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.

Date: 1920s

"Doll Dance"

This sheet music is for the song “Doll Dance,” by Nacio Herb Brown. It was published by Sherman, Clay and Co. in San Francisco in 1927.
Description
This sheet music is for the song “Doll Dance,” by Nacio Herb Brown. It was published by Sherman, Clay and Co. in San Francisco in 1927. The cover features and image of American actress and dancer Doris Eaton and indicates “As introduced by Doris Eaton in the Hollywood Music Box Revue.”
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1927
publisher
Sherman, Clay & Co.
ID Number
1986.0370.06
accession number
1986.0370
catalog number
1986.0370.06

"Sam, the Old Accordion Man"

This sheet music is for the song, “Sam, the Old Accordion Man,” with words and music by Walter Donaldson. It was published by Leo Feist, Inc. in New York, New York in 1927. There is an inset image of vaudevillians Don Romaine and William Castle on the cover.Currently not on view
Description
This sheet music is for the song, “Sam, the Old Accordion Man,” with words and music by Walter Donaldson. It was published by Leo Feist, Inc. in New York, New York in 1927. There is an inset image of vaudevillians Don Romaine and William Castle on the cover.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1927
publisher
Leo Feist Inc.
ID Number
1988.0538.02
accession number
1988.0538
catalog number
1988.0538.02

Do-Do-Do

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1926
lyricist
Gershwin, Ira
composer
Gershwin, George
depicted (sitter)
Day, Doris
MacRae, Gordon
maker
Harms, Inc.
ID Number
2017.3021.329
nonaccession number
2017.3021
catalog number
2017.3021.329

"Where Is the Song of Songs For Me"

This sheet music is for the song “Where Is the Song of Songs for Me,” with words and music by Irving Berlin. It was published by Irving Berlin, Inc. in New York, New York in 1928.
Description
This sheet music is for the song “Where Is the Song of Songs for Me,” with words and music by Irving Berlin. It was published by Irving Berlin, Inc. in New York, New York in 1928. This song was featured in the 1929 United Artists part-talkie film Lady of the Pavements, directed by D. W. Griffith and starred Lupe Vélez, William Boyd, and Jetta Goudal. The cover features an image of Mexican-born actress, comedian, singer, and dancer María Guadalupe Villalobos Vélez (1908-1944) who sang this song for the reshot version of the movie, indicated as Masquerade on the cover.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1928
depicted (sitter)
Velez, Lupe
composer
Berlin, Irving
publisher
Irving Berlin, Inc.
ID Number
1984.0023.09
accession number
1984.0023
catalog number
1984.0023.09

"Say A Prayer For the Boys Over There"

This sheet music is for the song “Say a Prayer For The Boys Over There,” with words by Herb Magidson and music by Jimmy McHugh. It was published by Southern Music Publishing Co., Inc.
Description

This sheet music is for the song “Say a Prayer For The Boys Over There,” with words by Herb Magidson and music by Jimmy McHugh. It was published by Southern Music Publishing Co., Inc. in New York, New York in 1943.

"Say a Prayer For the Boys Over There" was featured in the 1943 Universal Pictures musical comedy film Hers to Hold, directed by Frank Ryan and starred Deanna Durbin and Joseph Cotton. The sheet music cover features an image of Deanna Durbin and Joseph Cotton.

Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1925
publisher
Southern Music Publishing Co., Inc.
ID Number
1986.0021.32
accession number
1986.0021
catalog number
1986.0021.32

"Hallelujah, I'm a Bum"

This sheet music is for the song “Hallelujah, I’m A Bum,” version by Jack Waite. It was published by Bibo, Bloedon and Lang in New York, New York in 1928.
Description

This sheet music is for the song “Hallelujah, I’m A Bum,” version by Jack Waite. It was published by Bibo, Bloedon and Lang in New York, New York in 1928. This version of this American folk song contains 15 verses.

The cover art for this sheet music was made by American artist and designer Albert Wilfred Barbelle (1887-1957). With a prolific career spanning over forty years, Barbelle created numerous works of cover art for sheet music and albums.

Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1928
publisher
Bibo, Bloedon & Lang Inc.
ID Number
1988.0759.01
accession number
1988.0759
catalog number
1988.0759.01

Hohner Harmonette Harmonica

This harmonica was made by M. Hohner in Germany, ca. 1912-1924. It is a Harmonette model, with 16 double holes and 32 reeds. This harmonica has a brown stained wooden comb with metal cover plates attached to the sides with nails.
Description

This harmonica was made by M. Hohner in Germany, ca. 1912-1924. It is a Harmonette model, with 16 double holes and 32 reeds. This harmonica has a brown stained wooden comb with metal cover plates attached to the sides with nails. The harmonica is inserted into a red painted wooden harp-shaped case with a sound hole. Accessioned with original cardboard box. The harp-shaped box is stamped:

HARMONETTE
M. HOHNER
GERMANY

(and the cardboard box is stamped):

HARMONETTE
D.R.P. 173667
GREATEST RESOUNDING POWER

M. HOHNER
GERMANY

Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1912-1924
maker
Hohner, M.
ID Number
1988.0783.388
accession number
1988.0783
catalog number
1988.0783.388

Shirt Tail Stomp; Blue

Benny Goodman and his Boys. side 1: Shirt Tail Stomp; side 2: Blue (Brunswick 80030),from the album, Chicago Jazz Classics (Brunswick B-1007).78 rpm. Both tracks were originally recorded in 1928 and released on Brunswick 3915. The album was released in 1943.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Benny Goodman and his Boys. side 1: Shirt Tail Stomp; side 2: Blue (Brunswick 80030),from the album, Chicago Jazz Classics (Brunswick B-1007).
78 rpm. Both tracks were originally recorded in 1928 and released on Brunswick 3915. The album was released in 1943.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1928
release date
1943
recording artist
Benny Goodman and his Boys
manufacturer
Brunswick
ID Number
1988.0698.1051
catalog number
1988.0698.1051
accession number
1988.0698
collector/donor number
G23
maker number
B-1007

Violano Virtuoso Roll #2038

This music roll was made by Mills Novelty Company in Chicago, Illinois, about 1922-1925. It is Roll #2038, playable in a Violano Virtuoso player.
Description (Brief)

This music roll was made by Mills Novelty Company in Chicago, Illinois, about 1922-1925. It is Roll #2038, playable in a Violano Virtuoso player. The tune list for this roll is as follows:

Roll #2038 - Hand Played Dance Roll
8801: Dancing Fool (fox trot), Smith-Wheeler-Snyder, copyright 1922, Waterson, Berlin & Snyder Co.
8802: You Won't Be Sorry (fox trot). Burtnett-Marcasie-Kerr, copyright 1922, Sherman, Clay & Co.
8803: Lonesome Land (fox trot), Hirsch-Arden Green, copyright 1922, Richmond-Robbins, Inc.
8804: I Love Her - She Loves Me (fox trot), Irving Caesar & Eddie Cantor, copyright 1922, Harms, Inc.
8805: Those Days Are Over (fox trot), Sterling-Moran-Von Tilzer, copyright 1922, Harry Von Tilzer Music Pub. Co.

Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1922-1925
maker
Mills Novelty Company
ID Number
MI.73.06
accession number
289515
catalog number
73.06
maker number
2077

"How Many Times"

Tis sheet music is for the song “How Many Times,” with words and music by Irving Berlin. It was published by Irving Berlin, Inc. in New York, New York in 1926.Currently not on view
Description
Tis sheet music is for the song “How Many Times,” with words and music by Irving Berlin. It was published by Irving Berlin, Inc. in New York, New York in 1926.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1926
publisher
Irving Berlin, Inc.
ID Number
1984.0023.08
accession number
1984.0023
catalog number
1984.0023.08

Violano Virtuoso Roll #2576

This music roll was made by Mills Novelty Company in Chicago, Illinois, about 1926-1927. It is Roll #2576, playable in a Violano Virtuoso player.
Description (Brief)

This music roll was made by Mills Novelty Company in Chicago, Illinois, about 1926-1927. It is Roll #2576, playable in a Violano Virtuoso player. The tune list for this roll is as follows:

Roll #2576 - Hand Played Dance Roll
10789: That's Why I Love You (fox trot), Donaldson-Ash, copyright 1926, Leo Feist, Inc.
10790: Roses (fox trot), Britt-C. Tobia - H. Tobias, copyright 1926, Frank Clark, Inc.
10791: At Peace With the World (waltz), Irving Berlin, copyright 1926, Irving Berlin
10792: Give Me Today (fox trot), Titsworth-Kerr-Bell, copyright 1926, Sherman Clay & Co.
10793: My Pal Jerry (fox trot), Fred Rose - R. Becker, copyright 1926, Ted Brown

Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1926-1927
maker
Mills Novelty Company
ID Number
MI.73.13
accession number
289515
catalog number
73.13
maker number
2576

Violano Virtuoso Roll #2723

This music roll was made by Mills Novelty Company in Chicago, Illinois, about 1927-1928. It is Roll #2723, playable in a Violano Virtuoso player.
Description (Brief)

This music roll was made by Mills Novelty Company in Chicago, Illinois, about 1927-1928. It is Roll #2723, playable in a Violano Virtuoso player. The tune list for this roll is as follows:

Roll #2723 - Request Dance Numbers for the Month
13608: Eyes Were Never made For Crying (fox trot), Kerr-McPhail, copyright 1926, Jack Mills, Inc.
13609: Do You Love Me (fox trot), Rube Wolf-Billy Merrick, copyright 1927, Sherman Clay Co.
13610: A Shady Tree (waltz), Walter Donaldson, copyright 1927, Leo Feist
13611: Highways Are Happy Ways (fox trot), Harris-Malie-Shay, copyright 1927, Milton Weil Music Co.
13612: Swanee Shor (fox trot), Cliff Hess-C. Bourne, copyright 1927, Jerome Remick

Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1927-1928
maker
Mills Novelty Company
ID Number
MI.73.18
accession number
289515
catalog number
73.18
maker number
2723

“Charley My Boy”

This sheet music is for the song “Charley My Boy” that was written and composed by Gus Kahn and Ted Fiorito. Irving Berlin Inc. of New York City published this sheet music in 1924. The cover features an illustration of a dapper young man smoking a cigarette.
Description (Brief)
This sheet music is for the song “Charley My Boy” that was written and composed by Gus Kahn and Ted Fiorito. Irving Berlin Inc. of New York City published this sheet music in 1924. The cover features an illustration of a dapper young man smoking a cigarette. The illustration was signed with the initials “R.S.” and a rosebud symbol in the lower left hand corner. The song ‘s lyrics extolled the romantic prowess of Charley from a woman’s perspective.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1924
publisher
Irving Berlin, Inc.
ID Number
1983.0424.146
accession number
1983.0424
catalog number
1983.0424.146

Caution Blues; A Monday Date

Earl Hines. side 1: Caution Blues; side 2: A Monday Date (Columbia 35876), from the album, Hot Jazz Classics - Earl Hines (Columbia C-41).78 rpm. Both tracks were originally recorded in 1928 and released on Okeh 8832.
Description

Earl Hines. side 1: Caution Blues; side 2: A Monday Date (Columbia 35876), from the album, Hot Jazz Classics - Earl Hines (Columbia C-41).
78 rpm. Both tracks were originally recorded in 1928 and released on Okeh 8832. This album was released in 1944.

The cover art for this album was made by Alex Steinweiss. Alexander “Alex” Steinweiss (1917-2011) was an American artist and graphic designer. He was the first art director of Columbia Records, expanding the use of album covers and cover art. Steinweiss created album cover art from 1938 to 1973.

Location
Currently not on view
date made
1928
release date
1944
associated person
Hines, Earl
manufacturer
Columbia
ID Number
1978.0670.496
maker number
35876
C-41
accession number
1978.0670
catalog number
1978.0670.496

"The Japanese Sandman"

This sheet music is for the song “The Japanese Sandman,” with lyrics by Raymond B. Egan and music by Richard A. Whiting. It was pubished by Jerome H. Remick and Co. of New York and Detroit in 1920.Currently not on view
Description
This sheet music is for the song “The Japanese Sandman,” with lyrics by Raymond B. Egan and music by Richard A. Whiting. It was pubished by Jerome H. Remick and Co. of New York and Detroit in 1920.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1920
publisher
Jerome H. Remick & Co.
ID Number
1984.0023.05
accession number
1984.0023
catalog number
1984.0023.05

"The Sweetheart of Sigma Chi"

This sheet music is for the song “The Sweetheart of Sigma Chi,” with lyrics by Byron D. Stokes and music by F. Dydleigh Vernor. It was published by Richard E. Vernon Publishing Co. in Albion, Michigan in 1925. The song was written in 1911.Currently not on view
Description
This sheet music is for the song “The Sweetheart of Sigma Chi,” with lyrics by Byron D. Stokes and music by F. Dydleigh Vernor. It was published by Richard E. Vernon Publishing Co. in Albion, Michigan in 1925. The song was written in 1911.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1925
publisher
Richard E. Vernor Publishing Company
ID Number
1986.0021.39
accession number
1986.0021
catalog number
1986.0021.39

“I'll Always Love You”

This sheet music for the song "I'll Always Love You" was written and composed by Charles W. Kisco and George O. Perry and published by Jack Mills Inc. of New York, New York in 1923. The cover has a blue and green motif with a photograph of Warren M.
Description
This sheet music for the song "I'll Always Love You" was written and composed by Charles W. Kisco and George O. Perry and published by Jack Mills Inc. of New York, New York in 1923. The cover has a blue and green motif with a photograph of Warren M. Yates, “Americas Great Organist,” on the lower left.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1923
distributer
Selma
composer
Kisco, Charles W.
Perry, George O.
publisher
Mills, Jack
ID Number
1982.0439.15
catalog number
1982.0439.015
accession number
1982.0439

“When the Red, Red, Robin (Comes Bob, Bob, Bobbin' Along)"

This player piano roll was made by Imperial Player Roll Company in Chicago, Illinois, late 1920s. It is roll #6162 – “When the Red, Red, Robin (Comes Bob, Bob, Bobbin' Along),” by Harry Woods.Currently not on view
Description
This player piano roll was made by Imperial Player Roll Company in Chicago, Illinois, late 1920s. It is roll #6162 – “When the Red, Red, Robin (Comes Bob, Bob, Bobbin' Along),” by Harry Woods.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
late 1920s
manufacturer
Imperial
ID Number
MI.71.12.03
accession number
292526
catalog number
71.12.03

Rose-Marie

This sheet music is for the song “Rose-Marie,” with book and lyrics by Otto Harbach and Oscar Hammerstein II and music by Rudolf Friml and Herbert Stothart. It was published by Harms, Inc.
Description

This sheet music is for the song “Rose-Marie,” with book and lyrics by Otto Harbach and Oscar Hammerstein II and music by Rudolf Friml and Herbert Stothart. It was published by Harms, Inc. in New York, New York in 1924.

"Rose-Marie" was featured in the operetta-style musical Rose-Marie, with music by Rudolf Friml and Herbert Stothart, and book and lyrics by Otto Harbach and Oscar Hammerstein II. Rose-Marie premiered on Broadway at the Imperial Theatre on September 2, 1924.

Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1924
publisher
Harms Incorporated
ID Number
1985.0393.10
accession number
1985.0393
catalog number
1985.0393.10

“Mable Rode”

This sheet music for the song “Mable Rode” was written and composed by Gloria Marshall, and published by the Marshall Publishing Company of New York, New York in 1924.
Description
This sheet music for the song “Mable Rode” was written and composed by Gloria Marshall, and published by the Marshall Publishing Company of New York, New York in 1924. The entire cover has an orange hue and features a photograph of a woman, possibly Gloria Marshall, in a feather hat. The cover advertises the tune as “a fox-trot comedy song.”
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1924
composer; lyricist
Marshall, Gloria
publisher
Marshall Publishing
ID Number
1982.0439.01
catalog number
1982.0439.01
accession number
1982.0439

Never No Mo' Blues; Daddy and Home

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

"We Will Meet at the End of the Trail"

This sheet music is for the song “We Will Meet at the End of the Trail,” by Jean Acker (Mrs. Rudolph Valentino). It was published by Shapiro, Bernstein and Co. in New York in 1926. The cover features images of Rudolph Valentino and Jean Acker.Currently not on view
Description
This sheet music is for the song “We Will Meet at the End of the Trail,” by Jean Acker (Mrs. Rudolph Valentino). It was published by Shapiro, Bernstein and Co. in New York in 1926. The cover features images of Rudolph Valentino and Jean Acker.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1926
Associated Name
Valentino, Rudolph
publisher
Shapiro, Bernstein & Co., Inc.
ID Number
1985.0808.16
accession number
1985.0808
catalog number
1985.0808.16

"In the Little Red Schoolhouse"

This sheet music is for the song “In the Little Red Schoolhouse,” by Al Wilson and Jas. A. Brennan. It was published by Edward B. Marks Music Company in 1922. The cover features an image of The White Singers, who "introduced and featured" this song.Currently not on view
Description
This sheet music is for the song “In the Little Red Schoolhouse,” by Al Wilson and Jas. A. Brennan. It was published by Edward B. Marks Music Company in 1922. The cover features an image of The White Singers, who "introduced and featured" this song.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1922
publisher
Edward B. Marks Music Co.
ID Number
1984.0458.13
accession number
1984.0458
catalog number
1984.0458.13

"What'll I Do"

This sheet music is for the song “What’ll I Do,” by Irving Berlin. It was published by Irving Berlin, Inc. in New York, New York in 1924.The cover art for this sheet music was made by Rosenbaum Studios. The firm was founded by Morris Rosenbaum (1886-1953) in the early 1910s.
Description

This sheet music is for the song “What’ll I Do,” by Irving Berlin. It was published by Irving Berlin, Inc. in New York, New York in 1924.

The cover art for this sheet music was made by Rosenbaum Studios. The firm was founded by Morris Rosenbaum (1886-1953) in the early 1910s. There were several artists working for Rosenbaum Studios throughout the firm’s 27 years in operation. Variations of a rosebud/RS symbol were used to sign the artwork. Morris Rosenbaum was commissioned to create the logo for the newly formed film company MGM (Metro Goldwyn Mayer) in 1924.

Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1924
publisher
Irving Berlin, Inc.
ID Number
1985.0403.18
accession number
1985.0403
catalog number
1985.0403.18

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