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.

Date: 1920s

"One Sweet Letter from You"

This sheet music is for the song “One Sweet Letter from You,” with words by Lew Brown and Sidney Clare, music by Harry Warren. It was published by Shapiro, Bernstein and Co. in New York, New York in 1927.
Description
This sheet music is for the song “One Sweet Letter from You,” with words by Lew Brown and Sidney Clare, music by Harry Warren. It was published by Shapiro, Bernstein and Co. in New York, New York in 1927. The cover features images of Helen Charlton and Ruth Shields.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1927
publisher
Shapiro, Bernstein & Co.
ID Number
1985.0874.13
catalog number
1985.0874.13
accession number
1985.0874

Guy Newall Cinema Card

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1923
ID Number
2017.0110.02
accession number
2017.0110
catalog number
2017.0110.02

Gem Dance Folio for 1927

This song book, Gem Dance Folio for 1927 was published by Shapiro, Bernstein & Co., Inc.
Description

This song book, Gem Dance Folio for 1927 was published by Shapiro, Bernstein & Co., Inc. in New York, New York in 1927.

The cover art for this sheet music was made by brothers William Starmer (1872-1957) and Frederick Starmer (1878-1962) Born and raised in England, the brothers moved with their family to New York, William in 1898 and Frederick in 1899. The Starmer Brothers flourished until 1929. William became a U.S. citizen in 1924, while Frederick returned to England in 1929.

Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1927
publisher
Shapiro, Bernstein & Co., Inc.
ID Number
1987.0914.17
accession number
1987.0914
catalog number
1987.0914.17

“Margie”

This sheet music is for the song “Margie.” The lyrics were written by Benny Davis and the music was composed by Con Conrad and J. Russel Robinson. The sheet music was published by the Waterson, Berlin, and Snyder Company of New York, New York in 1920.
Description

This sheet music is for the song “Margie.” The lyrics were written by Benny Davis and the music was composed by Con Conrad and J. Russel Robinson. The sheet music was published by the Waterson, Berlin, and Snyder Company of New York, New York in 1920. The cover has a white, blue, and black geometric design with a nature theme that is signed by Barbelle.

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
1920
lyricist
Davis, Benny
composer
Conrad, Con
Robinson, J. Russel
publisher
Waterson, Berlin & Snyder Co.
ID Number
1982.0736.12
catalog number
1982.0736.012
accession number
1982.0736

"It Ain't Gonna Rain No Mo'"

This sheet music is for the song "It Ain’t Gonna Rain No More," by Wendall Hall. It was published by Forster Music Publishing Co. in Chicago Illinois in 1923. The cover features an inset image of the composer Wendell Hall.Currently not on view
Description
This sheet music is for the song "It Ain’t Gonna Rain No More," by Wendall Hall. It was published by Forster Music Publishing Co. in Chicago Illinois in 1923. The cover features an inset image of the composer Wendell Hall.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1923
publisher
Forster Music Publisher, Inc.
ID Number
1985.0506.06
accession number
1985.0506
catalog number
1985.0506.06

"Remember"

This sheet music is for the song “Remember,” with words and music by Irving Berlin. It was published by Irving Berlin, Inc. in New York, New York in 1925.
Description

This sheet music is for the song “Remember,” with words and music by Irving Berlin. It was published by Irving Berlin, Inc. in New York, New York in 1925. The cover features an image of composer and lyricist Irving Berlin.

The cover art for this sheet music was made by American artist and illustrator Sydney Lefkowitz (Leff) (1901-2005). Leff began his career as a commercial artist while he was still in high school. He would produce sheet music covers through the 1940s and subsequently moved on to generating advertising for Madison Avenue clients.

Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1925
maker
Irving Berlin, Inc.
ID Number
1986.0021.31
accession number
1986.0021
catalog number
1986.0021.31

"One Alone"

This sheet music is for the song “One Alone,” with book and lyrics by Otto Harbach, Oscar Hammerstein II, and Frank Mendel and music by Sigmund Romberg. It was published by Harms, Inc.
Description

This sheet music is for the song “One Alone,” with book and lyrics by Otto Harbach, Oscar Hammerstein II, and Frank Mendel and music by Sigmund Romberg. It was published by Harms, Inc. in New York, New York in 1926.

”One Alone” was featured in the operetta, The Desert Song, with music by Sigmund Romberg and book and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, Otto Harbach, and Franke Mendel. The Desert Song opened on Broadway at the Casino Theatre on November 30, 1926, moved to the Century Theatre, and then to the Imperial Theatre where it closed on January 7, 1928, for a total run of 471 performances.

Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1926
publisher
Harms, Inc.
ID Number
1985.0637.09
accession number
1985.0637
catalog number
1985.0637.09

"Arcady"

This sheet music is for the song "Arcady," with words and music by Al Jolson and Buddy G. DeSylva. It was published by Leo Feist, Inc. in New York, New York in 1923.
Description
This sheet music is for the song "Arcady," with words and music by Al Jolson and Buddy G. DeSylva. It was published by Leo Feist, Inc. in New York, New York in 1923. This song was featured in the return engagement of the Broadway musical Bombo, which opened on May 14, 1923 at the Winter Garden and ran for 32 performances. There is an image of American singer, comedian, and actor Al Jolson (1886-1950) on the cover.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1923
publisher
Leo Feist Inc.
ID Number
1984.0458.05
accession number
1984.0458
catalog number
1984.0458.05

"The Sheik of Araby"

This sheet music is for the song “The Sheik of Araby,” with words by Harry B. Smith and music by Ted Snyder. It was published by Waterson, Berlin and Snyder Co. in New York, New York in 1921.Currently not on view
Description
This sheet music is for the song “The Sheik of Araby,” with words by Harry B. Smith and music by Ted Snyder. It was published by Waterson, Berlin and Snyder Co. in New York, New York in 1921.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1921
publisher
Waterson, Berlin & Snyder Co.
ID Number
1985.0403.13
accession number
1985.0403
catalog number
1985.0403.13

"Linger Awhile"

This sheet music is for the song “Linger Awhile,” with music by Vincent Rose and words by Harry Owens. It was published by Leo Feist, Inc. in New York, New York in 1927.
Description
This sheet music is for the song “Linger Awhile,” with music by Vincent Rose and words by Harry Owens. It was published by Leo Feist, Inc. in New York, New York in 1927. The cover features an inset image of vaudeville performer Elsie White and as indicated on the cover “featured this song.”
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1923
composer
Rose, Vincent
lyricist
Owens, Harry
publisher
Leo Feist Inc.
ID Number
1985.0238.04
accession number
1985.0238
catalog number
1985.0238.04

"Yes Sir! That's My Baby"

This sheet music is for the song “Yes Sir! That’s My Baby,” with words by Gus Kahn and music by Walter Donaldson. It was published by Irving Berlin, Inc.
Description

This sheet music is for the song “Yes Sir! That’s My Baby,” with words by Gus Kahn and music by Walter Donaldson. It was published by Irving Berlin, Inc. in New York, New York in 1925.

The cover art for this sheet music was made by American artist and illustrator Sydney Lefkowitz (Leff) (1901-2005). Leff began his career as a commercial artist while he was still in high school. He would produce sheet music covers through the 1940s and subsequently moved on to generating advertising for Madison Avenue clients.

Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1925
publisher
Irving Berlin, Inc.
ID Number
1985.0392.18
accession number
1985.0392
catalog number
1985.0392.18

"The Kiss Waltz"

This player piano roll was made by QRS in Chicago, Illinois, 1920s. It is roll #4991 – “The Kiss Waltz,” by Johann Strauss II.Currently not on view
Description
This player piano roll was made by QRS in Chicago, Illinois, 1920s. It is roll #4991 – “The Kiss Waltz,” by Johann Strauss II.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1920s
manufacturer
QRS Records
ID Number
MI.71.12.07
accession number
292526
catalog number
71.12.07
maker number
4991

Pauline Fredeick Cinema Card

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1923
ID Number
2017.0110.03
accession number
2017.0110
catalog number
2017.0110.03

“I Love You”

This sheet music is for the song, “I Love You” from the musical farce “Little Jessie James.” The music was composed by Harry Archer, and the lyrics were written by Harlan Thompson. The sheet music was published by Leo Feist Inc. of New York, New York in 1923.
Description
This sheet music is for the song, “I Love You” from the musical farce “Little Jessie James.” The music was composed by Harry Archer, and the lyrics were written by Harlan Thompson. The sheet music was published by Leo Feist Inc. of New York, New York in 1923. The light red cover features a white heart on the left of the cover with an illustration of a beckoning woman on the right. The cover has the slogan “You can’t go wrong, with a Feist song.”
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1923
lyricist
Thompson, Harlan
composer
Archer, Harry
publisher
Leo Feist, Inc.
ID Number
1983.0313.12
accession number
1983.0313
catalog number
1983.0313.12

Any Woman's Blues; Cemetery Blues

Bessie Smith. side 1: Any Woman's Blues; side 2: Cemetery Blues (Columbia LF 217).78 rpm. Both tracks were originally recorded in 1923 and released on Columbia 13001-D.
Description (Brief)
Bessie Smith. side 1: Any Woman's Blues; side 2: Cemetery Blues (Columbia LF 217).
78 rpm. Both tracks were originally recorded in 1923 and released on Columbia 13001-D.
recording date
1923
recording artist
Smith, Bessie
manufacturer
Columbia
ID Number
1988.0698.2092
accession number
1988.0698
collector/donor number
S54
catalog number
1988.0698.2092

“S'Posin'”

This sheet music is for the song “S'Posin'” that was written and composed by Andy Razaf and Paul Denniker and arranged by Eugene Platzman. The Triangle Music Publishing Company of New York City published this sheet music 1929.
Description (Brief)
This sheet music is for the song “S'Posin'” that was written and composed by Andy Razaf and Paul Denniker and arranged by Eugene Platzman. The Triangle Music Publishing Company of New York City published this sheet music 1929. The white cover lists other songs that Triangle published as piano solos, surrounded by an illustrated frame signed, “Politzer.”
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1929
publisher
Triangle Music Pub. Co.
ID Number
1983.0424.114
accession number
1983.0424
catalog number
1983.0424.114

Program: In Old Siberia

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1929
ID Number
2016.3009.225
nonaccession number
2016.3009
catalog number
2016.3009.225

"Look for the Silver Lining"

This sheet music is for the song “Look for the Silver Lining,” with music by Jerome Kern and lyrics by Clifford Grey. It was published by T. B. Harms, Co. in New York, New York in 1920.
Description

This sheet music is for the song “Look for the Silver Lining,” with music by Jerome Kern and lyrics by Clifford Grey. It was published by T. B. Harms, Co. in New York, New York in 1920. The cover features an image of actors Marylin Miller and Leon Errol.

"Look for the Silver Lining" was featured in the Broadway musical comedy, Sally, with music by Jerome Kern, lyrics by Clifford Grey and book by Guy Bolton, with additional lyrics by Buddy De Sylva. Sally was produced by Florenz Ziegfeld and opened at the New Amsterdam Theatre on December 21, 1920. It ran for 570 performances.

Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1920
publisher
T. B. Harms Company
ID Number
1985.0238.05
accession number
1985.0238
catalog number
1985.0238.05

“When Day Is Done”

This sheet music is for the song “When Day Is Done” that had lyrics written by Buddy G. DeSylva and music composed by Dr. Robert Katscher. The sheet music was published by Harms Incorporated in New York, New York in 1924.
Description (Brief)
This sheet music is for the song “When Day Is Done” that had lyrics written by Buddy G. DeSylva and music composed by Dr. Robert Katscher. The sheet music was published by Harms Incorporated in New York, New York in 1924. The plain white cover features a black text for the title and credits.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1924
publisher
Harms, Inc.
ID Number
1983.0424.143
accession number
1983.0424
catalog number
1983.0424.143

“Only a Rose (On the Streets of Gold and Sorrow)”

This sheet music for the song, "Only a Rose (on the Streets of Gold and Sorrow)” was written and composed by George Little, E. E. Elder and Larry Shay and published by Shapiro, Bernstein and Co. of New York, New York in 1924.
Description
This sheet music for the song, "Only a Rose (on the Streets of Gold and Sorrow)” was written and composed by George Little, E. E. Elder and Larry Shay and published by Shapiro, Bernstein and Co. of New York, New York in 1924. The cover is mostly dark blue, with a picture of a woman in long dress by a window. There is an inset photograph of Harry Stephens in right hand corner.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1924
publisher
Shapiro, Bernstein & Co.
ID Number
1982.0439.11
accession number
1982.0439
catalog number
1982.0439.11

"Angela Mia (My Angel)"

This sheet music is for the song "Angela Mia (My Angel)," with music by Erno Rapee and lyrics by Lew Pollack. It was published by DeSylva, Brown and Henderson, Inc. in New York, New York in 1928.
Description
This sheet music is for the song "Angela Mia (My Angel)," with music by Erno Rapee and lyrics by Lew Pollack. It was published by DeSylva, Brown and Henderson, Inc. in New York, New York in 1928. This song was featured in the 1928 Fox Film Corporation transitional sound film Street Angel, directed by Frank Borzage and starred Janet Gaynor, Charles Farrell, and Alberto Rabagliati. This film featured a Movietone soundtrack with a recording of this song. The cover features an image of Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1928
depicted (sitter)
Gaynor, Janet
Farrell, Charlie
publisher
DeSylva, Brown and Henderson, Inc.
ID Number
1984.0023.10
accession number
1984.0023
catalog number
1984.0023.10

"Sunny"

This sheet music is for the song “Sunny,” with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II and music by Jerome Kern. It was published by T. B. Harms Company in New York, New York in 1925.
Description
This sheet music is for the song “Sunny,” with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II and music by Jerome Kern. It was published by T. B. Harms Company in New York, New York in 1925. This song was featured in the Broadway musical Sunny, with music by Jerome Kern and book and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II and Otto Harbach. Sunny opened at the New Amsterdam Theatre on September 22, 1925 and ran for 517 performances.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1925
composer
Kern, Jerome
publisher
T. B. Harms Company
ID Number
1983.0694.04
accession number
1983.0694
catalog number
1983.0694.04

"The Desert Song"

This sheet music is for the song “The Desert Song,” with book and lyrics by Otto Harbach, Oscar Hammerstein II, and Frank Mendel and music by Sigmund Romberg. It was published by Harms, Inc. in New York, New York in 1926.”The Desert Song” was featured in the 1929 Warner Bros.
Description

This sheet music is for the song “The Desert Song,” with book and lyrics by Otto Harbach, Oscar Hammerstein II, and Frank Mendel and music by Sigmund Romberg. It was published by Harms, Inc. in New York, New York in 1926.

”The Desert Song” was featured in the 1929 Warner Bros. Pictures pre-code operetta film, The Desert Song, directed by Roy Del Ruth and starred John Boles, Carlotta King, Louise Fazenda, and Myrna Loy.

Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1926
publisher
Harms, Inc.
ID Number
1985.0637.02
accession number
1985.0637
catalog number
1985.0637.02

"I'll Get By (As Long As I Have You)"

This sheet music is for the song “I’ll Get By (As Long As I Have You),” with words by Roy Turk and music by Fred E Ahlert. It was published by Irving Berlin, Inc.
Description

This sheet music is for the song “I’ll Get By (As Long As I Have You),” with words by Roy Turk and music by Fred E Ahlert. It was published by Irving Berlin, Inc. in New York, New York in 1928.

The cover art for this sheet music was made by American artist and illustrator Sydney Lefkowitz (Leff) (1901-2005). Leff began his career as a commercial artist while he was still in high school. He would produce sheet music covers through the 1940s and subsequently moved on to generating advertising for Madison Avenue clients.

Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1928
publisher
Irving Berlin, Inc.
ID Number
1985.0392.02
accession number
1985.0392
catalog number
1985.0392.02

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