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: Camden

Somebody Loves Me; Jam Session

Benny Goodman and his Orchestra. side 1: Somebody Loves Me; side 2: Jam Sassion (Victor 25497).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Benny Goodman and his Orchestra. side 1: Somebody Loves Me; side 2: Jam Sassion (Victor 25497).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1936
recording artist
Benny Goodman and his Orchestra
manufacturer
Victor
ID Number
1981.0566.118
maker number
25497
accession number
1981.0566
catalog number
1981.0566.118

Someday Sweetheart; Who?

Benny Goodman Trio. side 1: Someday Sweetheart; side 2: Who? (Bluebird B-10463).78 rpm. Both tracks were originally recorded in 1935 and released on Victor 25181.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Benny Goodman Trio. side 1: Someday Sweetheart; side 2: Who? (Bluebird B-10463).
78 rpm. Both tracks were originally recorded in 1935 and released on Victor 25181.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1935
recording artist
Benny Goodman Trio
manufacturer
Bluebird
ID Number
1988.0698.1083
catalog number
1988.0698.1083
accession number
1988.0698
collector/donor number
G54
maker number
B-10463

Southern California; Washington State

All-American Glee Club. side 1: Fight Song/Washington My Washinggton/Tearing Along/All Hail to Washington State; side 2: Fight On/Trojan Marching Song/All Hail, Alma Mater (Victor 26687), from the album, College Songs, Vol. 4 - Pacific Coast (Victor P 36).
Description
All-American Glee Club. side 1: Fight Song/Washington My Washinggton/Tearing Along/All Hail to Washington State; side 2: Fight On/Trojan Marching Song/All Hail, Alma Mater (Victor 26687), 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
1988.0384.29
accession number
1988.0384
maker number
26687
catalog number
1988.0384.29
maker number
P 36

I Wouldn't Trade the Silver in My Mother's Hair (For All the Gold in the World); My Mother's Sweet Voice

Eddy Arnold. side 1: I Wouldn't Trade the Silver in My Mother's Hair (For All the Gold in the World); side 2: My Mother's Sweet Voice (RCA Victor 21-0011), from the album, To Mother (RCA Victor P 239).78 rpm. Both tracks were recorded in 1948.
Description
Eddy Arnold. side 1: I Wouldn't Trade the Silver in My Mother's Hair (For All the Gold in the World); side 2: My Mother's Sweet Voice (RCA Victor 21-0011), from the album, To Mother (RCA Victor P 239).
78 rpm. Both tracks were recorded in 1948. This album was released in 1949.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1948
release date
1949
recording artist
Arnold, Eddy
manufacturer
RCA Victor
ID Number
1996.0320.05010
maker number
21-0011
P 239
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05010

Whispering; Tiger Rag

side 1: Benny Goodman Quartet. Whispering; side 2: Benny Goodman Trio. Tiger Rag (Victor 25481).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
side 1: Benny Goodman Quartet. Whispering; side 2: Benny Goodman Trio. Tiger Rag (Victor 25481).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1936
recording artist
Benny Goodman Quartet
Benny Goodman Trio
manufacturer
Victor
ID Number
1988.0698.1088
catalog number
1988.0698.1088
accession number
1988.0698
collector/donor number
G59
maker number
25481

Copper Colored Mama; Root Doctor Blues

"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
1996.0153.08736
catalog number
1996.0153.08736
label number
20-2323
accession number
1996.0153

Trees; Russian Lullaby

Bunny Berigan and his Orchestra. side 1: Trees; side 2: Russian Lullaby (Victor 20-1501), from the album, Bunny Berigan Memorial Album (Victor P-134).78 rpm. Side 1 was originally recorded in 1937 and released on Victor 26138.
Description
Bunny Berigan and his Orchestra. side 1: Trees; side 2: Russian Lullaby (Victor 20-1501), from the album, Bunny Berigan Memorial Album (Victor P-134).
78 rpm. Side 1 was originally recorded in 1937 and released on Victor 26138. Side 2 was originally recorded in 1937 and released on Victor 26001. The album was released in 1944.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1937
release date
1944
recording artist
Bunny Berigan and his Orchestra
manufacturer
Victor
ID Number
1978.0670.673
accession number
1978.0670
maker number
20-1501
P134
catalog number
1978.0670.673

Don't Be That Way; On the Sunny Side Of the Street

Lionel Hampton and his Orchestra. side 1: Don't Be That Way; side 2: On the Sunny Side of the Street (Victor 40-0112), 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 26173.
Description
Lionel Hampton and his Orchestra. side 1: Don't Be That Way; side 2: On the Sunny Side of the Street (Victor 40-0112), 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 26173. Side 2 was originally recorded in 1937 and released on Victor 25592. 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
1978.0670.664
accession number
1978.0670
maker number
40-0112
HJ-3
catalog number
1978.0670.664

Ballad for Americans

Paul Robeson.
Description

Paul Robeson. side 1: Ballad for Americans (part 1); side 2: Ballad for Americans (part 2) (Victor 26516), from the album, Ballad for Americans (Victor P 20).
78 rpm

"Ballad for Americans" (1939), originally titled "The Ballad for Uncle Sam", is an American patriotic cantata with lyrics by John La Touche and music by Earl Robinson. It was written for the Federal Theatre Project production, Sing for Your Supper which opened on April 24, 1939 at the Adelphi Theatre in New York City, and ran for 44 performances.

Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1940
recording artist
Robeson, Paul
manufacturer
Victor
ID Number
1988.0384.47
accession number
1988.0384
catalog number
1988.0384.47
maker number
26516
P 20

The Prisoner's Song; Seven Years with the Wrong Woman

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
1996.0320.05017
maker number
20-2490
P 195
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05017

Lead Me Gently Home, Father; Power in the Blood

Sons of the Pioneers. side 1: Lead Me Gently Home, Father; side 2: Power in the Blood (RCA Victor 20-3194), from the album, Cowboy Hymns and Sprituals (RCA Victor P 229).78 rpm. Both tracks were recorded in 1947. This album was released in 1948.Currently not on view
Description
Sons of the Pioneers. side 1: Lead Me Gently Home, Father; side 2: Power in the Blood (RCA Victor 20-3194), from the album, Cowboy Hymns and Sprituals (RCA Victor P 229).
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
Sons of the Pioneers
manufacturer
RCA Victor
ID Number
1996.0320.05275
maker number
20-3194
P 229
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05275

Careless Love; John Henry Blues

side 1: The Dixieland Jazz Group of "NBC's Chamber Music Society of Lower Basin Street" with Lena Horne.
Description
side 1: The Dixieland Jazz Group of "NBC's Chamber Music Society of Lower Basin Street" with Lena Horne. Careless Love; side 2: The Dixieland Jazz Group of "NBC's Chamber Music Society of Lower Basin Street." John Henry Blues (Victor 27545), from the album, The Birth of the Blues: An Album Of W.C. Handy Music (Victor P 82).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1941
recording artist
Horne, Lena
Dixieland Jazz Group of NBC's CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY of Lower Basin Street
manufacturer
Victor
ID Number
1979.1023.157
accession number
1979.1023
maker number
27545
P 82
catalog number
1979.1023.157

Pick Yourself Up; Down South Camp Meetin'

Benny Goodman and his Orchestra. side 1: Pick Yourself Up; side 2: Down South Camo Meetin' (Victor 25387).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Benny Goodman and his Orchestra. side 1: Pick Yourself Up; side 2: Down South Camo Meetin' (Victor 25387).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1936
recording artist
Benny Goodman and his Orchestra
manufacturer
Victor
ID Number
1988.0698.1062
catalog number
1988.0698.1062
accession number
1988.0698
collector/donor number
G34
maker number
25387

Illinois Central; Sweet Lucy Blues

"Doctor" (Peter J.) Clayton's Buddy [Sunnyland Slim]. side 1: Illinois Central; side 2: Sweet Lucy Blues (RCA Victor 20-2733).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
"Doctor" (Peter J.) Clayton's Buddy [Sunnyland Slim]. side 1: Illinois Central; side 2: Sweet Lucy Blues (RCA Victor 20-2733).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1947
recording artist; composer
Sunnyland Slim
manufacturer
RCA Victor
ID Number
1996.0153.08742
catalog number
1996.0153.08742
label number
20-2733
accession number
1996.0153

Angels in Harlem; Ain't Gonna Drink No More

"Doctor" (Peter J.) Clayton. side 1: Angels in Harlem; side 2: Ain't Gonna Drink No More (RCA Victor 20-2153).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
"Doctor" (Peter J.) Clayton. side 1: Angels in Harlem; side 2: Ain't Gonna Drink No More (RCA Victor 20-2153).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1946
recording artist; composer
Clayton, Peter J.
manufacturer
RCA Victor
ID Number
1996.0153.08733
catalog number
1996.0153.08733
label number
20-2153
accession number
1996.0153

I Can't Get Started; The Prisoner's Song

Bunny Berigan and his Orchestra. side 1: I Can't Get Started; side 2: The Prisoner's Song (Victor 36208).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Bunny Berigan and his Orchestra. side 1: I Can't Get Started; side 2: The Prisoner's Song (Victor 36208).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1937
recording artist
Bunny Berigan and his Orchestra
manufacturer
Victor
ID Number
1978.0670.722
maker number
36208
accession number
1978.0670
catalog number
1978.0670.722

Two Sleepy People, The Minor Drag

side 1: "Fats" Waller and his Rhythm. side 1: Two Sleepy People; side 2: "Fats" Waller and his Buddies. The Minor Drag (Victor 20-1583), from the album, "Fats" Waller Favorites (Victor P 151)78 rpm. Side 1 was originally recorded in 1938 and released on Bluebird B-10000.
Description (Brief)
side 1: "Fats" Waller and his Rhythm. side 1: Two Sleepy People; side 2: "Fats" Waller and his Buddies. The Minor Drag (Victor 20-1583), from the album, "Fats" Waller Favorites (Victor P 151)78 rpm. Side 1 was originally recorded in 1938 and released on Bluebird B-10000. Side 2 was originally recorded in 1929 and released on Victor V-38050. The album was released in 1944.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1938
1929
recording artist
Fats Waller and his Rhythm
Fats Waller and his Buddies
manufacturer
Victor
ID Number
1988.0375.41
accession number
1988.0375
catalog number
1988.0375.41
maker number
20-1583
P 151

Ring Dem Bells; Mood Indigo

Duke Ellington and his Famous Orchestra. side 1: Ring Dem Bells; side 2: Mood Indigo (Victor 20-1532), from the album, A Duke Ellington Panorama (Victor P-138).78 rpm. Both tracks were recorded in 1930. The album was released in 1943.Currently not on view
Description
Duke Ellington and his Famous Orchestra. side 1: Ring Dem Bells; side 2: Mood Indigo (Victor 20-1532), from the album, A Duke Ellington Panorama (Victor P-138).
78 rpm. Both tracks were recorded in 1930. The album was released in 1943.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1930
release date
1943
recording artist
Duke Ellington and his Famous Orchestra
manufacturer
Victor
ID Number
1978.0670.667
accession number
1978.0670
maker number
20-1532
P-138
catalog number
1978.0670.667

Jailhouse Rock; Treat Me Right

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1957
recording artist
Presley, Elvis
manufacturer
RCA Victor
ID Number
1996.3034.06124
nonaccession number
1996.3034
label number
47-7035
catalog number
1996.3034.06124

Rockin' Alone (In an Old Rocking Chair; I'm Thinking Tonight Of My Blue Eyes

Eddy Arnold. side 1: Rockin' Alone (In an Old Rocking Chair); side 2: I'm Thinking Tonight of My Blue Eyes (RCA Victor 20-2488), from the album, All Time Hits from the Hills (RCA Victor P 195).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Eddy Arnold. side 1: Rockin' Alone (In an Old Rocking Chair); side 2: I'm Thinking Tonight of My Blue Eyes (RCA Victor 20-2488), 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
1996.0320.05015
maker number
20-2488
P 195
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05015

Alabama / Auburn; Kentucky / Tennessee

All-American Glee Club. side 1: Alabama's Day/Song of the Crimson Tide (track 1) Fight 'Em Tigers/Alma Mater (track 2); side 2: Kentucky! Fight, Fight, Fight/On, On U. of K. (track 1) Spirit of the Hill/Fight Vols, Fight!
Description
All-American Glee Club. side 1: Alabama's Day/Song of the Crimson Tide (track 1) Fight 'Em Tigers/Alma Mater (track 2); side 2: Kentucky! Fight, Fight, Fight/On, On U. of K. (track 1) Spirit of the Hill/Fight Vols, Fight! (track 2) (Victor 26682), from the album, College Songs, Vol. 3 - Southern (Victor P 34).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1940
manufacturer
Victor
ID Number
1988.0384.23
accession number
1988.0384
maker number
26682
catalog number
1988.0384.23
maker number
P 34

Solomon Levi; Comin' Round the Mountain

Carson Robison and his Pleasant Valley Boys. side 1: Solomon Levi; side 2: Comin' 'Round the Mountain (RCA Victor 20-1831), from the album, Square Dances (RCA Victor P 155).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Carson Robison and his Pleasant Valley Boys. side 1: Solomon Levi; side 2: Comin' 'Round the Mountain (RCA Victor 20-1831), from the album, Square Dances (RCA Victor P 155).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
release date
1946
recording artist
Carson Robison and His Pleasant Valley Boys
Pleasant Valley Boys
manufacturer
RCA Victor
ID Number
1996.0320.05252
maker number
20-1831
P 155
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05252

If I Didn't Love You So; Walking By the River

Savannah Churchill. side 1: If I Didn't Love You So; side 2: Walking By the River (RCA Victor 20-5031).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Savannah Churchill. side 1: If I Didn't Love You So; side 2: Walking By the River (RCA Victor 20-5031).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1951
recording artist
Churchill, Savannah
composer
Carlisle, Una Mae
Sour, Robert
Csida, Joe
Mellin, Robert
manufacturer
RCA Victor
ID Number
1996.0153.08723
label number
20-5031
catalog number
1996.0153.08723
accession number
1996.0153

Christopher Columbus; Get Happy

Benny Goodman and his Orchestra. side 1: Christopher Columbus; side 2: Get Happy (Victor 25279).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Benny Goodman and his Orchestra. side 1: Christopher Columbus; side 2: Get Happy (Victor 25279).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1936
recording artist
Benny Goodman and his Orchestra
composer
Arlen, Harold
Razaf, Andy
lyricist
Koehler, Ted
composer
Berry, Chu
manufacturer
Victor
ID Number
1993.0102.081
catalog number
1993.0102.081
accession number
1993.0102
maker number
25279

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