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.

Place: New York

Blues For Tommy; Basin Street Blues

side 1: Port of Harlem Seven. Blues for Tommy; side 2: J.C. Higginbotham Quintet. Basin Street Blues (Blue Note 7).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
side 1: Port of Harlem Seven. Blues for Tommy; side 2: J.C. Higginbotham Quintet. Basin Street Blues (Blue Note 7).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1939
recording artist
Port of Harlem Seven
J. C. Higginbotham Quintet
manufacturer
Blue Note
ID Number
1978.0670.775
maker number
7
accession number
1978.0670
catalog number
1978.0670.775

Supergirl No. 30

Supergirl No. 30 features the story "I Remember Matrix," written by Peter David and pencilled by Leonard Kirk. Kirk also provided the cover art.Currently not on view
Description
Supergirl No. 30 features the story "I Remember Matrix," written by Peter David and pencilled by Leonard Kirk. Kirk also provided the cover art.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1999
maker
D. C. Comics, Inc.
ID Number
2018.3010.267
catalog number
2018.3010.267
nonaccession number
2018.3010

“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

Piano Sonata in A major, D. 664, Op. posth. 120 - Allegro

This player piano roll was made by Aeolian Co. in New York, New York. It is Roll #9197 – Piano Sonata in A major, D. 664, Op. posth. 120 – III. Allegro, by Franz Schubert.Currently not on view
Description
This player piano roll was made by Aeolian Co. in New York, New York. It is Roll #9197 – Piano Sonata in A major, D. 664, Op. posth. 120 – III. Allegro, by Franz Schubert.
Location
Currently not on view
manufacturer
Aeolian Co.
ID Number
MI.73.36a.073
catalog number
73.36a.073
accession number
304324
maker number
9197

"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

“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

ASCAP Pop Award, presented to Harry Warren

This special award was presented by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) to composer Harry Warren on May 16, 1990. It is made of wood with a laminated paper certificate in cream, black and silver with a block border with a silver painted edge.
Description

This special award was presented by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) to composer Harry Warren on May 16, 1990. It is made of wood with a laminated paper certificate in cream, black and silver with a block border with a silver painted edge. The certificate is printed:

1990
ASCAP
POP
Award
HONORS
HARRY WARREN
WRITER OF
I Only Have Eyes for You
AMONG THE MOST PERFORMED
ASCAP STANDARDS
OCTOBER 1, 1979 - SEPTEMBER 30, 1989
[signature of Morton Gould]
PRESIDENT
May 16, 1990 . Los Angeles, California

Location
Currently not on view
presentation date
1990
recipient
Warren, Harry
presenter
American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers
manufacturer
Plakman
ID Number
2002.3101.09
catalog number
2002.3101.09
nonaccession number
2002.3101

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

Bossa Nova U.S.A.

The Dave Brubeck Quartet. Bossa Nova U.S.A. (Columbia CL 1998).33-1/3 rpm.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
The Dave Brubeck Quartet. Bossa Nova U.S.A. (Columbia CL 1998).
33-1/3 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1963
recording artist
Dave Brubeck Quartet
manufacturer
Columbia
ID Number
1978.0670.781
maker number
CL 1998
accession number
1978.0670
catalog number
1978.0670.781

Children's Cowboy Songs

Children's Cowboy Songs song book and coloring book published by Edward Schuberth and Company in New York, New York, in 1946. The cover, by artist Albert Barbelle, features a multi-color ink image depicting a boy and a girl riding horses.
Description

Children's Cowboy Songs song book and coloring book published by Edward Schuberth and Company in New York, New York, in 1946. The cover, by artist Albert Barbelle, features a multi-color ink image depicting a boy and a girl riding horses.

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

Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1946
publisher
Edward Schuberth and Company
ID Number
2013.0253.01
accession number
2013.0253
catalog number
2013.0253.01

"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

Siegfried - Siegfried Passes Through the Flames

This player piano roll was made by Aeolian Co. in New York, New York. It is Roll #9645 - Siegfried - Siegfried Passes Through the Flames, by Richard Wagner. Transcription by Albert Heintz.Currently not on view
Description
This player piano roll was made by Aeolian Co. in New York, New York. It is Roll #9645 - Siegfried - Siegfried Passes Through the Flames, by Richard Wagner. Transcription by Albert Heintz.
Location
Currently not on view
manufacturer
Aeolian Co.
ID Number
MI.73.36a.118
catalog number
73.36a.118
accession number
304324
maker number
9645

"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

Everybody Loves My Baby; The Call Of the Blues

Sidney De Paris' Blue Note Jazz Men. side 1: Everybody Loves My Baby; side 2: The Call of the Blues (Blue Note 40).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Sidney De Paris' Blue Note Jazz Men. side 1: Everybody Loves My Baby; side 2: The Call of the Blues (Blue Note 40).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1944
recording artist
Sidney De Paris' Blue Note Jazz Men
manufacturer
Blue Note
ID Number
1978.0670.777
maker number
40
accession number
1978.0670
catalog number
1978.0670.777

"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

Long Ago and Far Away; All of Me

Teddy Wilson.
Description

Teddy Wilson. side 1: Long Ago and Far Away; side 2: All of Me (Musicraft 372), from the album, Teddy Wilson Plays (Musicraft N7).
78 rpm.

The cover art for this album was made by Art Seiden (1923-2004) an American artist and illustrator best known for his illustrations for children’s books. Seiden illustrated over 300 books and was author and artist for more than 20 children’s books.

Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1946
recording artist
Wilson, Teddy
manufacturer
Musicraft
ID Number
1981.0656.475
accession number
1981.0656
maker number
372
N7
catalog number
1981.0656.475

The Foggy Foggy Dew; Black Is the Color

Burl Ives. side 1: The Foggy Foggy Dew; side 2: Black Is the Color (Asch 345-2), from the album, The Wayfaring Stranger (Asch 345).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Burl Ives. side 1: The Foggy Foggy Dew; side 2: Black Is the Color (Asch 345-2), from the album, The Wayfaring Stranger (Asch 345).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
release date
1944
recording artist
Ives, Burl
manufacturer
Asch
ID Number
1979.1023.089
maker number
345-2
345
accession number
1979.1023
catalog number
1979.1023.089

Maxology

Max Roach Quintet. side 1: Maxology [part 1]; side 2: Maxology [part 2] (Prestige 702)78 rpm. "Maxology" is also known as "Baby Sis."Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Max Roach Quintet. side 1: Maxology [part 1]; side 2: Maxology [part 2] (Prestige 702)
78 rpm.
"Maxology" is also known as "Baby Sis."
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1949
recording artist
Max Roach Quintet
manufacturer
Prestige
ID Number
1978.0670.360
maker number
702
accession number
1978.0670
catalog number
1978.0670.360

Detective Comics No. 108

Detective Comics No. 108 was published by DC Comics in February 1946 and sold for ten cents. George Russos illustrated the black cover that depicts the Batplane flying through the bat signal, with Batman and Robin in the foreground.
Description
Detective Comics No. 108 was published by DC Comics in February 1946 and sold for ten cents. George Russos illustrated the black cover that depicts the Batplane flying through the bat signal, with Batman and Robin in the foreground. The cover’s caption reads: “In this issue Batman and Robin trail Sky-Bandits in the jet-propelled Batplane!” This issue features Batman and Robin in the “The Goat of Gotham City,” Slam Bradley in “How High is Up?” Air Wave in “Second Childhood?” and the Boy Commandos in “The Miracle of Hoo-Dun-Dat.”
Detective Comics was an anthology comic featuring stories about characters including Batman, Robin, Slam Bradley, the Boy Commandos, Air Wave, Martian Manhunter, and Roy Raymond TV Detective. Batman was introduced in Detective Comics No. 27, and continued to star in the series even after receiving his own title.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1945
maker
D. C. Comics, Inc.
ID Number
2013.0086.074
catalog number
2013.0086.074
accession number
2013.0086

A Kiss to Build a Dream On; (When We Are Dancing) I Get Ideas

Louis Armstrong with Sy Oliver and his Orchestra. side 1: A Kiss to Build a Dream On; side 2: (When We Are Dancing I Get Ideas (Decca 27720).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Louis Armstrong with Sy Oliver and his Orchestra. side 1: A Kiss to Build a Dream On; side 2: (When We Are Dancing I Get Ideas (Decca 27720).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1951
recording artist
Armstrong, Louis
Sy Oliver and his Orchestra
manufacturer
Decca
ID Number
2014.0105.05
accession number
2014.0105
catalog number
2014.0105.05
maker number
27720

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