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: New Jersey

Daughter, Will You Marry?; Doctor "Iron-Beard" / Our Salome

J. Wiliam Frey. side 1: Daughter Will You Marry?; side 2: Doctor "Iron-Beard" [track 1] Our Salome [track 2] (Nelson Cornell Custom Records Inc. 1901/02), from the album, Pennsylvania Dutch Folksongs (Nelson Cornell Custom Records Inc.).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
J. Wiliam Frey. side 1: Daughter Will You Marry?; side 2: Doctor "Iron-Beard" [track 1] Our Salome [track 2] (Nelson Cornell Custom Records Inc. 1901/02), from the album, Pennsylvania Dutch Folksongs (Nelson Cornell Custom Records Inc.).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording artist
Frey, J. William
manufacturer
Nelson Cornell Custom Records Inc.
ID Number
1996.0320.05108
maker number
CCR 1901/02
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05108

Lady Be Good; Lady Be Good

Lester Young, Charlie Parker, Al Killiam, Arnold Ross, Billy Hadnot, and Lee Young. side 1: Lady Be Good (part 1); side 2: Lady Be Good (part 2) (Arco 1226).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Lester Young, Charlie Parker, Al Killiam, Arnold Ross, Billy Hadnot, and Lee Young. side 1: Lady Be Good (part 1); side 2: Lady Be Good (part 2) (Arco 1226).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1946
recording artist
Young, Lester
Parker, Charlie
Killiam, Al
Ross, Arnold
Hadnot, Billy
Young, Lee
manufacturer
ARCO
ID Number
1978.0670.003
accession number
1978.0670
maker number
1226
catalog number
1978.0670.003

"Love's Dream After the Ball"

This music box disc was made by Regina Music Box Co. in Rahway, New Jersey, about 1897. It is Regina Disc #4098 - "Love's Dream After the Ball," by Alphons Czibulka.
Description

This music box disc was made by Regina Music Box Co. in Rahway, New Jersey, about 1897. It is Regina Disc #4098 - "Love's Dream After the Ball," by Alphons Czibulka. This disc is playable in a Regina Disc Music Box that can accommodate a 27” diameter disc.

This disc features the following patents:

U. S. Patent #417649, dated December 17, 1889 by Oskar Paul Lochmann for a music plate for mechanical instruments.

U. S. Patent #500374, dated June 27, 1893 by Gustav A. Brachhausen and Paul Riessner for a note-plate for music boxes.

Location
Currently not on view
manufacturing date
ca 1897
user
Meggers, Edith R.
manufacturer
Regina Music Box Company
ID Number
MI.74.12.19
catalog number
74.12.19
accession number
314637
maker number
4098

She Taught Me to Yodel; They're Burning Down the House

Elton Britt. side 1: She Taught Me to Yodel; side 2: They're Burning Down the House (I Was Brung Up In ) (RCA Victor 20-3092), from the album, Country Song Hits - Elton Britt (RCA Victor P 221).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Elton Britt. side 1: She Taught Me to Yodel; side 2: They're Burning Down the House (I Was Brung Up In ) (RCA Victor 20-3092), 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
1996.0320.05068
maker number
20-3092
P 221
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05068

Regina Music Box Master Disc

This master disc was made by the Regina Music Box Company in Rahway, New Jersey. It is master disc #1575 used in the production of 20-3/4” diameter discs for Regina disc music box styles 26, 126, 39, and 139.
Description
This master disc was made by the Regina Music Box Company in Rahway, New Jersey. It is master disc #1575 used in the production of 20-3/4” diameter discs for Regina disc music box styles 26, 126, 39, and 139. These table-top disc players featured a 130 steel tongues double comb mechanism. The Regina Company was in business from 1894-1922.
Location
Currently not on view
manufacturer
Regina Music Box Company
ID Number
MI.73.01.11.054
catalog number
73.01.11.054
maker number
1575
accession number
301414

Regina Music Box Master Disc

This master disc was made by the Regina Music Box Company in Rahway, New Jersey. It is master disc #1437 used in the production of 20-3/4” diameter discs for Regina disc music box styles 26, 126, 39, and 139.
Description
This master disc was made by the Regina Music Box Company in Rahway, New Jersey. It is master disc #1437 used in the production of 20-3/4” diameter discs for Regina disc music box styles 26, 126, 39, and 139. These table-top disc players featured a 130 steel tongues double comb mechanism. The Regina Company was in business from 1894-1922.
Location
Currently not on view
manufacturer
Regina Music Box Company
ID Number
MI.73.01.11.202
catalog number
73.01.11.202
maker number
1437
accession number
301414

Regina Music Box Master Disc

This master disc was made by the Regina Music Box Company in Rahway, New Jersey. It is master disc #1453 used in the production of 20-3/4” diameter discs for Regina disc music box styles 26, 126, 39, and 139.
Description
This master disc was made by the Regina Music Box Company in Rahway, New Jersey. It is master disc #1453 used in the production of 20-3/4” diameter discs for Regina disc music box styles 26, 126, 39, and 139. These table-top disc players featured a 130 steel tongues double comb mechanism. The Regina Company was in business from 1894-1922.
Location
Currently not on view
manufacturer
Regina Music Box Company
ID Number
MI.73.01.11.199
catalog number
73.01.11.199
maker number
1453
accession number
301414

China Stomp; Stompology

Lionel Hampton and his Orchestra. side 1: China Stomp; side 2: Stompology (Victor 40-0110), from the album, Victor Hot Jazz Series, Vol. III: Lionel Hampton (Victor HJ-3).78 rpm. Side 1 was originally recorded in 1937 and released on Victor 25586.
Description
Lionel Hampton and his Orchestra. side 1: China Stomp; side 2: Stompology (Victor 40-0110), from the album, Victor Hot Jazz Series, Vol. III: Lionel Hampton (Victor HJ-3).
78 rpm. Side 1 was originally recorded in 1937 and released on Victor 25586. Side 2 was originally recorded in 1937 and released on Victor 25601. The album was released in 1945.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1937
release date
1945
recording artist
Lionel Hampton and His Orchestra
manufacturer
Victor
ID Number
1978.0670.662
accession number
1978.0670.662
maker number
40-0110
HJ-3
catalog number
1978.0670.662

"Ben Bolt"

This music box disc was made by Regina Music Box Co. in Rahway, New Jersey, around 1897-1899. It is Regina Disc # 4080 - "Ben Bolt," by Nelson Kneass.
Description

This music box disc was made by Regina Music Box Co. in Rahway, New Jersey, around 1897-1899. It is Regina Disc # 4080 - "Ben Bolt," by Nelson Kneass. This disc is playable in a Regina Disc Music Box that can accommodate a 27” diameter disc.

This disc features the following patents:

U. S. Patent #417649, dated December 17, 1889 by Oskar Paul Lochmann for a music plate for mechanical instruments.

U. S. Patent #500374, dated June 27, 1893 by Gustav A. Brachhausen and Paul Riessner for a note-plate for music boxes.

Location
Currently not on view
manufacturing date
1897-1899
user
Meggers, Edith R.
manufacturer
Regina Music Box Company
ID Number
MI.74.12.14
catalog number
74.12.14
accession number
314637
maker number
4080

I Can't Get Started; Frankie and Johnnie

Bunny Berigan and his Orchestra. side 1: I Can't Get Started; side 2: Frakie and Johnnie (Victor 20-1500), from the album, Bunny Berigan Memorial Album (Victor P134).78 rpm. Side 1 was originally recorded in 1937 and released on Victor 36208.
Description
Bunny Berigan and his Orchestra. side 1: I Can't Get Started; side 2: Frakie and Johnnie (Victor 20-1500), from the album, Bunny Berigan Memorial Album (Victor P134).
78 rpm. Side 1 was originally recorded in 1937 and released on Victor 36208. Side 2 was originally recorded in 1937 and released on Victor 25616. 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
1978.0670.672
accession number
1978.0670
maker number
20-1500
P-134
catalog number
1978.0670.672

Regina Music Box Master Disc

This master disc was made by the Regina Music Box Company in Rahway, New Jersey. It is master disc #3028 used in the production of 20-3/4” diameter discs for Regina disc music box styles 26, 126, 39, and 139.
Description
This master disc was made by the Regina Music Box Company in Rahway, New Jersey. It is master disc #3028 used in the production of 20-3/4” diameter discs for Regina disc music box styles 26, 126, 39, and 139. These table-top disc players featured a 130 steel tongues double comb mechanism. The Regina Company was in business from 1894-1922.
Location
Currently not on view
manufacturer
Regina Music Box Company
ID Number
MI.73.01.11.064
catalog number
73.01.11.064
maker number
3028
accession number
301414

Regina Music Box Master Disc

This master disc was made by the Regina Music Box Company in Rahway, New Jersey. It is master disc #1324 used in the production of 20-3/4” diameter discs for Regina disc music box styles 26, 126, 39, and 139.
Description
This master disc was made by the Regina Music Box Company in Rahway, New Jersey. It is master disc #1324 used in the production of 20-3/4” diameter discs for Regina disc music box styles 26, 126, 39, and 139. These table-top disc players featured a 130 steel tongues double comb mechanism. The Regina Company was in business from 1894-1922.
Location
Currently not on view
manufacturer
Regina Music Box Company
ID Number
MI.73.01.11.035
catalog number
73.01.11.035
maker number
1324
accession number
301414

Regina Music Box Master Disc

This master disc was made by the Regina Music Box Company in Rahway, New Jersey. It is master disc #1018 used in the production of 20-3/4” diameter discs for Regina disc music box styles 26, 126, 39, and 139.
Description
This master disc was made by the Regina Music Box Company in Rahway, New Jersey. It is master disc #1018 used in the production of 20-3/4” diameter discs for Regina disc music box styles 26, 126, 39, and 139. These table-top disc players featured a 130 steel tongues double comb mechanism. The Regina Company was in business from 1894-1922.
Location
Currently not on view
manufacturer
Regina Music Box Company
ID Number
MI.73.01.11.083
catalog number
73.01.11.083
maker number
1018
accession number
301414

Regina Music Box Master Disc

This master disc was made by the Regina Music Box Company in Rahway, New Jersey. It is master disc #1022 used in the production of 20-3/4” diameter discs for Regina disc music box styles 26, 126, 39, and 139.
Description
This master disc was made by the Regina Music Box Company in Rahway, New Jersey. It is master disc #1022 used in the production of 20-3/4” diameter discs for Regina disc music box styles 26, 126, 39, and 139. These table-top disc players featured a 130 steel tongues double comb mechanism. The Regina Company was in business from 1894-1922.
Location
Currently not on view
manufacturer
Regina Music Box Company
ID Number
MI.73.01.11.081
catalog number
73.01.11.081
maker number
1022
accession number
301414

Regina Music Box Master Disc

This master disc was made by the Regina Music Box Company in Rahway, New Jersey. It is master disc #1894 used in the production of 20-3/4” diameter discs for Regina disc music box styles 26, 126, 39, and 139.
Description
This master disc was made by the Regina Music Box Company in Rahway, New Jersey. It is master disc #1894 used in the production of 20-3/4” diameter discs for Regina disc music box styles 26, 126, 39, and 139. These table-top disc players featured a 130 steel tongues double comb mechanism. The Regina Company was in business from 1894-1922.
Location
Currently not on view
manufacturer
Regina Music Box Company
ID Number
MI.73.01.11.131
catalog number
73.01.11.131
maker number
1894
accession number
301414

RCA Audio Consolette

This audio consolette was made by Radio Corporation of America in Camden, New Jersey, late 1950s. It is a Type BC-5 Audio Consolette, self-contained metal unit with a hinged front panel for access to components and wiring.
Description (Brief)

This audio consolette was made by Radio Corporation of America in Camden, New Jersey, late 1950s. It is a Type BC-5 Audio Consolette, self-contained metal unit with a hinged front panel for access to components and wiring. The front panel is comprised of the following:

8 input selector switches
4 mixer attenuator switches: MIX 1, MIX 2, MIX 3, MIX 4
4 mixer switches
2 remote line selector switches: REM 1 and REM 2
master gain control knob: MASTER
monitor input selector switch: MON INPUT
monitor gain control: MON GAIN
phone selector switch: PHONE
VU (Volume Unit) meter
phone jack

There are two additional components attached to the right side of the consolette: tape starters and tape audio. This consolette was used by WANN (1190 AM) radio station.

WANN (1190 AM) was a radio station based out of Annapolis, Maryland that primarily served the area's growing African American community. Morris Blum founded it in 1946, and it broadcast to the entire mid-Atlantic region. The station was home to disc jockey Charles "Hoppy" Adams starting in the early 1950s. Adams hosted weekly events at a local African American only beach, Carr's Beach, which were popular with the area's youth population.

WANN continued to program gospel, rhythm and blues, and public affairs features until 1992 when the station changed to a mainstream country format with the catchphrase “Bay Country 1190.” Around 1998, the station changed ownership and became WBIS, broadcasting a News Talk Information format.

Location
Currently not on view
date made
late 1950s
manufacturer
Radio Corporation of America
ID Number
2002.0319.19
accession number
2002.0319
catalog number
2002.0319.19

Regina Music Box Master Disc

This master disc was made by the Regina Music Box Company in Rahway, New Jersey. It is master disc #1327 used in the production of 20-3/4” diameter discs for Regina disc music box styles 26, 126, 39, and 139.
Description
This master disc was made by the Regina Music Box Company in Rahway, New Jersey. It is master disc #1327 used in the production of 20-3/4” diameter discs for Regina disc music box styles 26, 126, 39, and 139. These table-top disc players featured a 130 steel tongues double comb mechanism. The Regina Company was in business from 1894-1922.
Location
Currently not on view
manufacturer
Regina Music Box Company
ID Number
MI.73.01.11.033
catalog number
73.01.11.033
maker number
1327
accession number
301414

Kalinka (The Mulberry); Night

Alexander Kipnis with Balalaika Orchestra. side 1: Kalinka (The Mulberry); side 2: Night (Victor 10-1016), from the album, Russian Folk Songs (Victor M 917).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Alexander Kipnis with Balalaika Orchestra. side 1: Kalinka (The Mulberry); side 2: Night (Victor 10-1016), 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
1979.1023.147
accession number
1979.1023
maker number
M 917
10-1016
catalog number
1979.1023.147

Ridin the Riff; Flat Rock

Coleman Hawkins with Cozy Cole Orchestra. side 1: Ridin the Riff; side 2: Flat Rock (Savoy 583), from the album, Tenor Sax Album No. 2 (Savoy S-502).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Coleman Hawkins with Cozy Cole Orchestra. side 1: Ridin the Riff; side 2: Flat Rock (Savoy 583), from the album, Tenor Sax Album No. 2 (Savoy S-502).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1944
recording artist
Hawkins, Coleman
Cozy Cole Orchestra
manufacturer
Savoy
ID Number
1978.0670.650
maker number
583
S-502
catalog number
1978.0670.650
accession number
1978.0670

Regina Music Box Master Disc

This master disc was made by the Regina Music Box Company in Rahway, New Jersey. It is master disc #1409 used in the production of 20-3/4” diameter discs for Regina disc music box styles 26, 126, 39, and 139.
Description
This master disc was made by the Regina Music Box Company in Rahway, New Jersey. It is master disc #1409 used in the production of 20-3/4” diameter discs for Regina disc music box styles 26, 126, 39, and 139. These table-top disc players featured a 130 steel tongues double comb mechanism. The Regina Company was in business from 1894-1922.
Location
Currently not on view
manufacturer
Regina Music Box Company
ID Number
MI.73.01.11.179
catalog number
73.01.11.179
maker number
1409
accession number
301414

Regina Music Box Master Disc

This master disc was made by the Regina Music Box Company in Rahway, New Jersey. It is master disc #1240 used in the production of 20-3/4” diameter discs for Regina disc music box styles 26, 126, 39, and 139.
Description
This master disc was made by the Regina Music Box Company in Rahway, New Jersey. It is master disc #1240 used in the production of 20-3/4” diameter discs for Regina disc music box styles 26, 126, 39, and 139. These table-top disc players featured a 130 steel tongues double comb mechanism. The Regina Company was in business from 1894-1922.
Location
Currently not on view
manufacturer
Regina Music Box Company
ID Number
MI.73.01.11.020
catalog number
73.01.11.020
maker number
1240
accession number
301414

"Bedelia"

This music box disc was made by Regina Music Box Co. in Rahway, New Jersey, about 1903. It is Regina Disc #4533 - "Bedelia," with music by Jean Schwartz. and lyrics by William Jerome.
Description

This music box disc was made by Regina Music Box Co. in Rahway, New Jersey, about 1903. It is Regina Disc #4533 - "Bedelia," with music by Jean Schwartz. and lyrics by William Jerome. This disc is playable in a Regina Disc Music Box that can accommodate a 27” diameter disc.

This disc features the following patents:

U. S. Patent #417649, dated December 17, 1889 by Oskar Paul Lochmann for a music plate for mechanical instruments.

U. S. Patent #500374, dated June 27, 1893 by Gustav A. Brachhausen and Paul Riessner for a note-plate for music boxes.

Location
Currently not on view
manufacturing date
ca 1903
user
Meggers, Edith R.
manufacturer
Regina Music Box Company
ID Number
MI.74.12.32
catalog number
74.12.32
accession number
314637
maker number
4533

"Alabama Coon's Jubilee"

This music box disc was made by Regina Music Box Co. in Rahway, New Jersey, about 1899. It is Regina Disc #4215 - "Alabama Coon's Jubilee" (Cake Walk), by Chauncey Haines.
Description

This music box disc was made by Regina Music Box Co. in Rahway, New Jersey, about 1899. It is Regina Disc #4215 - "Alabama Coon's Jubilee" (Cake Walk), by Chauncey Haines. This disc is playable in a Regina Disc Music Box that can accommodate a 27” diameter disc.

This disc features the following patents:

U. S. Patent #417649, dated December 17, 1889 by Oskar Paul Lochmann for a music plate for mechanical instruments.

U. S. Patent #500374, dated June 27, 1893 by Gustav A. Brachhausen and Paul Riessner for a note-plate for music boxes.

Location
Currently not on view
manufacturing date
ca 1899
user
Meggers, Edith R.
manufacturer
Regina Music Box Company
ID Number
MI.74.12.27
catalog number
74.12.27
accession number
314637
maker number
4215

Regina v Box Master Disc

This master disc was made by the Regina Music Box Company in Rahway, New Jersey. It is master disc #10815 used in the production of 20-3/4” diameter discs for Regina disc music box styles 26, 126, 39, and 139.
Description
This master disc was made by the Regina Music Box Company in Rahway, New Jersey. It is master disc #10815 used in the production of 20-3/4” diameter discs for Regina disc music box styles 26, 126, 39, and 139. These table-top disc players featured a 130 steel tongues double comb mechanism. The Regina Company was in business from 1894-1922.
Location
Currently not on view
manufacturer
Regina Music Box Company
ID Number
MI.73.01.11.086
catalog number
73.01.11.086
maker number
10815
accession number
301414

Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.

If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.