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 sheet music is for the composition, “Remember Me,” by Minna Brinkmann. It was published by Belwin, Inc. in New York, New York in 1929. This sheet music is No. 61 from the Belwin series Edition Beautiful, published from 1920s-1930s.
Description

This sheet music is for the composition, “Remember Me,” by Minna Brinkmann. It was published by Belwin, Inc. in New York, New York in 1929. This sheet music is No. 61 from the Belwin series Edition Beautiful, published from 1920s-1930s.

Belwin was formed in 1918 by music publishing employee Max Winkler (1888-1965), film-maker Max Winkler (1875-1961), and publisher of original composition and arrangements for silent cinema S.M. Berg. The name Belwin was created by combining the surnames of Berg and Winkler.

Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1929
composer
Brinkmann, M.
publisher
Belwin Inc.
ID Number
1984.0568.39
accession number
1984.0568
catalog number
1984.0568.39
This sheet music is for the song “The Way You Look Tonight,” with music by Jerome Kern and lyrics by Dorothy Fields. It was published by Chappell and Co., Inc.
Description

This sheet music is for the song “The Way You Look Tonight,” with music by Jerome Kern and lyrics by Dorothy Fields. It was published by Chappell and Co., Inc. in New York, New York in 1936.

"The Wat You Look Tonight" was featured in the 1936 RKO Radio Pictures musical comedy film Swing Time, directed by George Stevens and starred Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. The cover features a still from the film of stars Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.

Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1936
publisher
Chappell & Co. Inc.
ID Number
1985.0392.19
accession number
1985.0392
catalog number
1985.0392.19
Johnny Otis Orchestra. side 1: Turkey Hop [part 1]; side 2: Turkey Hop [part 2] (Savoy 732).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Johnny Otis Orchestra. side 1: Turkey Hop [part 1]; side 2: Turkey Hop [part 2] (Savoy 732).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1950
recording artist
Johnny Otis Orchestra
manufacturer
Savoy
ID Number
1991.0305.250
maker number
732
catalog number
1991.0305.250
accession number
1991.0305
This sheet music is for the song “Still in Saigon,” with words and music by Dan Daley. It was published by Dreens Music and Dan Daley Music in New York, New York in 1981.
Description
This sheet music is for the song “Still in Saigon,” with words and music by Dan Daley. It was published by Dreens Music and Dan Daley Music in New York, New York in 1981. The cover features an image of The Charlie Daniels Band, who recorded this song for their Epic Record album Windows released in 1982.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1981
depicted (sitter)
Charlie Daniels Band
publisher
Dreena Music
Dan Daley Music
ID Number
1985.0808.11
accession number
1985.0808
catalog number
1985.0808.11
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1904
composer
Levi, Maurice
depicted (sitter)
Friganza, Trixie
maker
Chas. K. Harris
ID Number
2018.3010.143
catalog number
2018.3010.143
nonaccession number
2018.3010
This master disc was made by the Regina Music Box Company in Rahway, New Jersey. It is master disc #1076 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 #1076 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.73.01.11.218
catalog number
73.01.11.218
maker number
1076
accession number
301414
This song folio "Rose Marie's Popular Song Folio" was published by Melrose Music Corp. in New York, New York, in 1945). The cover features an image of Rose Marie (born Rose Marie Mazzetta, 1923-2017) an American actress, comedian, singer, and vaudeville performer.
Description (Brief)
This song folio "Rose Marie's Popular Song Folio" was published by Melrose Music Corp. in New York, New York, in 1945). The cover features an image of Rose Marie (born Rose Marie Mazzetta, 1923-2017) an American actress, comedian, singer, and vaudeville performer. She began her career as a child and continued through adulthood.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1945
publisher
Melrose Music Corp.
maker
Melrose Music Corp.
ID Number
2006.0248.22
catalog number
2006.0248.22
accession number
2006.0248
This master disc was made by the Regina Music Box Company in Rahway, New Jersey. It is master disc #1205 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 #1205 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.73.01.11.001
maker number
1205
accession number
301414
catalog number
73.01.11.001
This glockenspiel, also known as school bells, was made in the United States, around 1900 to 1910. It is made of 30 metal bells, two and a half octaves, with a wood frame. his set of school bells was used by William T.
Description

This glockenspiel, also known as school bells, was made in the United States, around 1900 to 1910. It is made of 30 metal bells, two and a half octaves, with a wood frame.

his set of school bells was used by William T. Armstrong (1879-1965), orchestra leader and musician in vaudeville and silent film theaters. Armstrong grew up in South River, New Jersey and began playing drums at the age of 14. He continued his musical career through the mid-1910s, after which, Armstrong began work in banking and finance. This artifact is part of a collection of drums, sound effect instruments, and other percussion instruments used by Armstrong.

Location
Currently not on view
date made
1900-1910
ID Number
1984.0335.25
catalog number
1984.0335.25
accession number
1984.0335
This button is from the New Year’s Jazz at Indian Wells event in Palm Springs, California. It is a round button with a green background with black printing, covered with a clear film, on a two-piece metal button with a pin back.
Description

This button is from the New Year’s Jazz at Indian Wells event in Palm Springs, California. It is a round button with a green background with black printing, covered with a clear film, on a two-piece metal button with a pin back. The button is printed:

NEW YEAR'S JAZZ
[image of trumpet and bass players]
AT INDIAN WELLS
3 DAY PASS
Traditional
Jazz Party

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
user
Levin, Floyd
ID Number
2011.3086.175
nonaccession number
2011.3086
catalog number
2011.3086.175
This clock was made by Self Winding Clock Co., Inc. in New York, New York, late 1940s. It is a wall clock made of brown metal frame with white dial, black and red markings, black hour and minute hands, and red second hand. It has a clear plastic front.
Description (Brief)

This clock was made by Self Winding Clock Co., Inc. in New York, New York, late 1940s. It is a wall clock made of brown metal frame with white dial, black and red markings, black hour and minute hands, and red second hand. It has a clear plastic front. There is a dial at the bottom of the clock. Used by WANN (1190) 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 1940s
manufacturer
Self Winding Clock Co., Inc.
ID Number
2000.0165.7777
Jelly Roll Morton. side 1: King Porter Stomp; side 2: The Pearls (Brunswick 80067), from the album, A King of the Piano, Volume One (Brunswick B-1018).78 rpm. Both tracks were originally recorded in 1926 and released on Vocalian 1020.
Description
Jelly Roll Morton. side 1: King Porter Stomp; side 2: The Pearls (Brunswick 80067), from the album, A King of the Piano, Volume One (Brunswick B-1018).
78 rpm. Both tracks were originally recorded in 1926 and released on Vocalian 1020. This pressing was released in 1945.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1926
release date
1945
recording artist
Morton, Jelly Roll
manufacturer
Brunswick
ID Number
1979.1023.091
maker number
80067
B-1018
accession number
1979.1023
catalog number
1979.1023.091
This sheet music for the song “He Found Her in the City” was written and composed by Gussie L. Davis and published by Howley, Haviland and Co. of New York, New York in 1902. The sheet music appeared as a supplement to the “New York Herald” on December 28, 1902.
Description
This sheet music for the song “He Found Her in the City” was written and composed by Gussie L. Davis and published by Howley, Haviland and Co. of New York, New York in 1902. The sheet music appeared as a supplement to the “New York Herald” on December 28, 1902. The cover has an illustration of a city skyline shown from the perspective of someone looking at it across an icy river, next to a bridge.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1902
composer; lyricist
Davis, Gussie L.
publisher
Howley, Haviland, and Company
ID Number
1982.0440.47
accession number
1982.0440
catalog number
1982.0440.47
This master disc was made by the Regina Music Box Company in Rahway, New Jersey. It is master disc #1879 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 #1879 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.73.01.11.130
catalog number
73.01.11.130
maker number
1879
accession number
301414
This sheet music is for the song “Saint Louis Blues,” with words and music by W. C. Handy. It was published by Handy Brothers Music Co., Inc. in New York, New York in 1914.Currently not on view
Description
This sheet music is for the song “Saint Louis Blues,” with words and music by W. C. Handy. It was published by Handy Brothers Music Co., Inc. in New York, New York in 1914.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1914
publisher
Handy Brothers Music Co. Inc.
ID Number
1984.0023.13
accession number
1984.0023
catalog number
1984.0023.13
This harmonica holder was made by Excelsior in the United States, undetermined date. It is a curved steel wire curved, fit into black wooden piece from which extends a perpendicular pair of wires holding by spring suspension a harmonica. Accessioned with original box.
Description
This harmonica holder was made by Excelsior in the United States, undetermined date. It is a curved steel wire curved, fit into black wooden piece from which extends a perpendicular pair of wires holding by spring suspension a harmonica. Accessioned with original box. There is a Hohner Marine Band harmonica in the spring suspension.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1988.0783.542
accession number
1988.0783
catalog number
1988.0783.542
This sheet music is for the song “Mister Five by Five,” by Don Raye and Gene De Paul.
Description

This sheet music is for the song “Mister Five by Five,” by Don Raye and Gene De Paul. It was published by Leeds Music Corporation in New York, New York in 1942.

"Mister Five by Five" was featured in the 1942 Universal Pictures comedy film Behind the Eight Ball, directed by Edward F. Cline and starred Al Ritz, Jimmy Ritz, Harry Ritz, Carol Bruce, Dick Foran, Grace McDonald, Johnny Downs, and William Demarest.

Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1942
publisher
Leeds Music Corp.
ID Number
1985.0392.09
accession number
1985.0392
catalog number
1985.0392.09
The Rooftop Singers. side 1: Tom Cat; side 2: Shoes (Vanguard VRS-35019)45 rpm. Accessioned with original printed sleeve.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
The Rooftop Singers. side 1: Tom Cat; side 2: Shoes (Vanguard VRS-35019)
45 rpm. Accessioned with original printed sleeve.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1963
manufacturer
Vanguard
ID Number
1996.3034.06722
label number
VRS-35019
catalog number
1996.3034.06722
nonaccession number
1996.3034
Jelly Roll Morton. Jelly Roll Morton, Volume 2: Way Down Yonder... (Circle Limited Edition #306).78 rpm. Album is for a 4-disc set comprised of JM-9, JM-10, JM-11, JM-12, JM-13, JM14. JM-15, and JM-16.This is part of a limited edition 45 twelve-inch record set, The Saga of Mr.
Description (Brief)

Jelly Roll Morton. Jelly Roll Morton, Volume 2: Way Down Yonder... (Circle Limited Edition #306).
78 rpm. Album is for a 4-disc set comprised of JM-9, JM-10, JM-11, JM-12, JM-13, JM14. JM-15, and JM-16.

This is part of a limited edition 45 twelve-inch record set, The Saga of Mr. Jelly Lord. The set is comprised of interviews and musical performances of musician Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" Morton (1890-1941) recorded by American ethnomusicologist Alan Lomax (1915-2002) at the Coolidge Auditorium, Library of Congress, from May 23, 1938 to December 14, 1938. In the interviews, Morton recounts his experiences, both in New Orleans and on the road, as a popular musician of the early twentieth century.

The Saga of Mr. Jelly Lord limited edition record set was issued by Circle Sound Inc., incrementally with two albums every three months, beginning in late 1947. The recordings were pressed on red vinylite. Album design and typography for this set was by Jimmy Ernst (born Hans-Ulrich Ernst, 1920-1984), a German-born American painter.

Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1938
recording artist
Morton, Jelly Roll
manufacturer
Circle
ID Number
1988.0698.2562
catalog number
1988.0698.2562
accession number
1988.0698
serial number
306
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1985
recording artist
Newton-John, Olivia
manufacturer
MCA
ID Number
1996.3034.05603
catalog number
1996.3034.05603
label number
MCA-52686
nonaccession number
1996.3034
This sheet music for the song "Rosenbaum" was written and composed by Fred Fischer and published by the Fred Fischer Music Publishing Company of New York, New York in 1908. The cover features an illustration of a soldier doll done by Gene Buck.
Description
This sheet music for the song "Rosenbaum" was written and composed by Fred Fischer and published by the Fred Fischer Music Publishing Company of New York, New York in 1908. The cover features an illustration of a soldier doll done by Gene Buck. The cover also has a photograph of Ben Welch on the lower right, a vaudevillian actor who would have performed this song.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1908
composer; lyricist
Fischer, Fred
publisher
Fred Fischer Music Pub. Co.
ID Number
1982.0439.32
accession number
1982.0439
catalog number
1982.0439.32
This sheet music for the song, "Back to the Old, Old Home" was written by Arthur Lamb and composed by Harry Carson. The music was published by the Thompson Music Company of Chicago, Illinois in 1893.
Description
This sheet music for the song, "Back to the Old, Old Home" was written by Arthur Lamb and composed by Harry Carson. The music was published by the Thompson Music Company of Chicago, Illinois in 1893. The simple cover is white with black bubble lettering, and advertises the song as a “ballad with waltz refrain.”
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1893
composer
Carson, Harry F.
lyricist
Lamb, Arthur J.
publisher
Thompson Music Company
ID Number
1982.0439.08
catalog number
1982.0439.008
accession number
1982.0439
Oak Ridge Quartet. side 1: No Tears in Heaven; side 2: Old Time Religion (Capitol 48023), from the album, Songs from The Grand Ole Opry (Capitol AD 86).78 rpm.The cover art for this album was made by Carlos Andreson.
Description

Oak Ridge Quartet. side 1: No Tears in Heaven; side 2: Old Time Religion (Capitol 48023), from the album, Songs from The Grand Ole Opry (Capitol AD 86).
78 rpm.

The cover art for this album was made by Carlos Andreson. Andreson, also as Anderson, (1905-1978) was an American painter, lithographer, and teacher. A native of Salt Lake City, Utah, Andreson studied at the University of Utah, then subsequently in Los Angeles, New York, Paris, and Berlin. In 1933, Andreson returned to the United States, creating paintings and drawings of early pioneer life for the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and teaching at Utah Arts Center. After the start of WWII, Anderson was commissioned by Abbott Laboratories to paint medical subjects at the stateside Naval hospitals. Andreson moved to San Francisco after the war where he produced artwork for the Oakland Army Base.

Location
Currently not on view
release date
1948
recording artist
Oak Ridge Quartet
manufacturer
Capitol
ID Number
1996.0320.05119
maker number
48023
AD 86
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05119
This music roll was made by Mechanical Orguinette Company, in New York, New York, around 1895-1900. It is Roll #4013, playable in a Celestina or Mandolina model roller organ. This roll sold for $1.00.
Description

This music roll was made by Mechanical Orguinette Company, in New York, New York, around 1895-1900. It is Roll #4013, playable in a Celestina or Mandolina model roller organ. This roll sold for $1.00. The tune list for this roll is as follows:

Yankee Doodle
When Johnny comes marching home
We won’t go home till morning
Upidee

Location
Currently not on view
date made
1895-1900
ID Number
MI.73.02a.16
accession number
301352
catalog number
73.02a.16

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