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.

Resource Type: Sheet music

“There's One Rose That Will Never Bloom Again”

This sheet music for the song “There’s One Rose That Will Never Bloom Again” was written and composed by Raymond A. Browne and published by Sol Bloom of New York, New York in 1903. The music appeared as a supplement to the “New York Herald” on May 10, 1903.
Description
This sheet music for the song “There’s One Rose That Will Never Bloom Again” was written and composed by Raymond A. Browne and published by Sol Bloom of New York, New York in 1903. The music appeared as a supplement to the “New York Herald” on May 10, 1903. The cover has an illustration of a young woman holding the bloom of a rose on a rosebush in her hands.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1903
composer
Browne, Raymond A.
publisher
Sol Bloom
ID Number
1982.0440.63
accession number
1982.0440
catalog number
1982.0440.63

“One Song”

This sheet music is for the song “One Song” from Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The lyrics were written by Larry Morey and the music was composed by Frank Churchill. This sheet music was published by Irving Berlin, Inc. in 1937.
Description
This sheet music is for the song “One Song” from Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The lyrics were written by Larry Morey and the music was composed by Frank Churchill. This sheet music was published by Irving Berlin, Inc. in 1937. The cover features a color image of Snow White singing while the seven dwarfs play their homemade instruments. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was one of the first films to release a soundtrack in conjunction with the film, and the soundtrack became a top ten hit, speaking to the music’s popularity at the time.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1937
publisher
Irving Berlin, Inc.
ID Number
1983.0320.06
accession number
1983.0320
catalog number
1983.0320.06

“A Little Bit Independent”

This sheet music is for the song “A Little Bit Independent,” with lyrics by Edgar Leslie and music by Joe Burke. It was published by Donaldson, Douglas and Gumbile Inc. in New York, New York, in 1935.
Description (Brief)

This sheet music is for the song “A Little Bit Independent,” with lyrics by Edgar Leslie and music by Joe Burke. It was published by Donaldson, Douglas and Gumbile Inc. in New York, New York, in 1935. The cover notes that the music contains an “additional Chorus for Piano Accordion arranged by Pietro Deiro.” The cover features an inset photograph of Ken Sparnon, who “successfully featured” the song with his orchestra. The rest of the cover is yellow and cream with a profile drawing of a woman.

Kenneth H. Sparnon (1895-1972) was a pianist, organist, trombonist, and arranger who performed in vaudeville and in movie theater stage shows. He was also music director of radio stations in Syracuse and Rochester, New York and provided consultant services to radio music directors as an employee of the Broadcast Music Inc.

Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1935
depicted (sitter)
Sparnon, Ken
publisher
Donaldson Douglas & Gumble Inc.
ID Number
1980.0797.02
accession number
1980.0797
catalog number
1980.0797.02

"Lay Me Where the Birds Are Singing"

This sheet music is for the song “Lay Me Where the Birds are Singing,” which was published around 1880 by F. A. Cotharin in New York, New York. Cotharin produced a journal called Musical Album, in which he would publish various musical pieces.
Description

This sheet music is for the song “Lay Me Where the Birds are Singing,” which was published around 1880 by F. A. Cotharin in New York, New York. Cotharin produced a journal called Musical Album, in which he would publish various musical pieces. The cover of this sheet music features an illustrated portrait of Florence Rice Knox, a popular singer at the time whose image was used to sell this music. Printed on the cover:

Compliments of C. F. Cook & Co.
12 Winter Street, Boston

Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
ca 1880
publisher
F. A. Cotharin
ID Number
1979.1154.02
accession number
1979.1154
catalog number
1979.1154.02

"My Blue Heaven"

This sheet music is for the song, “My Blue Heaven,” with music by Walter Donaldson and lyrics by George Whiting. It was published by Leo Feist, Inc. in New York, New York in 1927.
Description
This sheet music is for the song, “My Blue Heaven,” with music by Walter Donaldson and lyrics by George Whiting. It was published by Leo Feist, Inc. in New York, New York in 1927. There is an image of American popular songwriter and publisher Walter Donaldson (1893-1947) on the cover.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1927
publisher
Leo Feist, Inc.
ID Number
1987.0914.09
accession number
1987.0914
catalog number
1987.0914.09

Don't Talk To Him

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1963
depicted (sitter)
Richard, Cliff
ID Number
2017.3021.338
nonaccession number
2017.3021
catalog number
2017.3021.338

Enchantment

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1960
ID Number
2017.3021.351
nonaccession number
2017.3021
catalog number
2017.3021.351

“With You”

This sheet music is for the song “With You,” written and composed by Paul Rogers, Marilyn Duane, and Paul Denniker. Joe Davis Inc. of New York City published this sheet music in 1938.
Description (Brief)
This sheet music is for the song “With You,” written and composed by Paul Rogers, Marilyn Duane, and Paul Denniker. Joe Davis Inc. of New York City published this sheet music in 1938. The blue cover has a background illustration with a musical motif featuring notes, piano keys, and a woman seated at a piano. The illustration is signed, “Manning.” There is a large inset photograph in the center of the cover of Al Jahn, who featured the song with his orchestra in performances.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1938
publisher
Joe Davis, Inc.
ID Number
1983.0424.123
accession number
1983.0424
catalog number
1983.0424.123

Dolores

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1941
maker
Paramount Music Corporation
ID Number
2015.0215.0061
accession number
2015.0215
catalog number
2015.0215.0061

"Poor Butterfly"

This sheet music is for the song “Poor Butterfly,” with lyrics by John Golden and music by Raymond Hubbell. It was published by T. B.
Description

This sheet music is for the song “Poor Butterfly,” with lyrics by John Golden and music by Raymond Hubbell. It was published by T. B. Harms in New York, New York in 1916.

”Poor Butterfly” was featured in the production,The Big Show, at the New York Hippodrome in 1916.

Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1916
publisher
T. B. Harms and Francis, Day & Hunter
ID Number
1985.0624.10
accession number
1985.0624
catalog number
1985.0624.10

"Home Sweet Home"

This sheet music is for the song “Home Sweet Home,” written by H. R. Bishop. It was published by Eclipse Publishing Company in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1907.Currently not on view
Description
This sheet music is for the song “Home Sweet Home,” written by H. R. Bishop. It was published by Eclipse Publishing Company in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1907.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1907
publisher
Eclipse Publishing Company
ID Number
1985.0808.03
accession number
1985.0808
catalog number
1985.0808.03

"When It's Night-Time in Italy Its Wednesday Over Here"

This sheet music is for the song “When It’s Night-time in Italy It’s Wednesday Over Here,” by James Kendes and Lew Brown. It was published by Shapiro, Bernstein and Co. in New York, New York in 1923.
Description

This sheet music is for the song “When It’s Night-time in Italy It’s Wednesday Over Here,” by James Kendes and Lew Brown. It was published by Shapiro, Bernstein and Co. in New York, New York in 1923. The covers features an image of a gondola and gondolier and an inset image of musician Ed Lowry.

The cover art for this sheet music was made by brothers Joseph B. Wohlman (1899-1963) and Solomon (Saul) Wohlman (1895-1975) who formed Wohlman Studios around 1920. Wohlman Studios generated several hundred music covers and graphics during their three-decade career.

Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1923
publisher
Shapiro, Bernstein & Co., Inc.
ID Number
1985.0808.18
accession number
1985.0808
catalog number
1985.0808.18

"Mindin' My Bus'ness"

This sheet music is for the song, “Mindin’ My Business,” with words by Gus Kahn and music by Walter Donaldson. It was published by Irving Berlin, Inc. in New York, New York in 1923.
Description
This sheet music is for the song, “Mindin’ My Business,” with words by Gus Kahn and music by Walter Donaldson. It was published by Irving Berlin, Inc. in New York, New York in 1923. The cover features an inset image of the musical group Keller Sisters and Lynch, comprised of Annie Keller (1900-1975), Kathryne Keller (1909-1962), and Frank Lynch (1902-1992).
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1923
publisher
Irving Berlin, Inc.
ID Number
1988.0693.01
accession number
1988.0693
catalog number
1988.0693.01

"You're a Grand Old Flag"

This sheet music is for the song “You’re a Grand Old Flag,” by George M. Cohan. It was published by Vogel Music Co., Inc. in New York, New York in 1933.
Description

This sheet music is for the song “You’re a Grand Old Flag,” by George M. Cohan. It was published by Vogel Music Co., Inc. in New York, New York in 1933. The cover features an image of American actor, dancer and film director James Cagney (1899-1986).

”You’re a Grand Old Flag” was featured in the 1942 Warner Bros. musical film, Yankee Doodle Dandy, directed by Michael Curtiz and starred James Cagney, Joan Leslie, and Walter Huston.

Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1933
publisher
Vogel Music Co., Inc.
ID Number
1985.0238.18
accession number
1985.0238
catalog number
1985.0238.18

"Let's Talk About My Sweetie"

This sheet music is for the song, “Let’s Talk About My Sweetie,” with lyrics by Gus Kahn and music by Walter Donaldson. It was published by Leo Feist, Inc. in New York, New York in 1926. The cover features an inset image of musician Harry Kogen.Currently not on view
Description
This sheet music is for the song, “Let’s Talk About My Sweetie,” with lyrics by Gus Kahn and music by Walter Donaldson. It was published by Leo Feist, Inc. in New York, New York in 1926. The cover features an inset image of musician Harry Kogen.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1926
publisher
Leo Feist, Inc.
ID Number
1988.0693.02
accession number
1988.0693
catalog number
1988.0693.02

“Melodies of Home”

This sheet music is for the song “Melodies of Home.” The song was a Swiss “yodle” performed by Fritz Zimmerman and Marcelle Grandville. The sheet music was published by the Triangle Music Publishing Company in 1925.
Description (Brief)
This sheet music is for the song “Melodies of Home.” The song was a Swiss “yodle” performed by Fritz Zimmerman and Marcelle Grandville. The sheet music was published by the Triangle Music Publishing Company in 1925. The cover features inset circular images of Fritz Zimmerman and Marcelle Grandville and a photograph of Mount Pilatus in Lucerne, Switzerland. The duo of Zimmerman and Grandville were a popular act throughout the United States during the 1920s, performing many songs including a variety of Swiss yodels.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1925
publisher
Triangle Music Pub. Co. Inc.
ID Number
1983.0424.014
accession number
1983.0424
catalog number
1983.0424.014

"I'm Just a Loney Little Kid"

This sheet music is for the song “I’m Just a Lonely Kid,” by Jack Norworth and Al Piantadosi. It was published by Shapiro, Bernstein and Co. in New York, New York in 1921.
Description

This sheet music is for the song “I’m Just a Lonely Kid,” by Jack Norworth and Al Piantadosi. It was published by Shapiro, Bernstein and Co. in New York, New York in 1921. There is an image on the cover of actor and comedian Jackie Coogan (1914-1984).

“I’m Just a Lonely Kid” was the theme song of the 1921 First National Pictures silent comedy-drama film My Boy, directed by Victor Heerman and Albert Austin, starring child actor Jackie Coogan.

Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1921
publisher
Shapiro, Bernstein & Co.
ID Number
1984.0568.16
accession number
1984.0568
catalog number
1984.0568.16

"That's My Weakness Now"

This sheet music is for the song “That’s My Weakness,” with words and music by Bud Green and Sam H. Stept. It was published by Shapiro, Berstein and Co. in New York, New York in 1928.
Description

This sheet music is for the song “That’s My Weakness,” with words and music by Bud Green and Sam H. Stept. It was published by Shapiro, Berstein and Co. in New York, New York in 1928. The cover features an inset of American singer and actress Helen Kane (1904-1966) who “successfully introduced this song.”

The cover art for this sheet music was made by American artist and designer Albert Wilfred Barbelle (1887-1957). With a prolific career spanning over forty years, Barbelle created numerous works of cover art for sheet music and albums.

Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1928
depicted (sitter)
Kane, Helen
publisher
Shapiro, Bernstein & Co., Inc.
ID Number
1985.0403.16
accession number
1985.0403
catalog number
1985.0403.16

"My Great, Great, Grandfather"

This sheet music for the song "My Great, Great, Grandfather" was written by Edna Fischer and Al Garman, and published by Tele-Mus Publishing, Co., Inc., in Hollywood, California, in 1942. On the cover there is an image of actors J.
Description (Brief)
This sheet music for the song "My Great, Great, Grandfather" was written by Edna Fischer and Al Garman, and published by Tele-Mus Publishing, Co., Inc., in Hollywood, California, in 1942. On the cover there is an image of actors J. Anthony Smythe and Minetta Ellen from the radio soap opera One Man's Family. This song was featured in the radio program. One Man's Family, created by Carlton E. Morse, and was on air from 1932 to 1959.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1942
ID Number
2016.0093.01
accession number
2016.0093
catalog number
2016.0093.01

The Comb and Paper Polka

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1950
depicted (sitter)
Day, Doris
ID Number
2017.3021.305
nonaccession number
2017.3021
catalog number
2017.3021.305

“You'll Never Miss Your Mother Till She's Gone”

This sheet music for the song “You’ll Never Miss Your Mother Till She’s Gone“ was written by Harry Birch, and published by White, Smith, and Company of Boston, Massachusetts in 1885.
Description
This sheet music for the song “You’ll Never Miss Your Mother Till She’s Gone“ was written by Harry Birch, and published by White, Smith, and Company of Boston, Massachusetts in 1885. The cover features an image of a forlorn man reclining against a tombstone, with an image of his mother knitting in her chair above.
Location
Currently not on view
publsihing date
1885
composer; lyricist
Birch, Harry
publisher
White, Smith, and Company
ID Number
1979.1154.24
accession number
1979.1154
catalog number
1979.1154.24

“On Treasure Island”

This sheet music is for the song “On Treasure Island” that was written and composed by Edgar Leslie and Joe Burke. The Joe Morris Music Company, Inc. of New York City published the sheet music in 1935.
Description (Brief)
This sheet music is for the song “On Treasure Island” that was written and composed by Edgar Leslie and Joe Burke. The Joe Morris Music Company, Inc. of New York City published the sheet music in 1935. The cover illustrations shows a man and woman on a small island in the middle of an ocean, with a dinghy pulled ashore and a yacht in the background. The illustration is signed “Cliff Miska.”
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1935
publisher
Joe Morris Music Company
ID Number
1983.0424.157
accession number
1983.0424
catalog number
1983.0424.157

“Hold Me”

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

The Black Rose

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1951
maker
Music Publishing Company of Africa
ID Number
2017.3021.266
nonaccession number
2017.3021
catalog number
2017.3021.266

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