first black superhero to be featured in mainstream American comics.
In 1968, he was added to the roster of Marvel Comics' super-group, The Avengers, Earth's Mightiest Heroes. After headlining stories in Jungle Action the character was given his own ongoing series in 1977. This issue from that run features a story scripted and penciled by Jack Kirby.
Black Panther remains a mainstay of Marvel Comics, appearing in comics as well as in various media properties. In film, the character has been featured within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, including 2018's Black Panther.
Ta-Nehisi Coates is an award winning writer who recieved a MacArthur Genius Grant in 2015.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
2016
maker
Marvel Comics
ID Number
2018.3072.01
catalog number
2018.3072.01
nonaccession number
2018.3072

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