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: Illinois

April in Paris; If I Should Lose You

Charlie Parker with strings. side 1: April in Paris; side 2: If I Should Lose You (Mercury 11037), from the album, Charlie Parker With Strings (Mercury C-101).78 rpm.The cover art for this album was by David Stone Martin (born David Livingstone Martin, 1913-1992).
Description

Charlie Parker with strings. side 1: April in Paris; side 2: If I Should Lose You (Mercury 11037), from the album, Charlie Parker With Strings (Mercury C-101).
78 rpm.

The cover art for this album was by David Stone Martin (born David Livingstone Martin, 1913-1992). Martin was an American artist best known for his illustrations on jazz album covers for labels including Mercury, Asch, Clef, Disc, and Dial. Many of his commissions were from Martin’s longtime friend, American jazz record producer and concert promoter Norman Granz (1918-2001).

Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1949
recording artist
Parker, Charlie
manufacturer
Mercury
ID Number
1978.0670.628
accession number
1978.0670
maker number
11037
C-101
catalog number
1978.0670.628

Violano Virtuoso Roll #2914

This music roll was made by Mills Novelty Company in Chicago, Illinois, about 1929-1930. It is Roll #2914, playable in a Violano Virtuoso player.
Description

This music roll was made by Mills Novelty Company in Chicago, Illinois, about 1929-1930. It is Roll #2914, playable in a Violano Virtuoso player. The tune list for this roll is as follows:

Roll #2914 - Record Breaking Tunes
14397: I Kiss Your Hand Madame (fox trot), Fritz Rotter & Ralph Erwin, copyright 1929, Harms, Inc.
14398: Maybe - Who Knows (fox trot), Kuth Etting-Joe Schuster & Johnny Tucker, copyright 1929, M. Witmark & Sons
14399: Pagan Love Song (waltz), Arthur Freed & Nacio Herb Brown, copyright 1929, Robbins Music Co.
14400: Finding the Long Way Home (fox trot), Gus Kahn & Harry Warren, copyright 1929, Remick Music Corp.
14401: From Sunrise to Sunset (fox trot), copyright 1929, Irving Berlin

Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1929-1930
maker
Mills Novelty Company
ID Number
MI.73.23
accession number
289515
catalog number
73.23
maker number
2914

Violano Virtuoso Roll #2904

This music roll was made by Mills Novelty Company in Chicago, Illinois, about 1929-1930. It is Roll #2904, playable in a Violano Virtuoso player.
Description (Brief)

This music roll was made by Mills Novelty Company in Chicago, Illinois, about 1929-1930. It is Roll #2904, playable in a Violano Virtuoso player. The tune list for this roll is as follows:

Roll #2904 - Good Dance Music in a Most Attractive Way
14343: Wake Up Chilluns Wake Up (fox trot), Jo Trent & Willard Robison, copyright 1929, Walter Donaldson
14344: I'm Ka-razy for You (fox trot), Al Jolson, Billy Rose & Dave Dreyer, copyright 1929, Irving Berlin
14345: I Love You I Adore You from "The Silver Swann" (waltz), H. Maurice Jacquet, copyright 1929, Leo Feist
14346: My Castle in Spain is a Shack in the Lane (fox trot), Irving Ceasar & Cliff Friend, copyright 1929, Leo Feist
14347: Susianna (fox trot), Spencer Williams, copyright 1929, Triangle Music Co.

Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1929-1930
maker
Mills Novelty Company
ID Number
MI.73.22
accession number
289515
catalog number
73.22
maker number
2904

The Empty Christmas Stocking; Tears on My Old Guitar

Rex Allen and his Arizona Wranglers. side 1: The Empty Christmas Stocking; side 2: Tears on My Old Guitar (Mercury 6136).78 rpm. Side 1 was recorded in 1947.. Side 2 was recorded in 1948.Currently not on view
Description
Rex Allen and his Arizona Wranglers. side 1: The Empty Christmas Stocking; side 2: Tears on My Old Guitar (Mercury 6136).
78 rpm. Side 1 was recorded in 1947.. Side 2 was recorded in 1948.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1947
1948
recording artist
Rex Allen and his Arizona Wranglers
manufacturer
Mercury
ID Number
1996.0320.10455
collector/donor number
8809
maker number
6136
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.10455

"Little Old Log Cabin in the Lane"

This sheet music is for the song “Little Old Log Cabin in the Lane,” by Will S. Hays. It was published by Calumet Music in Chicago, Illinois in 1935. The cover features an image of Marion and Jim, who featured this song over N.B.C. [radio].
Description
This sheet music is for the song “Little Old Log Cabin in the Lane,” by Will S. Hays. It was published by Calumet Music in Chicago, Illinois in 1935. The cover features an image of Marion and Jim, who featured this song over N.B.C. [radio]. "Little Old Log Cabin in the Lane" was originally published in 1871.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1935
publisher
Calumet Music Company
ID Number
1988.0759.02
accession number
1988.0759
catalog number
1988.0759.02

"The Band Played On"

This sheet music is for the song “The Band Played On,” with music by Charles P. Ward and words by John F. Palmer. It was published by Calumet Music Company in Chicago, Illinois in 1936.Currently not on view
Description
This sheet music is for the song “The Band Played On,” with music by Charles P. Ward and words by John F. Palmer. It was published by Calumet Music Company in Chicago, Illinois in 1936.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1936
publisher
Calumet Music Company
ID Number
1984.0105.09
accession number
1984.0105
catalog number
1984.0105.09

“Some of These Days”

This sheet music is for the song “Some of These Days.” The song was written and composed by Shelton Brooke and published by Will Rossiter of Chicago, Illinois in 1910.
Description
This sheet music is for the song “Some of These Days.” The song was written and composed by Shelton Brooke and published by Will Rossiter of Chicago, Illinois in 1910. The cream and white colored cover features an inset photo of Sophie Tucker, and proclaims the song as “Radio’s Big Hit!” and “Everybody’s Favorite!”
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1910
performer
Tucker, Sophie
composer
Brooks, Shelton
publisher
Will Rossiter
ID Number
1982.0736.16
accession number
1982.0736
catalog number
1982.0736.16

The Little Goose; Zaza

Rex Stewart's Big Eight. side 1: The Little Goose; side 2: Zaza (Mercury 1101).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Rex Stewart's Big Eight. side 1: The Little Goose; side 2: Zaza (Mercury 1101).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1944
recording artist
Rex Stewart's Big Eight
manufacturer
Mercury
ID Number
1978.0670.724
maker number
1101
accession number
1978.0670
catalog number
1978.0670.724

I Didn't Know What Time It Was; Summertime

Charlie Parker with strings. side 1: I Didn't Know What Time It Was; side 2: Summertime (Mercury 11038), from the album, Charlie Parker With Strings (Mercury C-101).78 rpm.The cover art for this album was by David Stone Martin (born David Livingstone Martin, 1913-1992).
Description

Charlie Parker with strings. side 1: I Didn't Know What Time It Was; side 2: Summertime (Mercury 11038), from the album, Charlie Parker With Strings (Mercury C-101).
78 rpm.

The cover art for this album was by David Stone Martin (born David Livingstone Martin, 1913-1992). Martin was an American artist best known for his illustrations on jazz album covers for labels including Mercury, Asch, Clef, Disc, and Dial. Many of his commissions were from Martin’s longtime friend, American jazz record producer and concert promoter Norman Granz (1918-2001).

Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1949
recording artist
Parker, Charlie
manufacturer
Mercury
ID Number
1978.0670.629
accession number
1978.0670
maker number
11038
C-101
catalog number
1978.0670.629

“Mexicali Rose”

This sheet music is for the song “Mexicali Rose” that was written by Helen Stone and composed by Jack B. Tenney. The sheet music was published by M.M. Cole Publishing Company of Chicago, Illinois in 1923.
Description (Brief)
This sheet music is for the song “Mexicali Rose” that was written by Helen Stone and composed by Jack B. Tenney. The sheet music was published by M.M. Cole Publishing Company of Chicago, Illinois in 1923. The red cover features an illustration of a young woman dancing, and an inset photograph of Bing Crosby, who featured the song in his performances and records. The song was about a man comforting his “Mexicali Rose” who he had to leave for a time.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1923
associated person
Crosby, Bing
publisher
M. M. Cole Publishing Co.
ID Number
1983.0424.037
accession number
1983.0424
catalog number
1983.0424.037

Empty Saddles; Red River Valley

Red River Dave. side 1: Empty Saddles; side 2: Red River Valley (Sonora 1066), from the album, Songs of the West (Sonora MS 464).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Red River Dave. side 1: Empty Saddles; side 2: Red River Valley (Sonora 1066), from the album, Songs of the West (Sonora MS 464).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1944
recording artist
Red River Dave
manufacturer
Sonora
ID Number
1996.0320.05215
maker number
1066
MS 464
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05215

"Home on the Range"

This sheet music is for the song “Home on the Range,” with music by Daniel E. Kelley and lyrics by Brewster M. Higley. It was published by M.M. Cole Publishing Co. in Chicago, Illinois in 1932.
Description
This sheet music is for the song “Home on the Range,” with music by Daniel E. Kelley and lyrics by Brewster M. Higley. It was published by M.M. Cole Publishing Co. in Chicago, Illinois in 1932. There is an image on the cover of American singer, songwriter, actor, and musician Gene Autry (1907-1998). As indicated on the cover, Autry “successfully featured” this song.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1932
publisher
M. M. Cole Publishing Co.
ID Number
1984.0568.15
accession number
1984.0568
catalog number
1984.0568.15

Little Marie; Go, Bobby Soxer

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1964
1962
recording artist
Berry, Chuck
ID Number
1996.3034.00590
nonaccession number
1996.3034
label number
1912
catalog number
1996.3034.00590

"Bye Bye Blackbird"

This player piano roll was made by Imperial Player Roll Company in the United States, late 1920s. It is roll #6120 – “Bye Bye Blackbird” with music by Ray Henderson and lyrics by Mort Dixon.Currently not on view
Description
This player piano roll was made by Imperial Player Roll Company in the United States, late 1920s. It is roll #6120 – “Bye Bye Blackbird” with music by Ray Henderson and lyrics by Mort Dixon.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
late 1920s
manufacturer
Imperial
ID Number
MI.71.12.02
accession number
292526
catalog number
71.12.02

Scopitone Film Jukebox

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1966
ID Number
2011.0056.01
serial number
10807
accession number
2011.0056
catalog number
2011.0056.01

When the Bloom Is on the Sage; The Hills of Old Wyoming

Curley Bradley. side 1: When the Bloom Is on the Sage; side 2: The Hills of Old Wyoming (Universal 7500), from the album, Curley Bradley presents the Tom Mix of Radio(Universal U2).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Curley Bradley. side 1: When the Bloom Is on the Sage; side 2: The Hills of Old Wyoming (Universal 7500), from the album, Curley Bradley presents the Tom Mix of Radio(Universal U2).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
release date
1948
recording artist
Bradley, Curley
manufacturer
Universal
ID Number
1996.0320.05062
maker number
7500
U2
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05062

Academic Cowl, worn by Ella Fitzgerald

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
user
Fitzgerald, Ella
manufacturer
Herff, Jones, Inc.
ID Number
1996.0342.017
accession number
1996.0342
catalog number
1996.0342.017

Everything Happens To Me; Just Friends

Charlie Parker with strings. side 1: Everything Happens To Me; side 2: Just Friends (Mercury 11036), from the album, Charlie Parker With Strings (Mercury C-101).78 rpm.The cover art for this album was by David Stone Martin (born David Livingstone Martin, 1913-1992).
Description

Charlie Parker with strings. side 1: Everything Happens To Me; side 2: Just Friends (Mercury 11036), from the album, Charlie Parker With Strings (Mercury C-101).
78 rpm.

The cover art for this album was by David Stone Martin (born David Livingstone Martin, 1913-1992). Martin was an American artist best known for his illustrations on jazz album covers for labels including Mercury, Asch, Clef, Disc, and Dial. Many of his commissions were from Martin’s longtime friend, American jazz record producer and concert promoter Norman Granz (1918-2001).

Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1949
recording artist
Parker, Charlie
manufacturer
Mercury
ID Number
1978.0670.627
accession number
1978.0670
maker number
11036
C-101
catalog number
1978.0670.627

Then Came Jesus; Balm in Gilead

George Beverly Shea. side 1: Then Came Jesus; side 2: Balm in Gilead (Singspiration 53017), from the album, Under His Wings (Singspiration 15).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
George Beverly Shea. side 1: Then Came Jesus; side 2: Balm in Gilead (Singspiration 53017), from the album, Under His Wings (Singspiration 15).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
release date
1947
recording artist
Shea, George Beverly
manufacturer
Singspiration
ID Number
1996.0320.05264
maker number
53017
15
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05264

“Jolly Jennie Jones”

This sheet music is for the song “Jolly Jennie Jones” that was written and composed by Fred J. Hamill. The sheet music was published by the Olympia Music Co. of New York City in 1899, and appeared as a supplement to the “New York Journal and Advertiser” on April 16, 1899.
Description (Brief)
This sheet music is for the song “Jolly Jennie Jones” that was written and composed by Fred J. Hamill. The sheet music was published by the Olympia Music Co. of New York City in 1899, and appeared as a supplement to the “New York Journal and Advertiser” on April 16, 1899. The cover has two images of Lottie Gilson, a vaudeville actor known as “The Little Magnet” because of her ability to draw fans to shows and sell sheet music.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1899
publisher
Olympia Music Co.
ID Number
1983.0424.120
accession number
1983.0424
catalog number
1983.0424.120

Carson J. Robison's World's Greatest Collection of Mountain Ballads and Old Time Songs

This song book Carson J. Robison's World's Greatest Collection of Mountain Ballads and Old Time Songs was published by M. M. Cole Publishing Co. in Chicago, Illinois in 1930. It features 50 hits by Carson J.
Description
This song book Carson J. Robison's World's Greatest Collection of Mountain Ballads and Old Time Songs was published by M. M. Cole Publishing Co. in Chicago, Illinois in 1930. It features 50 hits by Carson J. Robison including “Hallelujah I’m a Bum,” “Golden Slippers,” “Birmingham Jail,” and “Bury Me Out on the Prairie.” There is an image of Carson J. Robison with his guitar on the cover.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1930
depicted (sitter)
Robison, Carson
publisher
M. M. Cole Publishing Co.
ID Number
2014.0044.01
accession number
2014.0044
catalog number
2014.0044.01

Violano Virtuoso Roll #2814

This music roll was made by Mills Novelty Company in Chicago, Illinois, about 1928-1929. It is Roll #2814, playable in a Violano Virtuoso player. The tune list for this roll is as follows:Roll #2814 - Five Runs! Five Hits!
Description (Brief)

This music roll was made by Mills Novelty Company in Chicago, Illinois, about 1928-1929. It is Roll #2814, playable in a Violano Virtuoso player. The tune list for this roll is as follows:

Roll #2814 - Five Runs! Five Hits! No Errors!
13909: Just a Little Bit of Driftwood (fox trot), Abe Lyman, Dohl Davis & Benny Davis, copyright 1928, Robbins Music Corp.
13910: Happy Go Lucky Lane (fox trot), Lewis, Young & Meyer, copyright 1928, Jerome Remick
13911: Dream River (waltz), George Brown, copyright 1928, Joe Morris Music Co.
13912: My Baby Came Home (fox trot), Buddy Fields-Charlie Newman-Jack Gardner, copyright 1928, Milton Weil.
13913: There Ain't No Sweet Man Worth the Salt Of My Tears (fox trot), Fred Fisher, copyright 1927, De Sylva Brown & Henderson

Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1928-1929
maker
Mills Novelty Company
ID Number
MI.73.19
accession number
289515
catalog number
73.19
maker number
2814

"If I Only Had a Home Sweet Home"

This sheet music is for the song “If I Only Had a Home Sweet Home,” with words by J. Johns and music by A. L. McDermott. It was published by Will Rossiter in Chicago, Illinois in 1906.Currently not on view
Description
This sheet music is for the song “If I Only Had a Home Sweet Home,” with words by J. Johns and music by A. L. McDermott. It was published by Will Rossiter in Chicago, Illinois in 1906.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1906
publisher
Will Rossiter
ID Number
1983.0691.07
accession number
1983.0691
catalog number
1983.0691.07

The Last Of the Big Plungers

Al Grey and the Basie Wing. The Last Of the Big Plungers (Argo 653).33-1/3 rpm.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Al Grey and the Basie Wing. The Last Of the Big Plungers (Argo 653).
33-1/3 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1959
recording artist
Grey, Al
Basie Wing
manufacturer
Argo
ID Number
1978.0670.733
maker number
653
accession number
1978.0670
catalog number
1978.0670.733

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