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.

Topic: Art

Tex Ritter and Fans

Fans stand in line waiting for Tex Ritter's autograph.Currently not on view
Description
Fans stand in line waiting for Tex Ritter's autograph.
Location
Currently not on view
print
2003
maker
Horenstein, Henry
ID Number
2003.0169.065
accession number
2003.0169
catalog number
2003.0169.065

Ernest Tubb signing autographs

For much of his career, Ernest Tubb, the "Texas Troubadour" was considered the ultimate honky tonk vocalist and stylist. Inspired by Jimmie Rodgers in the 1920s, Tubb sustained a musical career that at times also branched into film and television.
Description
For much of his career, Ernest Tubb, the "Texas Troubadour" was considered the ultimate honky tonk vocalist and stylist. Inspired by Jimmie Rodgers in the 1920s, Tubb sustained a musical career that at times also branched into film and television. No artist toured as much, or for as long as Ernest Tubb, who worked 150 to 200 shows each year between the early 1960s and 1982. No artist was kinder to his fans, and no fans were more loyal to their star. Ernest Tubb had one national fan club with a single president for its entire existence between 1944 and its deactivation in the early 1990s.
Location
Currently not on view
negative
1973
print
2003
maker
Horenstein, Henry
ID Number
2003.0169.086
accession number
2003.0169
catalog number
2003.0169.086

Bashful Brother Oswald

For nearly 60 years, Breecher Ray "Bashful Brother Oswald" Kirby (1911-2002) was one of the most influential and talented dobro players in country music.Currently not on view
Description
For nearly 60 years, Breecher Ray "Bashful Brother Oswald" Kirby (1911-2002) was one of the most influential and talented dobro players in country music.
Location
Currently not on view
print
2003
maker
Horenstein, Henry
ID Number
2003.0169.048
accession number
2003.0169
catalog number
2003.0169.048

Eagle Figure

This figure was made of copper with a wood base. It is a figure of an eagle with spread wings on sphere appears to be of commercial make. The figure was used previously as a weathervane.Currently not on view
Description
This figure was made of copper with a wood base. It is a figure of an eagle with spread wings on sphere appears to be of commercial make. The figure was used previously as a weathervane.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1850 - 1875
ID Number
CL.68.441
accession number
260206
catalog number
68.441
collector/donor number
B-25A

Eagle Figure

This figure was made of painted wood. It is a figure of an eagle with an anchor and clouds. It is painted black and gold. According to the accession file, this figure may have been used as a fire truck plaque.
Description
This figure was made of painted wood. It is a figure of an eagle with an anchor and clouds. It is painted black and gold. According to the accession file, this figure may have been used as a fire truck plaque.
date made
1800 - 1850
ID Number
CL.68.440
accession number
260206
catalog number
68.440
collector/donor number
B-23

Eagle Figure

This figure is made of painted wood. It is a figure of a spread eagle with flags and banner that reads "E Pluribus Unum." According to the accession file, this figuyre was likely used on a ship.
Description
This figure is made of painted wood. It is a figure of a spread eagle with flags and banner that reads "E Pluribus Unum." According to the accession file, this figuyre was likely used on a ship.
date made
mid 19th century
ID Number
CL.68.433
accession number
260206
catalog number
68.433
collector/donor number
B-15

Stern Board Eagle Figure

This figure was made of painted pine (paint is original). It is a stern board figure of an eagle, turning left, right claw holds a shield with an American flag pattern. The left claw holds a globe. The background is painted black.
Description
This figure was made of painted pine (paint is original). It is a stern board figure of an eagle, turning left, right claw holds a shield with an American flag pattern. The left claw holds a globe. The background is painted black. According to the accession file, this figure was found in Portland, Maine.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
late 19th century
ID Number
CL.68.432
accession number
260206
catalog number
68.432
collector/donor number
B-14

Eagle Figure

This figure is made of painted wood. It is a figure of an eagle on shell with two American flags. The eagle faces left and is a companion piece to CL*68.435.Currently not on view
Description
This figure is made of painted wood. It is a figure of an eagle on shell with two American flags. The eagle faces left and is a companion piece to CL*68.435.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
mid 19th century
ID Number
CL.68.434
accession number
260206
catalog number
68.434
collector/donor number
B-16

Grant Turner

Known to millions as both the "Voice" and the "Dean" of the Grand Ole Opry, Grant Turner (1912-1991) worked for WSM radio for nearly 50 years.Currently not on view
Description
Known to millions as both the "Voice" and the "Dean" of the Grand Ole Opry, Grant Turner (1912-1991) worked for WSM radio for nearly 50 years.
Location
Currently not on view
negative
1972
print
2003
maker
Horenstein, Henry
ID Number
2003.0169.056
accession number
2003.0169
catalog number
2003.0169.056

Ernest Tubb performing

Henry Horenstein's photographs of fans swarming Ernest Tubb (1914-1984) was a familiar scene. Fans had many opportunities to see, hear, and hug Tubb. Between the early 1960s and 1982, he worked 150 to 200 shows each year.Currently not on view
Description
Henry Horenstein's photographs of fans swarming Ernest Tubb (1914-1984) was a familiar scene. Fans had many opportunities to see, hear, and hug Tubb. Between the early 1960s and 1982, he worked 150 to 200 shows each year.
Location
Currently not on view
negative
1973
print
2003
maker
Horenstein, Henry
ID Number
2003.0169.083
accession number
2003.0169
catalog number
2003.0169.083

Accordian Player, Louisiana

The first accordion was built in Germany in 1822. It took close to one hundred years before it was introduced into country music.Currently not on view
Description
The first accordion was built in Germany in 1822. It took close to one hundred years before it was introduced into country music.
Location
Currently not on view
negative
1977
print
2003
maker
Horenstein, Henry
ID Number
2003.0169.027
accession number
2003.0169
catalog number
2003.0169.027

Bill Monroe

The country music sound created by Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys starting in 1938, would become a new style of country music named "bluegrass."Currently not on view
Description
The country music sound created by Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys starting in 1938, would become a new style of country music named "bluegrass."
Location
Currently not on view
negative
1973
print
2003
Associated Name
Monroe, Bill
maker
Horenstein, Henry
ID Number
2003.0169.104
catalog number
2003.0169.104
accession number
2003.0169

Louis Armstrong

White on black lithograph of American jazz trumpeter, composer, vocalist, and actor, Louis Armstrong (1901-1971). The portrait is of a 3/4 back profile of Armstrong playing a trumpet.
Description

White on black lithograph of American jazz trumpeter, composer, vocalist, and actor, Louis Armstrong (1901-1971). The portrait is of a 3/4 back profile of Armstrong playing a trumpet. The print is marked:

[printed along bottom]

ARMSTRONG

[in script, bottom right]

LOUIS ARMSTRONG

[in script]

Charles Delaunay

This print is from a set of 15 lithographs of jazz musicians by Charles Delauney, entitled Hot Iconography, first printed in 1939.

Charles Delaunay (1911–1988) was a French author and jazz expert. Delaunay was the co-founder and long-term leader of the Hot Club de France, a French organization of jazz fans dedicated to the promotion of "traditional" jazz, swing, and blues. In 1931, the Jazz Club Universitaire was founded, and later became the Hot Club de France in 1932.

Location
Currently not on view
date made
1939
depicted
Armstrong, Louis
maker
Delaunay, Charles
ID Number
2001.0182.11
accession number
2001.0182
catalog number
2001.0182.11

Couple Cooking on a Grill near their Camping Tent

Some fans traveled great distances to participate in music festivals, and would camp nearby. This couple brought a grill to make a meal or two.Currently not on view
Description
Some fans traveled great distances to participate in music festivals, and would camp nearby. This couple brought a grill to make a meal or two.
Location
Currently not on view
negative
1972
print
2003
maker
Horenstein, Henry
ID Number
2003.0169.097
accession number
2003.0169
catalog number
2003.0169.097

Tex Ritter and Fans

A Tex Ritter fan holds a 45 RPM record as Ritter signs a photograph.Currently not on view
Description
A Tex Ritter fan holds a 45 RPM record as Ritter signs a photograph.
Location
Currently not on view
print
2003
maker
Horenstein, Henry
ID Number
2003.0169.064
accession number
2003.0169
catalog number
2003.0169.064

Louis Armstrong

White on black lithograph of American jazz trumpeter, composer, vocalist, and actor, Louis Armstrong (1901-1971). The portrait is of a side profile of Amrstrong.
Description

White on black lithograph of American jazz trumpeter, composer, vocalist, and actor, Louis Armstrong (1901-1971). The portrait is of a side profile of Amrstrong. The print is marked:

[printed along bottom]

LOUIS ARMSTRONG

[in script, top left]

LOUIS ARMSTRONG

[in script]

Charles Delaunay 34

This print is from a set of 15 lithographs of jazz musicians by Charles Delauney, entitled Hot Iconography, first printed in 1939.

Charles Delaunay (1911–1988) was a French author and jazz expert. Delaunay was the co-founder and long-term leader of the Hot Club de France, a French organization of jazz fans dedicated to the promotion of "traditional" jazz, swing, and blues. In 1931, the Jazz Club Universitaire was founded, and later became the Hot Club de France in 1932.

Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1939
depicted
Armstrong, Louis
maker
Delaunay, Charles
ID Number
2001.0182.10
accession number
2001.0182
catalog number
2001.0182.10

Lilly Brothers

The Lilly Brothers began as an old-time duet on radio stations in West Virginia, but eventually moved into bluegrass with the addition of a banjo.
Description
The Lilly Brothers began as an old-time duet on radio stations in West Virginia, but eventually moved into bluegrass with the addition of a banjo. They are credited with bringing the bluegrass sound to New England and the Boston area, with lengthy stints at the Hillbilly Ranch from 1952 into the 1970s.
Location
Currently not on view
print
2003
maker
Horenstein, Henry
ID Number
2003.0169.062
accession number
2003.0169
catalog number
2003.0169.062

Chittison

White on black lithograph of American jazz pianist, Herman Chittison (1908-1967), with cigarette in mouth, sitting at piano with saxophone in foreground.
Description

White on black lithograph of American jazz pianist, Herman Chittison (1908-1967), with cigarette in mouth, sitting at piano with saxophone in foreground. The print is marked:

[printed along bottom]

CHITTISON

[in script, top right]

CHITTISON

[in script]

Charles Delaunay
34

This print is from a set of 15 lithographs of jazz musicians by Charles Delauney, entitled Hot Iconography, first printed in 1939.

Charles Delaunay (1911–1988) was a French author and jazz expert. Delaunay was the co-founder and long-term leader of the Hot Club de France, a French organization of jazz fans dedicated to the promotion of "traditional" jazz, swing, and blues. In 1931, the Jazz Club Universitaire was founded, and later became the Hot Club de France in 1932.

Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1939
depicted
Chittison, Herman
maker
Delaunay, Charles
ID Number
2001.0182.01
accession number
2001.0182
catalog number
2001.0182.01

Ernest Tubb surrounded by fans

For much of his career, Ernest Tubb, the "Texas Troubadour" was considered the ultimate honky tonk vocalist and stylist. Inspired by Jimmie Rodgers in the 1920s, Tubb sustained a musical career that at times also branched into film and television.
Description
For much of his career, Ernest Tubb, the "Texas Troubadour" was considered the ultimate honky tonk vocalist and stylist. Inspired by Jimmie Rodgers in the 1920s, Tubb sustained a musical career that at times also branched into film and television. No artist toured as much, or for as long as Ernest Tubb, who worked 150 to 200 shows each year between the early 1960s and 1982. No artist was kinder to his fans, and no fans were more loyal to their star. Ernest Tubb had one national fan club with a single president for its entire existence between 1944 and its deactivation in the early 1990s.
Location
Currently not on view
negative
1973
print
2003
maker
Horenstein, Henry
ID Number
2003.0169.085
accession number
2003.0169
catalog number
2003.0169.085

Grandpa Jones and Ramona Jones

Louis Marshall "Grandpa" Jones (1913-1998) enjoyed a long, distinctive career in country music. At age 22, he began to play the Grandpa character, with his high-topped boots, bushy mustache, and suspenders. Ramona Riggins (b.
Description
Louis Marshall "Grandpa" Jones (1913-1998) enjoyed a long, distinctive career in country music. At age 22, he began to play the Grandpa character, with his high-topped boots, bushy mustache, and suspenders. Ramona Riggins (b. 1924), whom he later married, accompanied him on fiddle and mandolin. Appearing regularly on the Grand Ole Opry and the television show Hee Haw, Grandpa Jones became a well-known character with his banjo-playing, old-time stories, songs, and jokes.
Location
Currently not on view
print
2003
maker
Horenstein, Henry
ID Number
2003.0169.047
accession number
2003.0169
catalog number
2003.0169.047

Hank Snow

With one of the most distinctive voices and styles in country music, Clarence Eugene "Hank" Snow (1914-1999) enjoyed one of the most successful and long-running careers in the field. Born in Canada, he began recording in 1936.
Description
With one of the most distinctive voices and styles in country music, Clarence Eugene "Hank" Snow (1914-1999) enjoyed one of the most successful and long-running careers in the field. Born in Canada, he began recording in 1936. By the time Henry Horenstein photographed Hank Snow, the singer had recorded 840 songs.
Location
Currently not on view
print
2003
maker
Horenstein, Henry
ID Number
2003.0169.054
accession number
2003.0169
catalog number
2003.0169.054

Little Jimmy Dickens

Known for his strong voice and small physical stature, Jimmy Dickens (b.1920) gained national fame in 1949 and 1950 with a string of novelty and "heart" songs, including "Take an Old Cold Tater (and Wait)" and "I'm Little but I'm Loud."Currently not on view
Description
Known for his strong voice and small physical stature, Jimmy Dickens (b.1920) gained national fame in 1949 and 1950 with a string of novelty and "heart" songs, including "Take an Old Cold Tater (and Wait)" and "I'm Little but I'm Loud."
Location
Currently not on view
negative
1974
print
2003
maker
Horenstein, Henry
ID Number
2003.0169.071
accession number
2003.0169
catalog number
2003.0169.071

House Band

The house band at Tootsie's Orchid Lounge played for tips and the hope that they might be heard by Tootsie's record producing patrons.Currently not on view
Description
The house band at Tootsie's Orchid Lounge played for tips and the hope that they might be heard by Tootsie's record producing patrons.
Location
Currently not on view
negative
1974
print
2003
maker
Horenstein, Henry
ID Number
2003.0169.108
catalog number
2003.0169.108
accession number
2003.0169

Bernard Addison

White on black lithograph of American jazz guitarist, Bernard Addison (1905-1990). The portrait featured a ¾ view of Turner playing a guitar.
Description

White on black lithograph of American jazz guitarist, Bernard Addison (1905-1990). The portrait featured a ¾ view of Turner playing a guitar. The print is marked:

[in script, bottom right]

JOE TURNER

[in script]

Charles Delaunay

This print is from a set of 15 lithographs of jazz musicians by Charles Delauney, entitled Hot Iconography, first printed in 1939.

Charles Delaunay (1911–1988) was a French author and jazz expert. Delaunay was the co-founder and long-term leader of the Hot Club de France, a French organization of jazz fans dedicated to the promotion of "traditional" jazz, swing, and blues. In 1931, the Jazz Club Universitaire was founded, and later became the Hot Club de France in 1932.

Location
Currently not on view
date made
1939
depicted
Addison, Bernard
maker
Delaunay, Charles
ID Number
2001.0182.08
accession number
2001.0182
catalog number
2001.0182.08

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