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.

This 7-inch 45 rpm record contained the Sunny and the Sunglows single “Talk To Me” with the B-side “Every Week, Every Month, Every Year” that was released in 1963.
Description
This 7-inch 45 rpm record contained the Sunny and the Sunglows single “Talk To Me” with the B-side “Every Week, Every Month, Every Year” that was released in 1963. Sunny and the Sunglows later changed their name to Sunny and the Sunliners, and are credited by this moniker on the B-side of the record. This record was pressed in England by the Decca Record Company, and recorded by Tear Drop in Philadelphia. Sunny & the Sunliners was a mainly Chicano group from San Antonio specializing in Tejano cover songs, the single “Talk To Me” hit number 11 on the Billboard Top 100.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1963
composer
Seneca, Joe
recording artist
Sunny and the Sunliners
composer
Valier, Alton
manufacturer
London
ID Number
1996.0153.20138
catalog number
1996.0153.20138
accession number
1996.0153
label number
HL 9792
Emil Klinger and The Happy Rangers. side 1: Oh My Oh Kiss Me; side 2: They'll Never Make a Monkey Out of Me (Schlegel's Recording Company ES-109/110).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Emil Klinger and The Happy Rangers. side 1: Oh My Oh Kiss Me; side 2: They'll Never Make a Monkey Out of Me (Schlegel's Recording Company ES-109/110).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1996.0320.19339
catalog number
1996.0320.19339
label number
ES-109/110
accession number
1996.0320
Vernon Dalhart. side 1: The John T. Scopes Trial; side 2: Bryan's Last Fight (Silvertone 3134).78 rpm.
Description

Vernon Dalhart. side 1: The John T. Scopes Trial; side 2: Bryan's Last Fight (Silvertone 3134).
78 rpm. Both tracks were originally recorded in 1925 and released on Gennett 3134.

Silvertone Records was a record label sold by the Sears-Roebuck Company in their stores and through mail-order. The discs were manufactured mainly by Columbia Records, with some made by Paramount Records and Gennett Records, from 1916-1928 and 1940-1941.

Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1925
recording artist
Dalhart, Vernon
manufacturer
Silvertone
ID Number
1996.0320.14491
collector/donor number
256
maker number
3134
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.14491
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1951
lyricist
Robin, Leo
composer
Styne, Jule
referenced
Hughes, Howard
depicted (sitter)
Martin, Tony
Leigh, Janet
referenced
Crosby, Bob
maker
Edwin H. Morris and Company
ID Number
2017.3021.301
nonaccession number
2017.3021
catalog number
2017.3021.301
Sharky Bonano and his Kings Of Dixieland. side 1: Milenberg Joys; side 2: I Like Bananas (Because They Have No Bones) (Dixieland D-1002).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Sharky Bonano and his Kings Of Dixieland. side 1: Milenberg Joys; side 2: I Like Bananas (Because They Have No Bones) (Dixieland D-1002).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1949
recording artist
Sharkey Bonano and his Kings of Dixieland
manufacturer
Dixieland
ID Number
1978.0670.241
maker number
D-1002
accession number
1978.0670
catalog number
1978.0670.141
Cliffie Stone. side 1: Bake Them Hoecakes Brown; side 2: The Gal I Ledt Behind Me (Capitol 20100). from the album, Square Dances (Capitol BD 44).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Cliffie Stone. side 1: Bake Them Hoecakes Brown; side 2: The Gal I Ledt Behind Me (Capitol 20100). from the album, Square Dances (Capitol BD 44).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1947
recording artist
Stone, Cliffie
maker
Capitol
ID Number
1989.0207.17
accession number
1989.0207
catalog number
1989.0207.17
maker number
20100
BD-44
This sheet music is for the song, “If I Love You, Then Beware,” from George Bizet’s opera, Carmen, with words adapted by Richard C. Dillmore and music arranged by Johann C. Schmid. It was published by W. B. Hubbs in New York, New York.
Description
This sheet music is for the song, “If I Love You, Then Beware,” from George Bizet’s opera, Carmen, with words adapted by Richard C. Dillmore and music arranged by Johann C. Schmid. It was published by W. B. Hubbs in New York, New York. The sheet music is inside an advertising booklet for “I Didn’t Raise My Boy To Be a Soldier,” with an image of Belle Travers on the cover.
Location
Currently not on view
publisher
W. B. Hubbs
ID Number
1988.0538.07
accession number
1988.0538
catalog number
1988.0538.07
This button is from The Jazz Club of Sarasota festival in Sarasota, Florida, in 1995. This button is made of pink paper with black printing covered with a clear film, on a heart-shaped metal button with a pin back.
Description

This button is from The Jazz Club of Sarasota festival in Sarasota, Florida, in 1995. This button is made of pink paper with black printing covered with a clear film, on a heart-shaped metal button with a pin back. The button is printed:

1995 Patron
the jazz club
of Sarasota
15th Anniversary
"A Sentimental Journey"

The Jazz Club of Sarasota was founded by retired advertising executive Hal Davis. The club started as a casual get-together of jazz enthusiasts listening to music in the home of Hal and Evelyn Davis. By 1980, the club held its first concert featuring American jazz guitarist John Paul “Bucky” Pizzarelli (1926-2020) and his son John. The Jazz Club continued to expand its scope and reach to include a yearly program of concerts and lectures as well as school residency and scholarship programs.

Floyd Levin (1922-2007) was a Los Angeles textile manufacturer who turned his passion for jazz into a second career as an influential jazz journalist and historian. His numerous reviews, profiles, and articles were published in magazines such as Down Beat, Jazz Journal International, Metronome, and American Rag. He also authored Classic Jazz: A Personal View of the Music and the Musicians. Items in this collection (2011.3086) were acquired from Levin’s attendance at Jazz Festivals, conferences, and other music events.

Location
Currently not on view
date made
1995
user
Levin, Floyd
ID Number
2011.3086.083
nonaccession number
2011.3086
catalog number
2011.3086.083
Original artwork, of page 19, from the book Howdy Doody's Lucky Trip, written by Edward Kean with illustrations by Harry McNaught, and published by Simon & Schuster in New York, New York, in 1953.In addition to Howdy Doody's Lucky Trip, Harry McNaught illustrated several Little G
Description (Brief)

Original artwork, of page 19, from the book Howdy Doody's Lucky Trip, written by Edward Kean with illustrations by Harry McNaught, and published by Simon & Schuster in New York, New York, in 1953.

In addition to Howdy Doody's Lucky Trip, Harry McNaught illustrated several Little Golden Books, including the Wizard of Oz series from the 1950s, the popular Animal Babies and several Big Golden Books on nature and science. More recently, he created the images for two Little Golden Books on the characters from the Muppets.

From 1947 to 1960, the Howdy Doody Show was the leading children’s TV program in the United States. The creator of the Howdy Doody character, “Buffalo” Bob Smith, first performed him as a radio character. When the show transitioned to TV, Frank Paris created the new puppet, but left the show (with the puppet) in 1948 to disputes over merchandising rights. Velma Dawson created the now ubiquitous Howdy Doody that debuted in 1949. This Howdy Doody became popular spokes character, hawking sponsored products on the show or in print.

Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1953
maker
McNaught, Harry
ID Number
1992.0634.084.19
accession number
1992.0634
catalog number
1992.0634.084.19
This sheet music is for the song “Insignificant Me,” with lyrics by Harry B. and Robert B. Smith and music by Max R. Steiner. It was published by Harms, Inc. in New York, New York in 1923.Currently not on view
Description
This sheet music is for the song “Insignificant Me,” with lyrics by Harry B. and Robert B. Smith and music by Max R. Steiner. It was published by Harms, Inc. in New York, New York in 1923.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1923
publisher
Harms, Inc.
ID Number
1983.0694.15
accession number
1983.0694
catalog number
1983.0694.15
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1954
composer; lyricist
Adler, Richard
depicted (sitter)
Day, Doris
maker
Frank Music Corporation
ID Number
2018.3010.139
nonaccession number
2018.3010
catalog number
2018.3010.139
This sheet music is for the song “On Top of Old Smoky,” with words and music arrangement by Pete Seeger. It was published by Folkways Music Publishers in New York, New York in 1951.
Description
This sheet music is for the song “On Top of Old Smoky,” with words and music arrangement by Pete Seeger. It was published by Folkways Music Publishers in New York, New York in 1951. The cover features an image of American Folk Music group The Weavers, who introduced and recorded this song.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1951
publisher
Folkways Music Publishers, Inc.
ID Number
1985.0392.14
catalog number
1985.0392.14
accession number
1985.0392
This is the 1st Anniversary issue of Ballyhoo Magazine, published in August 1932.
Description
This is the 1st Anniversary issue of Ballyhoo Magazine, published in August 1932. The colorful cover which features a drawing of a well-dressed man next to an elaborate cake that reads, “America’s Oldest Humor Magazine, Established in 1931” is almost as satirical as the content inside.
date made
1932-08
ID Number
2015.3079.04
catalog number
2015.3079.04
nonaccession number
2015.3079
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1949
depicted (sitter)
Shelton, Anne
maker
Francis, Day & Hunter Ltd.
ID Number
2018.3010.145
nonaccession number
2018.3010
catalog number
2018.3010.145
The Muppets. The Frog Prince (Columbia CC23530)33-1/3 rpmCurrently not on view
Description (Brief)
The Muppets. The Frog Prince (Columbia CC23530)
33-1/3 rpm
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1971
performer
Henson, Jim
maker
Columbia
ID Number
2005.0298.04
accession number
2005.0298
maker number
CC23530
catalog number
2005.0298.04
Jimmie Rodgers [James Frederick "Jimmie" Rodgers]. side 1: Ring-A-Ling-A-Lario; side 2: Wonderful You (Roulette R-4158)45 rpm. Accessioned with original printed sleeve.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Jimmie Rodgers [James Frederick "Jimmie" Rodgers]. side 1: Ring-A-Ling-A-Lario; side 2: Wonderful You (Roulette R-4158)
45 rpm. Accessioned with original printed sleeve.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1959
recording artist
Rodgers, Jimmie
manufacturer
Roulette
ID Number
1996.3034.06630
catalog number
1996.3034.06630
label number
R-4158
nonaccession number
1996.3034
This music box disc was made by Mermod Freres, in St. Croix, Switzerland, around 1896-1898. It is Stella Disc #513 - "Cymbeline Waltzes," by Joseph Clauder.
Description

This music box disc was made by Mermod Freres, in St. Croix, Switzerland, around 1896-1898. It is Stella Disc #513 - "Cymbeline Waltzes," by Joseph Clauder. This disc is playable in Mermod Freres music box models, #63, #84, #126, #168, and #268, which can accommodate 17-1/4” diameter discs.

According to the accession correspondence, the music box and accompanying discs were purchased by the donor in Worcester, Massachusetts, July 25. 1901

Location
Currently not on view
date made
1896-1898
1896- 1898
maker
Mermod Freres
ID Number
MI.381443.05
catalog number
381443.05
accession number
159680
This button is made of wood, with teal and black ink, and a safety pin glued on the back. The button is printed:HI !I CAN’TREMEMBERYOUR NAMEEITHER.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)

This button is made of wood, with teal and black ink, and a safety pin glued on the back. The button is printed:

HI !
I CAN’T
REMEMBER
YOUR NAME
EITHER

.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2011.3087.59
nonaccession number
2011.3087
catalog number
2011.3087.59
side 1: Joe Sullivan Quartet. Panama; side 2: Joe Sullivan. The Chimes (Disc 6004), from the album, Joe Sullivan Quartet (Disc 701).78 rpm.Album cover illustration was by David Stone Martin (born David Livingstone Martin, 1913-1992).
Description

side 1: Joe Sullivan Quartet. Panama; side 2: Joe Sullivan. The Chimes (Disc 6004), from the album, Joe Sullivan Quartet (Disc 701).
78 rpm.

Album cover illustration 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, 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
1945
recording artist
Sullivan, Joe
Joe Sullivan Quartet
artist
Martin, David Stone
manufacturer
Disc
ID Number
1978.0670.600
accession number
1978.0670
maker number
6004
701
catalog number
1978.0670.600
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1971
ID Number
2005.3021.011
nonaccession number
2005.3021
catalog number
2005.3021.011
This sheet music for the song “Where the Honey Suckles Grow” was written and composed by Arthur S. Josselyn and published by Otto Sutro of Baltimore, Maryland in 1884. The song was published “to Messrs.
Description
This sheet music for the song “Where the Honey Suckles Grow” was written and composed by Arthur S. Josselyn and published by Otto Sutro of Baltimore, Maryland in 1884. The song was published “to Messrs. Primrose and West, of Thatcher, Primrose, and West’s Minstrels.” George Primrose and William West were originally a blackface song and dance team before turning into owners of a high-class minstrel troupe. George Thatcher was a troupe member who eventually became a partner and later had his own troupe.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1884
publisher
Otto Sutro
ID Number
1982.0441.01
catalog number
1982.0441.01
accession number
1982.0441
Original artwork, of page 24, for the book, Gaston and Josephine, written by Georges Duplaix with illustrations by Feodor Rojankovsky, and published by Simon & Schuster in New York, New York, in 1949.At an early age, Latvian-born Feodor Rojankovsky (1891-1970) discovered his pass
Description (Brief)

Original artwork, of page 24, for the book, Gaston and Josephine, written by Georges Duplaix with illustrations by Feodor Rojankovsky, and published by Simon & Schuster in New York, New York, in 1949.

At an early age, Latvian-born Feodor Rojankovsky (1891-1970) discovered his passion for drawing and was captivated with animals an d the natural world. He entered the Moscow Academy of Fine Arts but was drafted into the Russian Army during World War I, where he worked as a sketch artist documenting the war. In 1927, he moved to Paris to continue his study of art and became interested in fashion, theatrical set design and illustrating children’s books.

Rojankovsky’s keen sense of observation and his vivid imagination, coupled with his love for nature, was a major source of inspiration for his artwork. Flat, richly detailed, colorful illustrations evoked the fanciful drawings of the folklore tradition of European fairy tales. When the Nazi influence spread through Europe, Rojankovsky fled to the United States. His talents were quickly recognized and, like many of the other Golden Book illustrators, he was hired to work for the Artists and Writers Guild in New York. He created illustrations for numerous Little Golden Books, including The Three Bears and Farm Favorites.

Most of Feodor Rojankovsky’s characters were animals who took on human traits and characteristics. Gaston and Josephine are two French pigs who decide to run away from their home in the French countryside. The story follows their escapades as they make their way to the docks to board an ocean liner and embark on their journey to the United States.

Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1933
maker
Rojankvosky, Feodor
ID Number
1992.0634.071.18
accession number
1992.0634
catalog number
1992.0634.071.18
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1966
ID Number
2016.0032.107
accession number
2016.0032
catalog number
2016.0032.107
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1966
recording artist
Young Rascals
manufacturer
Atlantic
ID Number
1996.3034.06325
accession number
1996.3034
catalog number
1996.3034.06325
label number
45-2338

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