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

Big Hunk of Love, A; My Wish Came True

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1959
recording artist
Presley, Elvis
Jordanaires
manufacturer
RCA Victor
ID Number
1996.3034.06130
label number
47-7600
catalog number
1996.3034.06130
nonaccession number
1996.3034

Regina Music Box Master Disc

This master disc was made by the Regina Music Box Company in Rahway, New Jersey. It is master disc #1493 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 #1493 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.73.01.11.230
catalog number
73.01.11.230
maker number
1493
accession number
301414

'Twixt Twelve and Twenty (Pat Talks to Teenagers)

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1958
depicted (sitter)
Boone, Pat
maker
Prentice-Hall, Inc.
ID Number
2014.0305.01
accession number
2014.0305
catalog number
2014.0305.01

Regina Music Box Master Disc

This master disc was made by the Regina Music Box Company in Rahway, New Jersey. It is master disc #1433 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 #1433 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.73.01.11.183
catalog number
73.01.11.183
maker number
1433
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 #11331 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 #11331 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.73.01.11.063
catalog number
73.01.11.063
maker number
11331
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 #1350 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 #1350 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.73.01.11.222
catalog number
73.01.11.222
maker number
1350
accession number
301414

Alexander's Ragtime Band; Riffin' At the Ritz

Benny Goodman and his Orchestra. side 1: Alexander's Ragtime Band; side 2: Riffin' at the Ritz (Victor 25445).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Benny Goodman and his Orchestra. side 1: Alexander's Ragtime Band; side 2: Riffin' at the Ritz (Victor 25445).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1936
recording artist
Benny Goodman and his Orchestra
manufacturer
Victor
ID Number
1988.0698.1064
accession number
1988.0698
collector/donor number
G36
maker number
25445
catalog number
1988.0698.1064

Begin the Beguine; Oh, Lady Be Good

Artie Shaw and his Orchestra. side 1: Begin the Beguine; side 2: Oh, Lady Be Good (Victor 20-1551), from the album, Up Swing (RCA Victor P 146).78 rpm. Side 1 was recorded in 1938 and initially released on Victor 27546.
Description
Artie Shaw and his Orchestra. side 1: Begin the Beguine; side 2: Oh, Lady Be Good (Victor 20-1551), from the album, Up Swing (RCA Victor P 146).
78 rpm. Side 1 was recorded in 1938 and initially released on Victor 27546. Side 2 was recorded in 1939 and initially released on Bluebird B-10430. This album was released in 1944.
Location
Currently not on view
release date
1944
recording date
1938
1939
recording artist
Artie Shaw and his Orchestra
manufacturer
RCA Victor
ID Number
1981.0566.192
accession number
1981.0566
maker number
20-1551
P146
catalog number
1981.0566.192

Regina Music Box Master Disc

This master disc was made by the Regina Music Box Company in Rahway, New Jersey. It is master disc #3031 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 #3031 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.73.01.11.094
catalog number
73.01.11.094
maker number
3031
accession number
301414

I Never Knew; Sweet Sue - Just You

Benny Goodman and his Orchestra. side 1: I Never Knew; side 2: Sweet Sue - Just You (Victor 26089).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Benny Goodman and his Orchestra. side 1: I Never Knew; side 2: Sweet Sue - Just You (Victor 26089).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1938
recording artist
Benny Goodman and his Orchestra
manufacturer
Victor
ID Number
1988.0698.1074
catalog number
1988.0698.1074
accession number
1988.0698
collector/donor number
G45
maker number
26089

Afraid To Dream; Roll 'Em

Benny Goodman and his Orchestra. side 1: Afraid To Dream; side 2: Roll 'Em (Victor 25627).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Benny Goodman and his Orchestra. side 1: Afraid To Dream; side 2: Roll 'Em (Victor 25627).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1937
recording artist
Benny Goodman and his Orchestra
manufacturer
Victor
ID Number
1988.0698.1069
catalog number
1988.0698.1069
accession number
1988.0698
collector/donor number
G40A
maker number
25627

"I Guess I'll Have to Telegraph My Baby"

This music box disc was made by Regina Music Box Co. in Rahway, New Jersey, around 1899-1900. It is Regina Disc #4149 - "I Guess I'll Have to Telegraph My Baby," by George M. Cohan.
Description

This music box disc was made by Regina Music Box Co. in Rahway, New Jersey, around 1899-1900. It is Regina Disc #4149 - "I Guess I'll Have to Telegraph My Baby," by George M. Cohan. 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
1899-1900
user
Meggers, Edith R.
manufacturer
Regina Music Box Company
ID Number
MI.74.12.23
catalog number
74.12.23
accession number
314637
maker number
4149

Castle in the Apple Tree; After We Say Goodbye

Elton Britt. side 1: Castle in the Apple Tree; side 2: After We Say Goodbye (RCA Victor 20-2367), from the album, Country Song Hits - Elton Britt (RCA Victor P 221).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Elton Britt. side 1: Castle in the Apple Tree; side 2: After We Say Goodbye (RCA Victor 20-2367), 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
1996.0320.05065
maker number
20-2367
P 221
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05065

Regina Disc Music Box

This music box was made by Regina Music Box Co. in Rahway, New Jersey, about 1896. It is a disc music box table model style #55, serial #64391. The music box has a single-piece comb with 76 teeth. The music box plays 15-1/2" diameter perforated metal discs.
Description
This music box was made by Regina Music Box Co. in Rahway, New Jersey, about 1896. It is a disc music box table model style #55, serial #64391. The music box has a single-piece comb with 76 teeth. The music box plays 15-1/2" diameter perforated metal discs. The spring is motor wound. Accessioned with a cabinet stand (MI.378566) and 12 discs (MI.378567.01 - .12)
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1896
maker
Regina Music Box Company
ID Number
MI.378565
accession number
144168
catalog number
378565

Regina Music Box Master Disc

This master disc was made by the Regina Music Box Company in Rahway, New Jersey. It is master disc #1340 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 #1340 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.73.01.11.206
catalog number
73.01.11.206
maker number
1340
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 #1011 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 #1011 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.73.01.11.209
catalog number
73.01.11.209
maker number
1011
accession number
301414

Plastic Injecto Rock 'n' Roll Harmonica

This harmonica was made by Plastic Injecto Corp in Union, New Jersey, undetermined date. It is a Rock ‘n’ Roll model, with 10 double holes and 20 reeds. It has a brown plastic comb with metal cover plates attached to the top and bottom with open rivets.
Description (Brief)

This harmonica was made by Plastic Injecto Corp in Union, New Jersey, undetermined date. It is a Rock ‘n’ Roll model, with 10 double holes and 20 reeds. It has a brown plastic comb with metal cover plates attached to the top and bottom with open rivets. This harmonica is engraved:

Rock ‘n’ Roll
HARMONICA

(and):

PLASTIC INJECTO CORP.
UNION, N. J.
MADE IN U.S.A.

Location
Currently not on view
maker
Plastic Injecto Corp.
ID Number
1988.0783.534
accession number
1988.0783
catalog number
1988.0783.534

"At Darktown"

This music box disc was made by Regina Music Box Co. in Rahway, New Jersey, about 1899. It is Regina Disc #4211 - "At Darktown Cakewalk," by Charles Hale.
Description

This music box disc was made by Regina Music Box Co. in Rahway, New Jersey, about 1899. It is Regina Disc #4211 - "At Darktown Cakewalk," by Charles Hale. 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.74.12.26
catalog number
74.12.26
accession number
314637
maker number
4211

Tannhauser - "Grand March"

This music box disc was made by Regina Music Box Co. in Rahway, New Jersey, about 1896. It is Regina Disc #4008 - Tannhauser - "Grand March," by Richard Wagner.
Description

This music box disc was made by Regina Music Box Co. in Rahway, New Jersey, about 1896. It is Regina Disc #4008 - Tannhauser - "Grand March," by Richard Wagner. 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 1896
user
Meggers, Edith R.
manufacturer
Regina Music Box Company
ID Number
MI.74.12.01
catalog number
74.12.01
accession number
314637
maker number
4008

Regina Music Box Master Disc

This master disc was made by the Regina Music Box Company in Rahway, New Jersey. It is master disc #1387 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 #1387 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.73.01.11.167
catalog number
73.01.11.167
maker number
1387
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 #1582 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 #1582 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.73.01.11.051
catalog number
73.01.11.051
maker number
1582
accession number
301414

Cheating and Lying Blues; Watch Out, Mama

"Doctor" (Peter J.) Clayton. side 1: Cheating and Lying Blues; side 2: Watch Out, Mama (Bluebird B-8938).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
"Doctor" (Peter J.) Clayton. side 1: Cheating and Lying Blues; side 2: Watch Out, Mama (Bluebird B-8938).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1941
recording artist; composer
Clayton, Peter J.
manufacturer
Bluebird
ID Number
1996.0153.08735
catalog number
1996.0153.08735
label number
B-8938
accession number
1996.0153

"Old Folks at Home (Swanee River)"

This music box disc was made by Regina Music Box Co. in Rahway, New Jersey, about 1896. It is Regina Disc #4034 - "Old Folks at Home (Swanee River), by Stephen Collins Foster.
Description

This music box disc was made by Regina Music Box Co. in Rahway, New Jersey, about 1896. It is Regina Disc #4034 - "Old Folks at Home (Swanee River), by Stephen Collins Foster. 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 1896
composer
Foster, Stephen Collins
manufacturer
Regina Music Box Company
ID Number
MI.74.12.06
accession number
314637
catalog number
74.12.06
maker number
4034

I Can't Give You Anything But Love, Baby; The Joint Is Jumpin'

"Fats" Waller and his Rhythm. side 1: I Can't Give You Anything But Love, Baby; side 2: The Joint Is Jumpin' (Victor 20-1582), from the album, "Fats" Waller Favorites (Victor P 151).78 rpm. Side 1 was originally recorded in 1939 and released on Bluebird B-10573.
Description (Brief)
"Fats" Waller and his Rhythm. side 1: I Can't Give You Anything But Love, Baby; side 2: The Joint Is Jumpin' (Victor 20-1582), from the album, "Fats" Waller Favorites (Victor P 151).
78 rpm. Side 1 was originally recorded in 1939 and released on Bluebird B-10573. Side 2 was originally recorded in 1937 and released on Victor 25689. The album was released in 1944.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1939
1937
release date
1944
recording artist
Fats Waller and his Rhythm
manufacturer
Victor
ID Number
1988.0375.40
accession number
1988.0375
catalog number
1988.0375.40
maker number
20-1582
P 151

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