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.

All-American Glee Club. College Songs, Vol. 3 – Southern (Victor P 34). 3-disc set (album for 1988.0384.23-.-25).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
All-American Glee Club. College Songs, Vol. 3 – Southern (Victor P 34). 3-disc set (album for 1988.0384.23-.-25).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
release date
1940
manufacturer
Victor
ID Number
1988.0384.22
accession number
1988.0384
maker number
P 34
catalog number
1988.0384.22
Benny Goodman and his Orchestra. side 1: Stompin' At the Savoy; side 2: Don't Be That Way (Victor 20-1549), from the album, Up Swing (RCA Victor P 146).78 rpm. Side 1 was recorded in 1936 and initially released on Victor 25247.
Description
Benny Goodman and his Orchestra. side 1: Stompin' At the Savoy; side 2: Don't Be That Way (Victor 20-1549), from the album, Up Swing (RCA Victor P 146).
78 rpm. Side 1 was recorded in 1936 and initially released on Victor 25247. Side 2 was recorded in 1938 and initially released on Victor 25792. This album was released in 1944.
Location
Currently not on view
release date
1944
recording date
1936
1938
recording artist
Benny Goodman and his Orchestra
manufacturer
RCA Victor
ID Number
1981.0566.190
accession number
1981.0566
maker number
20-1549
P146
catalog number
1981.0566.190
Paul Robison. 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.Currently not on view
Description
Paul Robison. 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.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1940
recording artist
American People's Chorus
Robeson, Paul
manufacturer
Victor
ID Number
1980.0339.30
maker number
P 20
catalog number
1980.0339.30
accession number
1980.0339
maker number
26516
Sidney Bechet and his New Orleans Feetwarmers. side 1: Oh! Lady Be Good; side 2: Rose Room (Victor 27707).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Sidney Bechet and his New Orleans Feetwarmers. side 1: Oh! Lady Be Good; side 2: Rose Room (Victor 27707).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1941
recording artist
Sidney Bechet and his New Orleans Feetwarmers
manufacturer
Victor
ID Number
2014.0105.11
accession number
2014.0105
catalog number
2014.0105.11
maker number
27707
Wingy Manone and his Orchestra. side 1: It's the Gypsy in Me; side 2: And They Said It Wouldn't Last (Bluebird B-6549).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Wingy Manone and his Orchestra. side 1: It's the Gypsy in Me; side 2: And They Said It Wouldn't Last (Bluebird B-6549).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1936
recording artist
Wingy Manone and his Orchestra
manufacturer
Bluebird
ID Number
2014.0105.51
accession number
2014.0105
catalog number
2014.0105.51
maker number
B-6549
Wingy Manone and his Orchestra. side 1: Everything You Said Came True; side 2: Getting Fun Out of Life (Bluebird B-7197).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Wingy Manone and his Orchestra. side 1: Everything You Said Came True; side 2: Getting Fun Out of Life (Bluebird B-7197).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1937
recording artist
Wingy Manone and his Orchestra
manufacturer
Bluebird
ID Number
2014.0105.49
accession number
2014.0105
catalog number
2014.0105.49
maker number
B-7197
Louis Armstrong and his Orchestra. side 1: Back O'Town Blues; side 2: Linger in My Arms a Little Longer, Baby (RCA Victor 20-1912).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Louis Armstrong and his Orchestra. side 1: Back O'Town Blues; side 2: Linger in My Arms a Little Longer, Baby (RCA Victor 20-1912).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1946
recording artist
Louis Armstrong and his Orchestra
manufacturer
RCA Victor
ID Number
2014.0105.02
accession number
2014.0105
catalog number
2014.0105.02
maker number
20-1912
Sidney Bechet and his New Orleans Feetwarmers. side 1: Laughin' in Rhythm; side 2: Rip Up the Joint (Victor 27663).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Sidney Bechet and his New Orleans Feetwarmers. side 1: Laughin' in Rhythm; side 2: Rip Up the Joint (Victor 27663).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1941
recording artist
Sidney Bechet and his New Orleans Feetwarmers
manufacturer
Victor
ID Number
2014.0105.10
accession number
2014.0105
catalog number
2014.0105.10
maker number
27663
Kane’s Hawaiians. side 1: Drowsy Waters; side 2: Hilo–Hawaiian March. (Victor 20702).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Kane’s Hawaiians. side 1: Drowsy Waters; side 2: Hilo–Hawaiian March. (Victor 20702).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1927
maker
Victor
ID Number
2019.0079.09
catalog number
2019.0079.09
accession number
2019.0079
maker number
20702
Artie Shaw and his Orchestra. side 1: Moonglow; side 2: Serenade to a Savage (Victor 27549), from the album. Artie Shaw: Four Star Favorites (P 85).,78rpm. Side 1 was original recorded in 1941 and released on Victor 27405.
Description
Artie Shaw and his Orchestra. side 1: Moonglow; side 2: Serenade to a Savage (Victor 27549), from the album. Artie Shaw: Four Star Favorites (P 85).,
78rpm. Side 1 was original recorded in 1941 and released on Victor 27405. Side 2 was originally recorded in 1939 and released on Bluebird B-10385 in 1939. The album was released in 1941.
Location
Currently not on view
release date
1941
recording date
1939
recording artist
Artie Shaw and his Orchestra
manufacturer
Victor
ID Number
2014.0105.81
accession number
2014.0105
catalog number
2014.0105.81
maker number
27549
P 85
Wingy Manone and his Orchestra. side 1: My Honey's Lovin' Arms; side 2: When My Sugar Walks Down the Street (Bluebird 30-0801).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Wingy Manone and his Orchestra. side 1: My Honey's Lovin' Arms; side 2: When My Sugar Walks Down the Street (Bluebird 30-0801).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1939
recording artist
Wingy Manone and his Orchestra
manufacturer
Bluebird
ID Number
2014.0105.53
accession number
2014.0105
catalog number
2014.0105.53
maker number
80106
Wingy Manone and his Orchestra. side 1: Down Stream; side 2: Where's the Water (Bluebird B-7391).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Wingy Manone and his Orchestra. side 1: Down Stream; side 2: Where's the Water (Bluebird B-7391).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1938
recording artist
Wingy Manone and his Orchestra
manufacturer
Bluebird
ID Number
2014.0105.48
accession number
2014.0105
catalog number
2014.0105.48
maker number
B-7391
Wingy Manone and his Orchestra. side 1: No Regrets; side 2: Summer Holiday (Bluebird B-6473).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Wingy Manone and his Orchestra. side 1: No Regrets; side 2: Summer Holiday (Bluebird B-6473).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1936
recording artist
Wingy Manone and his Orchestra
manufacturer
Bluebird
ID Number
2014.0105.54
accession number
2014.0105
catalog number
2014.0105.54
maker number
80106
Reinhold Svensson. side 1: Dinah; side 2: Once in Awhile (New Jazz 824).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Reinhold Svensson. side 1: Dinah; side 2: Once in Awhile (New Jazz 824).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1950
manufacturer
New Jazz
ID Number
2014.0105.82
catalog number
2014.0105.82
maker number
824
accession number
2014.0105
side 1: Dinah Shore. Mood Indigo; side 2: Sidney Bechet. Muskrat Ramble (Victor 27302), from the album, NBC's Chamber Music Society of Lower Basin Street (Victor P 56).78 rpm. Both tracks were recorded in 1940. The album was released in 1941.Currently not on view
Description
side 1: Dinah Shore. Mood Indigo; side 2: Sidney Bechet. Muskrat Ramble (Victor 27302), from the album, NBC's Chamber Music Society of Lower Basin Street (Victor P 56).
78 rpm. Both tracks were recorded in 1940. The album was released in 1941.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1940
release date
1941
recording artist
Shore, Dinah
Bechet, Sidney
manufacturer
Victor
ID Number
2014.0105.76
accession number
2014.0105
catalog number
2014.0105.76
maker number
27302
P 56
Muggsy Spanier and his Ragtime Band. side 1: Dipper Mouth Blues; side 2: I Wish I Could Shimmy Like My Sister Kate (Bluebird B-10506).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Muggsy Spanier and his Ragtime Band. side 1: Dipper Mouth Blues; side 2: I Wish I Could Shimmy Like My Sister Kate (Bluebird B-10506).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1939
recording artist
Muggsy Spanier and his Ragtime Band
manufacturer
Bluebird
ID Number
1978.0670.025
accession number
1978.0670
maker number
B-10506
catalog number
1978.0670.025
Tommy Dorsey and his Orchestra. side 1: Turn Off the Moon; side 2: Jammin' (Victor 25553).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Tommy Dorsey and his Orchestra. side 1: Turn Off the Moon; side 2: Jammin' (Victor 25553).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1937
recording artist
Tommy Dorsey and his Orchestra
manufacturer
Victor
ID Number
1978.0670.404
maker number
25553
accession number
1978.0670
catalog number
1978.0670.404
Tommy Dorsey and his Orchestra. side 1: Marie; side 2: Who? (Victor 27519).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Tommy Dorsey and his Orchestra. side 1: Marie; side 2: Who? (Victor 27519).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1937
recording artist
Tommy Dorsey and his Orchestra
manufacturer
Victor
ID Number
1978.0670.443
maker number
27519
accession number
1978.0670
catalog number
1978.0670.443
Fats Waller. side 1: Handful of Keys; side 2: Viper's Drag (RCA Victor 27768), from the album, Waller On the Ivories (Victor P-109)78 rpm.Side 1 was originally recorded in 1929 and released on Victor V-38508. Side 2 was originally recorded in 1934 and released on Victor 25015.
Description (Brief)
Fats Waller. side 1: Handful of Keys; side 2: Viper's Drag (RCA Victor 27768), from the album, Waller On the Ivories (Victor P-109)
78 rpm.Side 1 was originally recorded in 1929 and released on Victor V-38508. Side 2 was originally recorded in 1934 and released on Victor 25015. The album was released in 1942.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1929
1934
release date
1942
recording artist
Waller, Fats
manufacturer
RCA Victor
ID Number
1978.0670.427
maker number
27768
catalog number
1978.0670.427
accession number
1978.0670
Earl Hines and his Orchestra. side 1: Piano Man; side 2: Father Steps In (Bluebird B-10377).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Earl Hines and his Orchestra. side 1: Piano Man; side 2: Father Steps In (Bluebird B-10377).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1939
recording artist
Earl Hines and his Orchestra
manufacturer
Bluebird
ID Number
1978.0670.037
accession number
1978.0670
maker number
B-10377
catalog number
1978.0670.037
Artie Shaw and his Gramercy Five. side 1: Special Delivery Stomp; side 2: Keepin' Myself for You (Victor 26762).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Artie Shaw and his Gramercy Five. side 1: Special Delivery Stomp; side 2: Keepin' Myself for You (Victor 26762).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1940
recording artist
Artie Shaw and his Gramercy Five
manufacturer
Victor
ID Number
1978.0670.417
maker number
26762
accession number
1978.0670
catalog number
1978.0670.417
Artie Shaw and his Gramercy Five. The Grabtown Grapple; side 2: The Sad Sack (Victor 20-1647).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Artie Shaw and his Gramercy Five. The Grabtown Grapple; side 2: The Sad Sack (Victor 20-1647).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1945
recording artist
Artie Shaw and his Gramercy Five
manufacturer
Victor
ID Number
1978.0670.410
maker number
20-1647
accession number
1978.0670
catalog number
1978.0670.410
Fats Waller and his Rhythm. side 1: Oh! Frenchy; side 2: It's a Sin to Tell a Lie (Victor 20-1595).78 rpm. Side 1 was originally recorded in 1940 and released on Bluebird B-10658. Side 2 was originally recorded in 1936 and released on Victor 25342.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Fats Waller and his Rhythm. side 1: Oh! Frenchy; side 2: It's a Sin to Tell a Lie (Victor 20-1595).
78 rpm. Side 1 was originally recorded in 1940 and released on Bluebird B-10658. Side 2 was originally recorded in 1936 and released on Victor 25342.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1940
1936
recording artist
Fats Waller and his Rhythm
manufacturer
Victor
ID Number
1978.0670.428
maker number
20-1595
accession number
1978.0670
catalog number
1978.0670.428
Benny Goodman and his Orchestra. side 1: Don't Be That Way; side 2: One O'Clock Jump (Victor 25792).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Benny Goodman and his Orchestra. side 1: Don't Be That Way; side 2: One O'Clock Jump (Victor 25792).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1938
recording artist
Benny Goodman and his Orchestra
manufacturer
Victor
ID Number
1978.0670.435
maker number
25792
accession number
1978.0670
catalog number
1978.0670.435

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