Popular Entertainment

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.

Hank Snow. side 1: Wasted Love; side 2: My Two Timin' Woman (RCA Victor 21-0363), from the album, Hank Snow Favorites (RCA Victor P 295).78 rpm. This coupling was initially released on Victor (Canada) 55-3242. This album was released in 1950.Currently not on view
Description
Hank Snow. side 1: Wasted Love; side 2: My Two Timin' Woman (RCA Victor 21-0363), from the album, Hank Snow Favorites (RCA Victor P 295).
78 rpm. This coupling was initially released on Victor (Canada) 55-3242. This album was released in 1950.
Location
Currently not on view
release date
1950
recording date
1947
recording artist
Snow, Hank
manufacturer
RCA Victor
ID Number
1996.0320.05269
maker number
21-0363
P 295
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05269
Victor Military Band. side 1: The Caissons Go Rolling Along; side 2: Crash On! Artillery (Victor 27813), from the album, Songs of the Service (Victor P 117).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Victor Military Band. side 1: The Caissons Go Rolling Along; side 2: Crash On! Artillery (Victor 27813), from the album, Songs of the Service (Victor P 117).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
release date
1942
recording artist
Victor Military Band
manufacturer
Victor
ID Number
1980.0339.33
accession number
1980.0339
maker number
27813
P 117
catalog number
1980.0339.33
Rudy Vallée and his Connecticut Yankees. side 1: Whiffenpoof Song; side 2: Life Is Just a Bowl of Cherries (RCA Victor 27843), from the album, Heigh Ho Everybody (RCA Victor P 111).78 rpm. Side 1 was recorded in 1937 and initially released on Bluebird B-7135.
Description
Rudy Vallée and his Connecticut Yankees. side 1: Whiffenpoof Song; side 2: Life Is Just a Bowl of Cherries (RCA Victor 27843), from the album, Heigh Ho Everybody (RCA Victor P 111).
78 rpm. Side 1 was recorded in 1937 and initially released on Bluebird B-7135. Side 2 was recorded in 1937 and initially released on Bluebird B-7368. This album was released in 1942.
Location
Currently not on view
release date
1942
recording date
1937
recording artist
Rudy Vallee and His Connecticut Yankees
manufacturer
RCA Victor
ID Number
1981.0656.527
maker number
27843
P 111
accession number
1981.0656
catalog number
1981.0656.527
side 1: Benny Goodman and his Orchestra. Star Dust; side 2: Tommy Dorsey and his Orchestra. Star Dust (Victor 25320).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
side 1: Benny Goodman and his Orchestra. Star Dust; side 2: Tommy Dorsey and his Orchestra. Star Dust (Victor 25320).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1936
recording artist
Benny Goodman and his Orchestra
Tommy Dorsey and his Orchestra
manufacturer
Victor
ID Number
1988.0698.1060
catalog number
1988.0698.1060
accession number
1988.0698
collector/donor number
G32
maker number
25320
Alexander Kipnis with Balalaika Orchestra. side 1: Dubinushka; side 2: The Coachman's Love Song (Victor 10-1015), from the album, Russian Folk Songs (Victor M 917).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Alexander Kipnis with Balalaika Orchestra. side 1: Dubinushka; side 2: The Coachman's Love Song (Victor 10-1015), from the album, Russian Folk Songs (Victor M 917).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
release date
1943
recording artist
Balalaika Orchestra
Kipnis, Alexander
manufacturer
Victor
ID Number
1979.1023.146
accession number
1979.1023
maker number
M 917
10-1015
catalog number
1979.1023.146
Jimmie Rodgers. side 1: Never No Mo' Blues; side 2: Daddy and Home (RCA Victor 21-0043), from the album, Yodeling Yours (RCA Victor P 244), 78 rpm. Both tracks were recorded in 1928. This album was released in 1949.Currently not on view
Description
Jimmie Rodgers. side 1: Never No Mo' Blues; side 2: Daddy and Home (RCA Victor 21-0043), from the album, Yodeling Yours (RCA Victor P 244),
78 rpm. Both tracks were recorded in 1928. This album was released in 1949.

Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1928
release date
1949
recording artist
Rodgers, Jimmie
manufacturer
RCA Victor
ID Number
1996.0320.05256
maker number
21-0043
P 244
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05256
"Doctor" (Peter J.) Clayton's Buddy [Sunnyland Slim]. side 1: No Whiskey Blues; side 2: Nappy Head Woman (RCA Victor 20-2954).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
"Doctor" (Peter J.) Clayton's Buddy [Sunnyland Slim]. side 1: No Whiskey Blues; side 2: Nappy Head Woman (RCA Victor 20-2954).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1947
recording artist; composer
Sunnyland Slim
recording artist
Broonzy, Willie
manufacturer
RCA Victor
ID Number
1996.0153.08743
catalog number
1996.0153.08743
label number
20-2954
accession number
1996.0153
Benny Goodman and his Orchestra. side 1: Don't Be That Way; side 2: One O'Clock Jump (Victor 25792).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Benny Goodman and his Orchestra. side 1: Don't Be That Way; side 2: One O'Clock Jump (Victor 25792).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1938
recording artist
Benny Goodman and his Orchestra
manufacturer
Victor
ID Number
1988.0698.1072
catalog number
1988.0698.1072
accession number
1988.0698
collector/donor number
G43
maker number
25792
Texas Jim Robertson. side 1: Red River Valley; side 2: The Border Affair (Victor 27552), from the album, 'Round the Campfire: Famous American Cowboy Songs (Victor P 84).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Texas Jim Robertson. side 1: Red River Valley; side 2: The Border Affair (Victor 27552), from the album, 'Round the Campfire: Famous American Cowboy Songs (Victor P 84).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1941
recording artist
Robertson, Texas Jim
manufacturer
Victor
ID Number
1996.0320.05233
maker number
27552
P-84
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05233
Lionel Hampton and his Orchestra. side 1: Shoe Shiner's Drag; side 2: Buzzin' Round with the Bee (Victor 40-0113), from the album, Victor Hot Jazz Series, Vol. III: Lionel Hampton (Victor HJ-3).78 rpm. Side 1 was originally recorded in 1938 and released on Victor 26011.
Description
Lionel Hampton and his Orchestra. side 1: Shoe Shiner's Drag; side 2: Buzzin' Round with the Bee (Victor 40-0113), from the album, Victor Hot Jazz Series, Vol. III: Lionel Hampton (Victor HJ-3).
78 rpm. Side 1 was originally recorded in 1938 and released on Victor 26011. Side 2 was originally recorded in 1937 and released on Victor 25575. The album was released in 1945.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1938
1937
release date
1945
recording artist
Lionel Hampton and His Orchestra
manufacturer
Victor
ID Number
1978.0670.665
accession number
1978.0670
maker number
40-0113
HJ-3
catalog number
1978.0670.665
Texas Jim Robertson. side 1: Red River Valley; side 2: The Border Affair (Victor 27552), from the album, 'Round the Campfire: Famous American Cowboy Songs (Victor P-84).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Texas Jim Robertson. side 1: Red River Valley; side 2: The Border Affair (Victor 27552), from the album, 'Round the Campfire: Famous American Cowboy Songs (Victor P-84).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1941
recording artist
Robertson, Texas Jim
manufacturer
Victor
ID Number
1996.0320.05229
maker number
27552
P-84
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05229
Various artists. College Songs, Vol. 1 – Eastern (Victor P 32). 3-disc set (album for 1988.0384.19 - .21).78 rpmCurrently not on view
Description

Various artists. College Songs, Vol. 1 – Eastern (Victor P 32). 3-disc set (album for 1988.0384.19 - .21).
78 rpm

Location
Currently not on view
release date
1940
manufacturer
Victor
ID Number
1988.0384.18
accession number
1988.0384
maker number
P-32
catalog number
1988.0384.18
Sons of the Pioneers. side 1: The Timber Trail; side 2: Trees (RCA Victor 20-2079), from the album, Cowboy Classics (RCA Victor P 168).78 rpm. side 1 was recorded in 1945 and initially released on RCA Victor 20-1764. Side 2 was recorded in 1946.
Description
Sons of the Pioneers. side 1: The Timber Trail; side 2: Trees (RCA Victor 20-2079), from the album, Cowboy Classics (RCA Victor P 168).
78 rpm. side 1 was recorded in 1945 and initially released on RCA Victor 20-1764. Side 2 was recorded in 1946. This album was released in 1947.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1945
1946
release date
1947
recording artist
Sons of the Pioneers
manufacturer
RCA Victor
ID Number
1996.0320.05281
maker number
20-2079
P 168
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05281
Alexander Kipnis with Balalaika Orchestra. side 1: Maiden of My Heart; side 2: The Ringlet (Victor 10-1017), from the album, Russian Folk Songs (Victor M 917).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Alexander Kipnis with Balalaika Orchestra. side 1: Maiden of My Heart; side 2: The Ringlet (Victor 10-1017), from the album, Russian Folk Songs (Victor M 917).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
release date
1943
recording artist
Balalaika Orchestra
Kipnis, Alexander
manufacturer
Victor
ID Number
1979.1023.148
accession number
1979.1023
maker number
M 917
10-1017
catalog number
1979.1023.148
"Doctor" (Peter J.) Clayton. side 1: Copper Colored Mama; side 2: Root Doctor Blues (RCA Victor 20-2323).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
"Doctor" (Peter J.) Clayton. side 1: Copper Colored Mama; side 2: Root Doctor Blues (RCA Victor 20-2323).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1946
recording artist; composer
Clayton, Peter J.
manufacturer
RCA Victor
ID Number
1996.0153.08737
catalog number
1996.0153.08737
label number
20-2323
accession number
1996.0153
Roy Rogers. side 1: A Gay Ranchero; side 2: Home in Oklahoma (RCA Victor 20-3076), from the album, Roy Rogers Souvenir Album (RCA Victor P 215).78 rpm. Both tracks were recorded in 1947. This album was released in 1948.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Roy Rogers. side 1: A Gay Ranchero; side 2: Home in Oklahoma (RCA Victor 20-3076), from the album, Roy Rogers Souvenir Album (RCA Victor P 215).
78 rpm. Both tracks were recorded in 1947. This album was released in 1948.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1947
release date
1948
recording artist
Rogers, Roy
manufacturer
RCA Victor
ID Number
1996.0320.05238
maker number
20-3076
P 215
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05238
Eddy Arnold. side 1: It Makes No Difference Now; side 2: Molly Darling (RCA Victor 20-2489), from the album, All Time Hits from the Hills (RCA Victor P 195).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Eddy Arnold. side 1: It Makes No Difference Now; side 2: Molly Darling (RCA Victor 20-2489), 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
1996.0320.05012
maker number
20-2489
P 195
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05012
All-American Glee Club. side 1: All Hail, Blue and Gold/Hail to California (track 1) Rally Song/Sgtand Up for Blue and Gold (track 2) ; side 2: Mighty Oregon (track 1) Hail to O.S.C./Alma Mater (track 2) (Victor 26686), from the album, "College Songs, Vol.
Description
All-American Glee Club. side 1: All Hail, Blue and Gold/Hail to California (track 1) Rally Song/Sgtand Up for Blue and Gold (track 2) ; side 2: Mighty Oregon (track 1) Hail to O.S.C./Alma Mater (track 2) (Victor 26686), from the album, "College Songs, Vol. 4 - Pacific Coast" (Victor P 36).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1940
manufacturer
Victor
ID Number
1988.0384.28
accession number
1988.0384
maker number
26686
catalog number
1988.0384.28
Eddy Arnold. side 1: The Prisoner's Song; side 2: Seven Years With the Wrong Woman (RCA Victor 20-2490), from the album, All Time Hits From the Hills (RCA Victor P 195).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Eddy Arnold. side 1: The Prisoner's Song; side 2: Seven Years With the Wrong Woman (RCA Victor 20-2490), 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
1996.0320.05013
maker number
20-2490
P 195
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05013
George Beverly Shea. side 1: Go Tell It on the Mountain; side 2: O Holy Night (RCA Victor 20-5408), from the album, Christmas Hymns (RCA Victor P 3149).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
George Beverly Shea. side 1: Go Tell It on the Mountain; side 2: O Holy Night (RCA Victor 20-5408), from the album, Christmas Hymns (RCA Victor P 3149).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
release date
1953
recording artist
Shea, George Beverly
manufacturer
RCA Victor
ID Number
1996.0320.05258
maker number
20-5408
P3149
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05258
Elton Britt. side 1: Put My Little Shoes Away; side 2: The Precious Jewel (RCA Victor 20-3091), from the album, Country Song Hits - Elton Britt (RCA Victor P 221).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Elton Britt. side 1: Put My Little Shoes Away; side 2: The Precious Jewel (RCA Victor 20-3091), from the album, Country Song Hits - Elton Britt (RCA Victor P 221).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
release date
1948
recording artist
Britt, Elton
manufacturer
RCA Victor
ID Number
1996.0320.05067
maker number
20-3091
P 221
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05067
George Beverly Shea. side 1: I Wonder As I Wander; side 2: There's a Song in the Air (RCA Victor 20-5411), from the album, Christmas Hymns (RCA Victor P 3149).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
George Beverly Shea. side 1: I Wonder As I Wander; side 2: There's a Song in the Air (RCA Victor 20-5411), from the album, Christmas Hymns (RCA Victor P 3149).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
release date
1953
recording artist
Shea, George Beverly
manufacturer
RCA Victor
ID Number
1996.0320.05261
maker number
20-5411
P 3149
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05261
Four Aristocrats. side 1: Bells of Hawaii; side 2: Voom Voom (Moaden on the Gayden) (Victor 20587).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Four Aristocrats. side 1: Bells of Hawaii; side 2: Voom Voom (Moaden on the Gayden) (Victor 20587).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1927
recording artist
Four Aristocrats
manufacturer
Victor
ID Number
1996.0320.16322
collector/donor number
3315
maker number
20587
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.16322
John and Lucy Allison with Sawyer's Minutemen.
Description
John and Lucy Allison with Sawyer's Minutemen. side 1: Ballad of Bunker Hill [track 1] The Death of Warren [track 2]; side 2: Johnny Has Gone for a Soldier (track 1) Riflemen's Song At Bennington [track 2] (Victor 26460), from the album, Ballads of the American Revolution and The War of 1812 (Victor P-11).
78 rpm.
recording date
1939
recording artist
Allison, John
Allison, Lucy
Minute Men
manufacturer
Victor
ID Number
1979.1023.151
accession number
1979.1023
maker number
P-11
26460
catalog number
1979.1023.151

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