Music & Musical Instruments
The Museum's music collections contain more than 5,000 instruments of American and European heritage. These include a quartet of 18th-century Stradivari stringed instruments, Tito Puente's autographed timbales, and the Yellow Cloud guitar that belonged to Prince, to name only a few. Music collections also include jukeboxes and synthesizers, square-dancing outfits and sheet music, archival materials, oral histories, and recordings of performances at the museum. The vast Sam DeVincent Collection of Illustrated Sheet Music is a remarkable window into the American past in words, music, and visual imagery. The Duke Ellington and Ruth Ellington Boatwright collections contain handwritten music compositions, sound recordings, business records, and other materials documenting the career of this renowned musician. In various ways, our collections find expression in performances of the Smithsonian Chamber Players, the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra, and in other public programs.
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Bass Drum Case, used by Buddy Rich
- Description (Brief)
This case was made by an unknown maker in the United States, early 1980s. It is a bass drum case, made of fiberboard with a canvas strap and metal fittings. This case is for a bass drum (Cat. #1988.0665.03) from a drumset used by Buddy Rich in 1983-1987. The case is stenciled:
BUDDY RICH
BAND- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- early 1980s
- user
- Rich, Buddy
- ID Number
- 1988.0665.03.01
- catalog number
- 1988.0665.03.01
- accession number
- 1988.0665
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Sabian Extra Thin Crash Cymbal
- Description (Brief)
This cymbal was made by Sabian Company in Meductic, New Brunswick, Canada, in 1990. It is an Extra Thin Crash Cymbal, made of brass, with a bamboo handle attached with a cord in the center of the cymbal. This cymbal was hand-hammered. It is marked:
EXTRA THIN
CRASH
SABIAN
HH
43CM 17”
SIGNATURE
SABIAN
HI- Location
- Currently not on view
- Date made
- 1990
- maker
- Sabian Co.
- ID Number
- 2000.0075.02
- accession number
- 2000.0075
- catalog number
- 2000.0075.02
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
LP Guiro with Scrapers
- Description (Brief)
This guiro was made by Latin Percussion Inc. in Garfield, New Jersey, in 1999. It is a Super Guiro model, made of brown plastic, with rubber-lined holes, and a plastic scraper.
As indicated in an LP brochure from the period, “The LP Super Guiro was designed to eliminate the durability issues inherent with the natural version of this instrument. It is precision-molded from high-strength plastic and is designed to have the shape, feel, and sound quality of the natural gourd version. Special attention has been paid to the location of the rubber-lined finger holes to provide maximum comfort and control. It comes with two scrapers, a plastic model for bright loud sound and a wood model for warm dry sound.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Date made
- 1999
- maker
- Latin Percussion
- ID Number
- 2000.3039.08
- nonaccession number
- 2000.3039
- catalog number
- 2000.3039.08
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
LP "Patato" Quinto Conga Drum
- Description (Brief)
This drum was made by Latin Percussion Inc. in Garfield, New Jersey, in 1999. It is a Patato Model drum, 11” diameter Quinto, made of fiberglass, with chrome fittings. This drum is from a matched set of three congas Quinto (2000.3030.13.01), Conga (2000.3030.13.02), and Tumbadora (2000.3030.13.03).
As indicated in an LP brochure from the period, “Played by professional congueros the world over, these fiberglass drums were developed in 1978 after a recording session with the legendary "Patato" at the studio in Martin Cohen's home. Patato's own design required tall drums with a wide belly and small bottom. Standing 30" tall, these drums project deep basstones and great volume without sacrificing crisp, high sounds.”
Carlos Valdés Galán (1926–2007), better known as “Patato,” was a Cuban conga player. In 1954, he emigrated to New York City where he continued his career as a musician for several jazz and Latin music ensembles, and sometimes as a bandleader.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Date made
- 1999
- maker
- Latin Percussion
- ID Number
- 2000.3039.13.01
- nonaccession number
- 2000.3039
- catalog number
- 2000.3039.13.01
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
LP "Patato" Conga Drum
- Description (Brief)
This drum was made by Latin Percussion Inc. in Garfield, New Jersey, in 1999. It is a Patato Model drum, 11-1/2” diameter Conga, made of fiberglass, with chrome fittings. This drum is from a matched set of three congas Quinto (2000.3030.13.01), Conga (2000.3030.13.02), and Tumbadora (2000.3030.13.03).
As indicated in an LP brochure from the period, “Played by professional congueros the world over, these fiberglass drums were developed in 1978 after a recording session with the legendary "Patato" at the studio in Martin Cohen's home. Patato's own design required tall drums with a wide belly and small bottom. Standing 30" tall, these drums project deep basstones and great volume without sacrificing crisp, high sounds.”
Carlos Valdés Galán (1926–2007), better known as “Patato,” was a Cuban conga player. In 1954, he emigrated to New York City where he continued his career as a musician for several jazz and Latin music ensembles, and sometimes as a bandleader.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Date made
- 1999
- maker
- Latin Percussion
- ID Number
- 2000.3039.13.02
- nonaccession number
- 2000.3039
- catalog number
- 2000.3039.13.02
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
LP "Patato" Tumbadora Conga Drum
- Description (Brief)
This drum was made by Latin Percussion Inc. in Garfield, New Jersey, in 1999. It is a Patato Model drum, 12” diameter Tumbadora Conga, made of fiberglass, with chrome fittings. This drum is from a matched set of three congas Quinto (2000.3030.13.01), Conga (2000.3030.13.02), and Tumbadora (2000.3030.13.03).
As indicated in an LP brochure from the period, “Played by professional congueros the world over, these fiberglass drums were developed in 1978 after a recording session with the legendary "Patato" at the studio in Martin Cohen's home. Patato's own design required tall drums with a wide belly and small bottom. Standing 30" tall, these drums project deep basstones and great volume without sacrificing crisp, high sounds.”
Carlos Valdés Galán (1926–2007), better known as “Patato,” was a Cuban conga player. In 1954, he emigrated to New York City where he continued his career as a musician for several jazz and Latin music ensembles, and sometimes as a bandleader.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Date made
- 1999
- maker
- Latin Percussion
- ID Number
- 2000.3039.13.03
- nonaccession number
- 2000.3039
- catalog number
- 2000.3039.13.03
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
LP Oconcolo Bata Drum
- Description
This drum was made by Latin Percussion Inc. in Garfield, New Jersey, in 1999. It is a Bata Drum, Oconcolo (Small) with 5” and 6-3/4” head sizes, made of oak, with chrome fittings, and with a webbing sling. This drum is from a matched set of three bata drums, Oconcolo (2000.3030.14.01), Omele / Itolele (2000.3030.14.02), and Iyá
- (2000.3030.14.03).
As indicated in an LP brochure from the period, “LP Founder and Chairman, Martin Cohen, first came across bata drums more than thirty years ago at a religious ceremony in the Bronx, New York. Traditionally Batas are ceremonial drums that are played in groups. At least three people sit, each with a different size drum, and act out "call and answer" patterns which are played on the drums.”
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Date made
- 1999
- maker
- Latin Percussion
- ID Number
- 2000.3039.14.01
- catalog number
- 2000.3039.14.01
- nonaccession number
- 2000.3039
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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LP Omele / Itolele Bata Drum
- Description (Brief)
This drum was made by Latin Percussion Inc. in Garfield, New Jersey, in 1999. It is a Bata Drum, Omele/ Itolele (medium) with 5-3/4” and 9” head sizes, made of oak, with chrome fittings, and with a webbing sling. This drum is from a matched set of three bata drums, Oconcolo (2000.3030.14.01), Omele / Itolele (2000.3030.14.02), and Iyá
- (2000.3030.14.03).
As indicated in an LP brochure from the period, “LP Founder and Chairman, Martin Cohen, first came across bata drums more than thirty years ago at a religious ceremony in the Bronx, New York. Traditionally Batas are ceremonial drums that are played in groups. At least three people sit, each with a different size drum, and act out "call and answer" patterns which are played on the drums.”
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Date made
- 1999
- maker
- Latin Percussion
- ID Number
- 2000.3039.14.02
- nonaccession number
- 2000.3039
- catalog number
- 2000.3039.14.02
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
LP Iyá Bata Drum
- Description (Brief)
This drum was made by Latin Percussion Inc. in Garfield, New Jersey, in 1999. It is a Bata Drum, Iyá (large) with 6-1/2” and 12-1/2” head sizes, made of oak, with chrome fittings, and with a webbing sling. This drum is from a matched set of three bata drums, Oconcolo (2000.3030.14.01), Omele / Itolele (2000.3030.14.02), and Iyá
- (2000.3030.14.03).
As indicated in an LP brochure from the period, “LP Founder and Chairman, Martin Cohen, first came across bata drums more than thirty years ago at a religious ceremony in the Bronx, New York. Traditionally Batas are ceremonial drums that are played in groups. At least three people sit, each with a different size drum, and act out "call and answer" patterns which are played on the drums.”
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Date made
- 1999
- maker
- Latin Percussion
- ID Number
- 2000.3039.14.03
- nonaccession number
- 2000.3039
- catalog number
- 2000.3039.14.03
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
LP Bongo Drums
- Description (Brief)
This drum was made by Latin Percussion Inc. in Garfield, New Jersey, in 1999. It is a set of Bongos, Valje Armando Peraza Series, made of cherry wood shells, with chrome rims and lugs.
As indicated in an LP brochure from the period, “These LP Valje® Armando Peraza Series Bongos many two great music traditions: the well-known LP Valje name and the legendary Armando Peraza. The bongos retain the authentic Valje contoured shell, traditional rims and Cuban style steel bottoms combined with sonically superior North American Cherry wood with an attractive satin finish. The center block is shorter to bring the drums closer together to better accommodate the seated player. The 7-1/4” and 8” rawhide heads are hand selected and are matched to fit each set of bongos. They are available with chrome hardware, 5/16" diameter tuning lugs and are perfectly matched to the updated LP Valje® Armando Peraza Series Congas.”
Armando Peraza (1924– 2014) was a Latin jazz percussionist and a member of the rock band Santana. Peraza played congas, bongos, and timbales.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Date made
- 1999
- maker
- Latin Percussion
- ID Number
- 2000.3039.15
- nonaccession number
- 2000.3039
- catalog number
- 2000.3039.15
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
LP Bongo Stand
- Description (Brief)
This stand was made by Latin Percussion Inc. in Garfield, New Jersey, in 1999. It is a stand for Bongos, made of chrome-plated steel, with rubber feet and a webbing strap. Accessioned with bongos (Cat. 2000.3039.15)
As indicated in an LP brochure from the period, “The patented LP Camlock Bongo Stand is the most convenient bongo stand around. A unique camlock tensioning system and super strong nylon strap securely hold the bongos by the center block for quick and easy set up and stable playing. The bongos rest on a rubber lined, L-shaped seat to protect and add stability. The LP Camlock Bongo Stand also features chrome plated steel construction, double braced legs and large rubber feet.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1999
- maker
- Latin Percussion Inc.
- ID Number
- 2000.3039.15.01
- catalog number
- 2000.3039.15.01
- accession number
- 2000.3039
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Set of LP Claves
- Description (Brief)
These claves were made by Latin Percussion Inc. in Garfield, New Jersey, in 1999. They are made of maple.
As indicated in an LP brochure from the period, “Clave (pronounced clah'vay) is the rhythmic pattern that forms the basis of Latin music. Clave is phrased in what is known as a 3/2 (forward cave) or 2/3 (backward cave) feel. That is, three beats then two beats or, two beats then three beats. Claves are the traditional instruments used to play clave and are comprised of two sticks that are struck together to get a sharp, cracking sound. One is called the Clave or male, while the other is the Striker or female. The Clave lays in one hand between the fingertips and the heel of the hand, with the thumb out for support. This space between the Clave and the palm of the hand creates a sound chamber. The Striker is held as a beater in the other hand and is struck.”
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Date made
- 1999
- maker
- Latin Percussion
- ID Number
- 2000.3039.16
- nonaccession number
- 2000.3039
- catalog number
- 2000.3039.16
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Dress, worn by Jeni LeGon
- Description (Brief)
Dashiki-style brightly patterned turquoise, orange, yellow, green and brown medallion print cotton; fabric folded in half, seamed down the sides, a hold cut out of the top for the neck, turned under and hemmed; wide armscyes; no darts. Worn by Jeni LeGon in the traveling show with her dance troupe, "Jazz Caribe," in the late 1960's. Goes with headdress (Cat. #2002.0389.02.02).
Jeni LeGon (born Jennie Ligon, 1916– 2012), also credited as Jeni Le Gon, was an American dancer, dance instructor, and actress. She was one of the first African-American women to establish a solo career in tap dance. In 1999, the National Film Board of Canada released a documentary film about her life, Jeni Le Gon: Living in a Great Big Way, directed by Grant Greshuk and produced by Selwyn Jacob.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Date made
- c. 1966-1969
- user
- LeGon, Jeni
- ID Number
- 2002.0389.02.01
- accession number
- 2002.0389
- catalog number
- 2002.0389.02.01
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Head Wrap, worn by Jeni LeGon
- Description (Brief)
Headwrap in brightly patterned turquoise, orange, yellow, green and brown medallion print cotton; band of fabric folded lengthwise, with zig-zag machine-sewn seam crossed and stitched together at back. Worn by Jeni LeGon in the traveling show with her dance troupe, "Jazz Caribe," in the late 1960's. Goes with dress (Cat. #2002.0389.02.01).
Jeni LeGon (born Jennie Ligon, 1916– 2012), also credited as Jeni Le Gon, was an American dancer, dance instructor, and actress. She was one of the first African-American women to establish a solo career in tap dance. In 1999, the National Film Board of Canada released a documentary film about her life, Jeni Le Gon: Living in a Great Big Way, directed by Grant Greshuk and produced by Selwyn Jacob.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Date made
- c. 1966-1969
- ID Number
- 2002.0389.02.02
- accession number
- 2002.0389
- catalog number
- 2002.0389.02.02
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Shekere
- Description (Brief)
This shekere was made by an unknown maker, provenance unknown, 20th century. It is a shekere made from a dried gourd, with reddish-brown plastic beads woven into a cord net covering the gourd. a rope network of reddish-brown plastic beads. This shekere was used by the all-woman, African-American a cappella group, Sweet Honey in the Rock.
For thirty years, Sweet Honey in The Rock, a Grammy Award-winning ensemble of African-American women, has stirred, consoled, and uplifted audiences internationally with messages of love, struggle, and liberation through music deeply rooted in the African American experience. Sweet Honey in The Rock was established in 1973 by Bernice Johnson Reagon. Since then, twenty-two women have participated as members in its powerful communion of lyrics, movement, and social commentary. Members of the group at the time of donation include Ysaye Maria Barnwell, Nitanu Bolade Casel, Aisha Kahlil, Carol Lynn Malliard, Bernice Johnson Reagon, and American Sign Language interpreter Shirley Childress Saxon.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 20th century
- user
- Sweet Honey In The Rock
- ID Number
- 2003.0290.10
- accession number
- 2003.0290
- catalog number
- 2003.0290.10
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Blue Note Award, presented to Mongo Santamaría
- Description (Brief)
This award was presented to Ramon "Mongo" Santamaría by the Blue Note Jazz Club, dated July 21, 1985. It has a brown stained wood base, two engraved metal plates, and a cast metal note. There are two engraved plates:
The Blue Note Award
For
Musical Excellence In The
Jazz Idiom
Presented To
MONGO SANTAMARIA
With Many Thanks To A Master
Musician For A Monster Week Of
Musical Joy And Excitement(and):
Blue [musical note]Note
1st Annual Blue Note
Latin Jazz Festival
July 21, 1985The Blue Note Jazz Club in New York City hosted its first Latin Jazz Festival in various venues in New York from Friday, June 21 to Monday, July 1, 1985. Mongo Santamaría and his band performed at the Village Gate in the “Salsa Meets Jazz” program on June 24, 1985. The program included performances by Dizzy Gillespie, and Manny Oquendo’s Libre.
Ramón "Mongo" Santamaría Rodríguez (1917–2003) was a Cuban percussionist and bandleader who spent most of his career in the United States. Primarily a conga drummer, Santamaría was a leading figure in the pachanga and boogaloo dance crazes of the 1960s. From the 1970s, he recorded mainly salsa and Latin jazz, before retiring in the late 1990s. Santamaria made several recordings as a leader of his own group, as well as a sideman with Fania All-Stars, Tito Puente, Dizzy Gillespie, and Ray Charles.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Date made
- 1985
- referenced
- Santamaria, Ramon "Mongo"
- ID Number
- 2005.0030.07
- accession number
- 2005.0030
- catalog number
- 2005.0030.07
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
NARAS Grammy Award, presented to Mongo Santamaría
- Description (Brief)
This award was presented to Ramon "Mongo" Santamaría by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS), in 1977. It has a brown stained wood base, with a metal cast gramophone. There is an engraved plate:
NATIONAL ACADEMY OF RECORDING ARTS & SCIENCES
MONGO SANTAMARIA
BEST LATIN RECORDING – 1977
"Dawn”Ramon "Mongo" Santamaría received this Grammy for his recording Dawn (Amanecer) on Vaya Records, released in 1977.
Ramón "Mongo" Santamaría Rodríguez (1917–2003) was a Cuban percussionist and bandleader who spent most of his career in the United States. Primarily a conga drummer, Santamaría was a leading figure in the pachanga and boogaloo dance crazes of the 1960s. From the 1970s, he recorded mainly salsa and Latin jazz, before retiring in the late 1990s. Santamaria made several recordings as a leader of his own group, as well as a sideman with Fania All-Stars, Tito Puente, Dizzy Gillespie, and Ray Charles.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Date made
- 1977
- referenced
- Santamaria, Ramon "Mongo"
- ID Number
- 2005.0030.08
- accession number
- 2005.0030
- catalog number
- 2005.0030.08
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Latin Jazz USA Award, presented to Mongo Santamaría
- Description (Brief)
This award was presented to Ramon "Mongo" Santamaría by Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center, in 1991. It is a clear lucite panel on a black lucite base. The panel is engraved:
LATIN JAZZ USA AWARD
Honors
MONGO SANTAMARIA
FOR HIS OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION
TO THE
PRESERVATION AND EVOLUTION
OF LATIN JAZZ
AVERY FISHER HALL
LINCOLN CENTER
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS
IVAN ACOSTA - NESTOR RODRIGUEZ
ASSOC. PRODUCER
PABLO MARTINEZ
OCTOBER 11, 1991This Latin Jazz USA award was presented to Mongo Santamaría during a concert at Avery Fisher Hall in Lincoln Center, New York, in 1991. The concert featured Chico O'Farrill leading a 20-piece big band with five powerhouse guests: alto saxophonist Paquito D'Rivera, pianist Hilton Ruiz, conga player Mongo Santamaría, flutist Dave Valentin and saxophonist Stanley Turrentine.
Ramón "Mongo" Santamaría Rodríguez (1917–2003) was a Cuban percussionist and bandleader who spent most of his career in the United States. Primarily a conga drummer, Santamaría was a leading figure in the pachanga and boogaloo dance crazes of the 1960s. From the 1970s, he recorded mainly salsa and Latin jazz, before retiring in the late 1990s. Santamaria made several recordings as a leader of his own group, as well as a sideman with Fania All-Stars, Tito Puente, Dizzy Gillespie, and Ray Charles.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Date made
- 1991
- referenced
- Santamaria, Ramon "Mongo"
- ID Number
- 2005.0030.10
- accession number
- 2005.0030
- catalog number
- 2005.0030.10
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
RIAA Gold Record Award, presented to Mongo Santamaría
- Description (Brief)
This award was presented to Ramon "Mongo" Santamaría by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), in 1980. It is comprised of a gold toned record, miniature album cover, and engraved metal plate in a gold frame with plexiglass. The metal plate is engraved:
PRESENTED TO
MONGO SANTAMARIA
TO COMMEMORATE THE SALES OF MORE THAN
500,000 COPIES OF THE
COLUMBIA / TAPPAN ZEE RECORDS
LONG PLAYING RECORD ALBUM
”TOUCHDOWN”
CERTIFIED RIAA SALES AWARDThis RIAA gold record was presented to Mongo Santamaría for his work on the album by Bob James, Touchdown, released in 1978.
Ramón "Mongo" Santamaría Rodríguez (1917–2003) was a Cuban percussionist and bandleader who spent most of his career in the United States. Primarily a conga drummer, Santamaría was a leading figure in the pachanga and boogaloo dance crazes of the 1960s. From the 1970s, he recorded mainly salsa and Latin jazz, before retiring in the late 1990s. Santamaria made several recordings as a leader of his own group, as well as a sideman with Fania All-Stars, Tito Puente, Dizzy Gillespie, and Ray Charles.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1980
- referenced
- Santamaria, Ramon "Mongo"
- ID Number
- 2005.0030.11
- accession number
- 2005.0030
- catalog number
- 2005.0030.11
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Walking Stick, used by Mongo Santamaría
- Description (Brief)
This walking stick was made by an unknown maker, provenance and date unknown. It is a hand-carved walking stick, made of wood, with a rubber tip. It was previously used by Mongo Santamaría.
Ramón "Mongo" Santamaría Rodríguez (1917–2003) was a Cuban percussionist and bandleader who spent most of his career in the United States. Primarily a conga drummer, Santamaría was a leading figure in the pachanga and boogaloo dance crazes of the 1960s. From the 1970s, he recorded mainly salsa and Latin jazz, before retiring in the late 1990s. Santamaria made several recordings as a leader of his own group, as well as a sideman with Fania All-Stars, Tito Puente, Dizzy Gillespie, and Ray Charles.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- user
- Santamaria, Ramon "Mongo"
- ID Number
- 2005.0030.18
- accession number
- 2005.0030
- catalog number
- 2005.0030.18
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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