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: United States

"All the World Will Be Jealous of Me"

This sheet music is for the song, “All the World Will Be Jealous of Me,” with lyrics by Al Dubin and music by Ernest R. Ball. It was published by Whitmark and Sons in New York, New York in 1917.
Description
This sheet music is for the song, “All the World Will Be Jealous of Me,” with lyrics by Al Dubin and music by Ernest R. Ball. It was published by Whitmark and Sons in New York, New York in 1917. The cover features a colorized photograph of actors Ethel Gray Terry (1882-1931) and Robert Armstrong (1890-1973) from White Studio in New York.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1917
publisher
M. Witmark & Sons
ID Number
1988.0538.12
accession number
1988.0538
catalog number
1988.0538.12

Rockin' Alone (In an Old Rocking Chair; I'm Thinking Tonight Of My Blue Eyes

Eddy Arnold. side 1: Rockin' Alone (In an Old Rocking Chair); side 2: I'm Thinking Tonight of My Blue Eyes (RCA Victor 20-2488), from the album, All Time Hits from the Hills (RCA Victor P 195).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Eddy Arnold. side 1: Rockin' Alone (In an Old Rocking Chair); side 2: I'm Thinking Tonight of My Blue Eyes (RCA Victor 20-2488), from the album, All Time Hits from the Hills (RCA Victor P 195).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1947
recording artist
Arnold, Eddy
manufacturer
RCA Victor
ID Number
1996.0320.05015
maker number
20-2488
P 195
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05015

Alabama / Auburn; Kentucky / Tennessee

All-American Glee Club. side 1: Alabama's Day/Song of the Crimson Tide (track 1) Fight 'Em Tigers/Alma Mater (track 2); side 2: Kentucky! Fight, Fight, Fight/On, On U. of K. (track 1) Spirit of the Hill/Fight Vols, Fight!
Description
All-American Glee Club. side 1: Alabama's Day/Song of the Crimson Tide (track 1) Fight 'Em Tigers/Alma Mater (track 2); side 2: Kentucky! Fight, Fight, Fight/On, On U. of K. (track 1) Spirit of the Hill/Fight Vols, Fight! (track 2) (Victor 26682), from the album, College Songs, Vol. 3 - Southern (Victor P 34).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1940
manufacturer
Victor
ID Number
1988.0384.23
accession number
1988.0384
maker number
26682
catalog number
1988.0384.23
maker number
P 34

"Katinka"

This sheet music is for the song “Katinka,” with words by Bene Russell and music by Henry Tobias. It was published by Leo Feist in New York, new York in 1926.Currently not on view
Description
This sheet music is for the song “Katinka,” with words by Bene Russell and music by Henry Tobias. It was published by Leo Feist in New York, new York in 1926.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1926
publisher
Leo Feist, Inc.
ID Number
1983.0529.16
accession number
1983.0529
catalog number
1983.0529.16

Jensen B-81 Speaker

This speaker was made by Jensen Manufacturing Company in Chicago, Illinois, around 1947-1953. It is a Bass Reflex speaker, model B-81, made of a wood and fiberboard shell, with metal trim, two fabric covered speaker holes, and wire connections.
Description (Brief)

This speaker was made by Jensen Manufacturing Company in Chicago, Illinois, around 1947-1953. It is a Bass Reflex speaker, model B-81, made of a wood and fiberboard shell, with metal trim, two fabric covered speaker holes, and wire connections. This speaker was used by WANN (1190) radio station in Annapolis, Maryland. There is a printed label on the back of the speaker:

Jensen
Bass Reflex
Model B-81 CABINET, CATALOG NO. ST-741
SPECIFICATION NO. C4907
[additional printed information]

WANN (1190 AM) was a radio station based out of Annapolis, Maryland that primarily served the area's growing African American community. Morris Blum founded it in 1946, and it broadcast to the entire mid-Atlantic region. The station was home to disc jockey Charles "Hoppy" Adams starting in the early 1950s. Adams hosted weekly events at a local African American only beach, Carr's Beach, which were popular with the area's youth population.

WANN continued to program gospel, rhythm and blues, and public affairs features until 1992 when the station changed to a mainstream country format with the catchphrase “Bay Country 1190.” Around 1998, the station changed ownership and became WBIS, broadcasting a News Talk Information format.

Location
Currently not on view
date made
1947-1953
manufacturer
Jensen Manufacturing Company
ID Number
2002.0319.18
accession number
2002.0319
catalog number
2002.0319.18
model number
B-81

Regina Music Box Master Disc

This master disc was made by the Regina Music Box Company in Rahway, New Jersey. It is master disc #1224 used in the production of 20-3/4” diameter discs for Regina disc music box styles 26, 126, 39, and 139.
Description
This master disc was made by the Regina Music Box Company in Rahway, New Jersey. It is master disc #1224 used in the production of 20-3/4” diameter discs for Regina disc music box styles 26, 126, 39, and 139. These table-top disc players featured a 130 steel tongues double comb mechanism. The Regina Company was in business from 1894-1922.
Location
Currently not on view
manufacturer
Regina Music Box Company
ID Number
MI.73.01.11.017
catalog number
73.01.11.017
maker number
1224
accession number
301414

Solomon Levi; Comin' Round the Mountain

Carson Robison and his Pleasant Valley Boys. side 1: Solomon Levi; side 2: Comin' 'Round the Mountain (RCA Victor 20-1831), from the album, Square Dances (RCA Victor P 155).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Carson Robison and his Pleasant Valley Boys. side 1: Solomon Levi; side 2: Comin' 'Round the Mountain (RCA Victor 20-1831), from the album, Square Dances (RCA Victor P 155).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
release date
1946
recording artist
Carson Robison and His Pleasant Valley Boys
Pleasant Valley Boys
manufacturer
RCA Victor
ID Number
1996.0320.05252
maker number
20-1831
P 155
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05252

"Oh! What a Pal Was Mary"

This sheet music is for the song “Oh! What A Pal Was Mary,” by Edgar Leslie and Bert Kalmar. It was published by Waterson, Berlin and Snyder Co. in New York, New York, in 1919. The cover features an image of a women wearing a hat, holding flowers.
Description

This sheet music is for the song “Oh! What A Pal Was Mary,” by Edgar Leslie and Bert Kalmar. It was published by Waterson, Berlin and Snyder Co. in New York, New York, in 1919. The cover features an image of a women wearing a hat, holding flowers.

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 cover art for sheet music and albums.

Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1919
publisher
Waterson, Berlin & Snyder Co.
ID Number
1986.0588.11
accession number
1986.0588
catalog number
1986.0588.11

Mack Magaha

Mach Magaha (1929-2003) was a sought-after bluegrass fiddler. A member of Don Reno and Red Smiley's Tennessee Cut-Ups in the 1950s and 1960s, he next worked with Porter Wagoner for nearly twenty years.Currently not on view
Description
Mach Magaha (1929-2003) was a sought-after bluegrass fiddler. A member of Don Reno and Red Smiley's Tennessee Cut-Ups in the 1950s and 1960s, he next worked with Porter Wagoner for nearly twenty years.
Location
Currently not on view
negative
1975
print
2003
maker
Horenstein, Henry
ID Number
2003.0169.037
accession number
2003.0169
catalog number
2003.0169.037

“I'll Always Be in Love with You”

This sheet music is for the song “I'll Always Be in Love with You,” the theme song from the film “Syncopation.” Herman Green and Ruby Stept composed the music and wrote the lyrics to the song. Shapiro Bernstein & Co. Inc. of New York, New York published the sheet music in 1929.
Description (Brief)
This sheet music is for the song “I'll Always Be in Love with You,” the theme song from the film “Syncopation.” Herman Green and Ruby Stept composed the music and wrote the lyrics to the song. Shapiro Bernstein & Co. Inc. of New York, New York published the sheet music in 1929. The pink cover features an inset photograph of Morton Downey, who performed the song in the film. Below his portrait photograph is a group photograph of Waring’s Pennsylvania, who starred in the film along with Barbara Bennett, Bobby Watson, and Dorothy Lee.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1929
lyricist
Green, Bud
composer
Stept, Sam H.
composer; lyricist
Ruby, Herman
retailer
Shapiro, Bernstein & Co., Inc.
publisher
Green & Stept Inc.
ID Number
1983.0424.110
accession number
1983.0424
catalog number
1983.0424.110

St. Louis Blues; Cafe Society Blues

Count Basie and his All American Rhythm Section. side 1: St. Louis Blues; side 2: Cafe Society Blues (Columbia 36711), from the album, Blues By Basie (Columbia C-101).78 rpm. Both tracks were recorded in 1942.
Description

Count Basie and his All American Rhythm Section. side 1: St. Louis Blues; side 2: Cafe Society Blues (Columbia 36711), from the album, Blues By Basie (Columbia C-101).
78 rpm. Both tracks were recorded in 1942. This album was released in 1944.

The cover art for this album was made by Alex Steinweiss. Alexander “Alex” Steinweiss (1917-2011) was an American artist and graphic designer. He was the first art director of Columbia Records, expanding the use of album covers and cover art. Steinweiss created album cover art from 1938 to 1973.

Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1942
release date
1944
recording artist
Count Basie and his All American Rhythm Section
manufacturer
Columbia
ID Number
1978.0670.507
maker number
36711
C-101
accession number
1978.0670
catalog number
1978.0670.507

The Wang Wang BluesAs Long As I Live

Benny Goodman and his Sextet. side 1: The Wang Wang Blues; side 2: As Long As I Live (Columbia 36723), from the album, Benny Goodman Sextet (Columbia C-102).78 rpm. Side 1 was originally recorded in 1942 and released on Columbia 36594.
Description

Benny Goodman and his Sextet. side 1: The Wang Wang Blues; side 2: As Long As I Live (Columbia 36723), from the album, Benny Goodman Sextet (Columbia C-102).
78 rpm. Side 1 was originally recorded in 1942 and released on Columbia 36594. Side 2 was originally recorded in 1940 and released on Columbia 35901. This album was released in 1944.

The cover art for this album was made by Alex Steinweiss. Alexander “Alex” Steinweiss (1917-2011) was an American artist and graphic designer. He was the first art director of Columbia Records, expanding the use of album covers and cover art. Steinweiss created album cover art from 1938 to 1973.

Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1940
1942
release date
1944
recording artist
Benny Goodman Sextet
manufacturer
Columbia
ID Number
1978.0670.504
maker number
36723
C-102
accession number
1978.0670
catalog number
1978.0670.504

Celestina or Mandolina Music Roll #425

This music roll was made by Mechanical Orguinette Company, in New York, New York, around 1895-1900. It is Roll #425, playable in a Celestina or Mandolina model roller organ. This roll sold for 80 cents.
Description

This music roll was made by Mechanical Orguinette Company, in New York, New York, around 1895-1900. It is Roll #425, playable in a Celestina or Mandolina model roller organ. This roll sold for 80 cents. The tune list for this roll is as follows:

Home Sweet Home - Bishop
Annie Laurie - Dunn
Nellie Gray - Hauby
Old Folks at Home - Foster
She Wore a Wreath of Roses - Knight

Location
Currently not on view
date made
1895-1900
ID Number
MI.73.02a.01
accession number
301352
catalog number
73.02a.01

Caprice XXIV Paganini; I'm Here

Benny Goodman and his Orchestra. side 1: Caprice XXIV Paganini; side 2: I'm Here (Columbia 36411).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Benny Goodman and his Orchestra. side 1: Caprice XXIV Paganini; side 2: I'm Here (Columbia 36411).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1941
recording artist
Benny Goodman and his Orchestra
manufacturer
Columbia
ID Number
1988.0698.1079
catalog number
1988.0698.1079
accession number
1988.0698
collector/donor number
G50
maker number
36411

If I Didn't Love You So; Walking By the River

Savannah Churchill. side 1: If I Didn't Love You So; side 2: Walking By the River (RCA Victor 20-5031).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Savannah Churchill. side 1: If I Didn't Love You So; side 2: Walking By the River (RCA Victor 20-5031).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1951
recording artist
Churchill, Savannah
composer
Carlisle, Una Mae
Sour, Robert
Csida, Joe
Mellin, Robert
manufacturer
RCA Victor
ID Number
1996.0153.08723
label number
20-5031
catalog number
1996.0153.08723
accession number
1996.0153

Regina Music Box Master Disc

This master disc was made by the Regina Music Box Company in Rahway, New Jersey. It is master disc #10101 used in the production of 20-3/4” diameter discs for Regina disc music box styles 26, 126, 39, and 139.
Description
This master disc was made by the Regina Music Box Company in Rahway, New Jersey. It is master disc #10101 used in the production of 20-3/4” diameter discs for Regina disc music box styles 26, 126, 39, and 139. These table-top disc players featured a 130 steel tongues double comb mechanism. The Regina Company was in business from 1894-1922.
Location
Currently not on view
manufacturer
Regina Music Box Company
ID Number
MI.73.01.11.093
catalog number
73.01.11.093
maker number
10101
accession number
301414

“There's No Love Like the Old Love After All”

This sheet music for the song “There’s No Love like the Old Love After All” was written by Will Walters and composed by J. A. T. Noble. The music was originally published by the Oliver Ditson Co.
Description
This sheet music for the song “There’s No Love like the Old Love After All” was written by Will Walters and composed by J. A. T. Noble. The music was originally published by the Oliver Ditson Co. of Boston, Massachusetts in 1898, and this copy appeared as a supplement to the “New York Herald” on March 8, 1903. The cover has a central pencil drawing of a bonneted woman staring sternly at the viewer, framed in dark shading.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1898
lyricist
Waters, Will
composer
Noble, J. A. T.
publisher
Oliver Ditson Company
ID Number
1982.0440.78
accession number
1982.0440
catalog number
1982.0440.78

Woodland Sketches, Op. 51, Nos. 7 & 8

This player piano roll was made by Aeolian Co. in New York, New York. It is Roll # #9456 - Woodland Sketches, Op. 51 – (No. 7) “From Uncle Remus” and (No. 8) “A Deserted Farm,” by Edward MacDowell.Currently not on view
Description
This player piano roll was made by Aeolian Co. in New York, New York. It is Roll # #9456 - Woodland Sketches, Op. 51 – (No. 7) “From Uncle Remus” and (No. 8) “A Deserted Farm,” by Edward MacDowell.
Location
Currently not on view
manufacturer
Aeolian Co.
ID Number
MI.73.36a.105
catalog number
73.36a.105
accession number
304324
maker number
9456

Who Wants Them Tall, Dark and Handsome; You Can't Sew a Button on a Heart

Sophie Tucker. side 1: Who Wants Them Tall, Dark and Handsome; side 2: You Can't Sew a Button On a Heart (Decca 23421), 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: Who Wants Them Tall, Dark and Handsome; side 2: You Can't Sew a Button On a Heart (Decca 23421), 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
1979.1023.118
accession number
1979.1023
maker number
23421
A-396
catalog number
1979.1023.118

Elvis Presley

Elvis Aron Presley (1935—1977) is one of the best-known and most influential figures in popular music.
Description

Elvis Aron Presley (1935—1977) is one of the best-known and most influential figures in popular music. Throughout his career, Elvis incorporated pop, gospel, country, and blues elements into creating his trademark style and earning his mainstream success.

This recording is the first of Elvis's many albums that he made for RCA. The company took a major risk in releasing a full album from this new "rock & roll" artist, as teenagers were more likely to buy 45 rpm singles than a full LP. The Elvis Presley album included recording sessions Elvis did for RCA and five previously unissued songs recorded earlier with Sun Records. After the album's release in March 1956, Elvis Presley eventually went on to become the first rock & roll album to reach number one on national record sales charts, and RCA's first million-dollar-earning pop album.

Date made
1956
recording artist
Presley, Elvis
manufacturer
RCA Victor
ID Number
2000.3053.1039
nonaccession number
2000.3053
catalog number
2000.3053.1039
label number
LPM-1254

Stoney and Wilma Lee Cooper

The Coopers welcomed Henry Horestein in their home, a great example of the accessibility of stars just thirty years ago. Wilma Lee (Leigh Leary, b. 1921) and Stoney Cooper (Dale Troy, 1918-1977) ranked as one of the great husband-wife teams in country music.
Description
The Coopers welcomed Henry Horestein in their home, a great example of the accessibility of stars just thirty years ago. Wilma Lee (Leigh Leary, b. 1921) and Stoney Cooper (Dale Troy, 1918-1977) ranked as one of the great husband-wife teams in country music. Their musical careers helped to bridge older and newer styles.
Location
Currently not on view
negative
1974
print
2003
maker
Horenstein, Henry
ID Number
2003.0169.038
accession number
2003.0169
catalog number
2003.0169.038

That Old Feeling

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1956
recording artist
Sinatra, Frank
maker
Columbia
ID Number
2015.0215.1516
accession number
2015.0215
catalog number
2015.0215.1516
maker number
B-9021

Merchant's Gargling Oil Songster

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1889
maker
Courier Lithographic Co.
ID Number
2016.3125.16
nonaccession number
2016.3125
catalog number
2016.3125.16

"Pull for the Shore"

This roller organ roll was made by an undetermined maker in the United States, about 1885. It is roll #29 - "Pull for the Shore." This roll is playable in 20-note roller organs.This roller organ roll features U. S. Patent #333390, dated July 14, 1885, by Henry B.
Description (Brief)

This roller organ roll was made by an undetermined maker in the United States, about 1885. It is roll #29 - "Pull for the Shore." This roll is playable in 20-note roller organs.

This roller organ roll features U. S. Patent #333390, dated July 14, 1885, by Henry B. Morris for a barrel for mechanical musical instruments.

Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1885
ID Number
1984.0843.15
catalog number
1984.0843.15
accession number
1984.0843
maker number
29

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