Recorded by

Holiday, Billie, American, 1915 - 1959

Produced by

Granz, Norman, 1918 - 2001

Written by

Arlen, Harold, American, 1905 - 1986

Koehler, Ted L., American, 1894 - 1973

Kern, Jerome, American, 1885 - 1945

Hammerstein, Oscar II, American, 1895 - 1960

Romberg, Sigmund, Hungarian, 1887 - 1951

Harbach, Otto Abels, American, 1873 - 1963

Medium

Instantaneous Transcription Disc (a): lacquer on aluminum;

Disc Sleeve (b): ink on paper

Dimensions

Diameter: 16 in. (40.6 cm)

Type

phonograph records

Place depicted

444 Madison Avenue, Manhattan, New York City, New York County, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date

1952

Caption

This transcription disc, dated 1952, has master recordings of Billie Holiday. Holiday sings “My Man”, “Lover Come Back To Me”, Stormy Weather and Yesterdays. Details of the recording process are heard with the technician listing takes, Holiday singing a retake of Stormy Weather, as well as making a note to herself before singing. The sound quality of the master recording disc is exceptional.

Description

An instantaneous transcription disc, the label notes the Client as Norman Granz, the Artist as Billie Holiday, and the Date as 7/28/52. The record contains the master recordings of the songs "My Man," "Lover Come Back to Me," "Stormy Weather," and "Yesterdays."

Consists of: Instantaneous Transcription Disc (a) and Original Disc Sleeve (b).

2010.50.2a: Instantaneous transcription disc.

The recording on side 1 begins with a man listing the take of the first recording, "C 839 take 6." The first song on the recording is "My Man." As a man lists the take for the next song, "C 840 take 4," Billie Holiday can be heard making a quick note before she begins to sing "Just press off because [Inaudible]" She then sings "Lover Come Back to Me."

The recording on side 2 begins with a man listing the take "C 841 take 2." Billie Holiday begins singing "Stormy Weather," but the song is cut short after approximately 20 seconds. The take is re-listed as "C 841 take 3." Holiday then begins again with "Stormy Weather." The listing of the second song on the recording is distorted, but should be C 842 take 2. Holiday then sings "Yesterdays."

2010.50.2b: Original disc sleeve. audiodiscs / Audio Device Inc. / 444 Madison Avenue / New York, N.Y.

Topic

African American

Jazz (Music)

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2010.50.2ab

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Media Arts-Audio Recordings

Exhibition

Musical Crossroads

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 053

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Created by

Unidentified

Owned by

Brown, James, American, 1933 - 2006

Medium

wool, metal

Dimensions

H x W: 61 x 28 in. (154.9 x 71.1 cm)

Type

costume

Date

1970-1989

Description

A black wool jumpsuit with sequined embellishments along the collar and waist. The letter "J" is spelled out with five sequined beads along the front of the collar. Each shoulder has six sequined beads along the top. The word "SEX" spelled out using sequined beads along the mid-section. The word is inside an oval that is also made using sequined beads. A zipper runs down the back.

Topic

African American

Clothing and dress

Funk (Music)

Sexuality

Soul (Music)

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2008.7.4

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Clothing-Costume

Exhibition

Musical Crossroads

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 053

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Designed by

Eshani, Melody, American

Owned by

Williams, Saul, American, born 1972

Medium

metal, plastic

Dimensions

H x W x D: 11 1/4 × 3 15/16 × 1/2 in. (28.6 × 10 × 1.3 cm)

Type

necklaces

Date

2007

Description

Necklace featuring the word [Niggy] in cursive-style letters. "Niggy" is made of a light blue plastic with red pigment on top. Word is on a black plastic background, shaped around the letters. At either end of the word is a small plastic circle where the metal necklace attaches. Metal portion of necklace is a chain with clasp at the top for closure.

Topic

African American

Beauty culture

Clothing and dress

Fashion

Hip hop (Music)

Identity

Language

Rock and roll (Music)

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Saul Williams

Object number

2014.188.4

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Adornment

Exhibition

Musical Crossroads

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 053

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Designed by

Eshani, Melody, American

Owned by

Williams, Saul, American, born 1972

Medium

metal, plastic

Dimensions

H x W x D: 1 3/8 × 3 1/8 × 13/16 in. (3.5 × 7.9 × 2.1 cm)

Type

finger rings

Date

2007

Description

Ring featuring the word [Tardust] in cursive-style letters at the top of the ring. Letters made of a light blue-green plastic with red and yellow pigment. Word is on a plastic black background, shaped around the letters. Top of the ring adhered to shank that holds three fingers. Shank made of three sections of white plastic.

Topic

African American

Beauty culture

Clothing and dress

Fashion

Hip hop (Music)

Identity

Language

Music

Rock and roll (Music)

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Saul Williams

Object number

2014.188.5

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Adornment

Exhibition

Musical Crossroads

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 053

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Photograph by

Bourdon, Denis, Canadian

Notman Photo Company, American, 1866 - 1894

Subject of

Douglass, Frederick, American, 1818 - 1895

Douglass, Joseph Henry, American, 1871 - 1935

Medium

albumen and silver on photographic paper on card mount

Dimensions

H x W: 6 1/2 × 4 1/4 in. (16.5 × 10.8 cm)

Type

cabinet photographs

albumen prints

Place made

Boston, Massachusetts, United States, North and Central America

Date

May 10, 1894

Caption

This carte-de-visite is found in Series 6 of the Charlene Hodges Byrd Collection. This collection documents the personal life and professional career of Charlene Hodges Byrd as well as her related family members from various areas throughout the Pennsylvania, Maryland and Washington, D.C. This collection is comprised of correspondence, ephemera and photographs discussing family life, religion, race, education as well as the family relationship with Frederick Douglass and his family. The collection is available for research by contacting NMAAHC Archives at nmaahc-archivalcollection@si.edu or see our collections in the Smithsonian Online Virtual Archives available here: https://goo.gl/Rwckpe.

Description

A cabinet card of Frederick Douglass and his grandson Joseph Douglass. Frederick Douglass is featured on the right side of the image and sits in a chair holding papers in his hands atop his lap. Joseph Douglass, in the left side of the image, sits atop a table and holds a violin in his proper right hand. His proper left hand is resting on the back of his grandfather. The bottom of the card has a maker's mark and address for Notman Photographic Company in Boston.

Topic

African American

Families

Fatherhood

Instrumentalists (Musicians)

Photography

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Dr. Charlene Hodges Byrd

Object number

A2010.26.29.8.1

Restrictions & Rights

Public domain

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

Charlene Hodges Byrd Collection

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Archival Collections

Exhibition

Musical Crossroads

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 053

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Created by

Unidentified

Subject of

Hyers, Anna Madah, American, 1855 - 1929

Hyers, Emma Louise, American, 1857 - 1901

Hyers Sisters, American, 1867 - ca. 1900

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W: 8 3/4 x 3 7/8 in. (22.2 x 9.8 cm)

Type

broadsides

Date

1876

Description

A broadside advertising the musical drama "Out of Bondage", the first play about slavery with an African-American cast. It features the cast, and a synopsis of the three acts that make up the play. The broadside has some slight wear and is affixed to a piece of paper. There is an inscription on the front of the broadside that reads: [Sept. 10th].

Transcription Center Status

Transcribed by digital volunteers

Topic

African American

Actors

Drama (Theatre)

Musical Theatre

Opera (Music)

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2012.46.74

Restrictions & Rights

Public domain

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Memorabilia and Ephemera-Advertisements

Exhibition

Musical Crossroads

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 053

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Manufactured by

Windsor Shoe Company, American

Used by

Davis, Sammy Jr., American, 1925 - 1990

Medium

leather, rubber, cotton, and metal

Dimensions

H x W x D (Left (a) overall): 3 × 2 5/8 × 7 11/16 in. (7.6 × 6.7 × 19.5 cm)

H x W x D (Right (b) overall): 2 7/8 × 2 3/4 × 7 9/16 in. (7.3 × 7 × 19.2 cm)

Type

shoes (footwear)

Place used

United States, North and Central America

Place made

Littlestown, Adams County, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America

Date

1938

Description

This pair of child's tap shoes were used by Sammy Davis Jr. when he travelled the vaudeville circuit as part of the Will Mastin Trio. The shoes have black leather uppers and close across the center front over a split vamp with a tongue using black cotton shoelaces tipped with plastic or leather aglets. The leather outsoles are machine stitched to the midsole and the uppers as in a welted shoe. Rubber heels are adhered to the soles. Stamped onto the bottom of the heels is a "W" inside of a shield with the word "WINDSOR" below the shield. Metal toe taps are nailed to the outsole and metal heel taps are nailed to the rubber heel. The heel taps have an open area in the middle so that the manufacturer's mark can be seen on the rubber heel bottom.

Topic

African American

Actors

Children

Clothing and dress

Tap dancing

Vaudeville

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2013.118.302ab

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Clothing-Costume

Exhibition

Musical Crossroads

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 053

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Designed by

von Furstenberg, Diane, Belgian, born 1946

Worn by

Whitney Houston, American, 1963 - 2012

Medium

synthetic fiber, glass beads, metal, and cotton tape

Dimensions

H x W x D (On form): 67 × 17 × 10 in. (170.2 × 43.2 × 25.4 cm)

Type

dresses

Place used

Universal Amphitheater, Los Angeles, California, United States, North and Central America

Date

1993

Description

A red dress designed by Diane von Furstenberg and worn by the singer Whitney Houston for her performance of the song “I Have Nothing” at the 1993 Billboard Awards. The dress is a very slim fitting full-length dress made from a red synthetic fabric, with full-length sleeves and a turtleneck collar. The bodice and sleeves of the dress are completely unadorned. Starting below the waist, the skirt is formed by tiers of fabric stitched on a bias. The tiers are of the same fabric as the bodice, and are trimmed all along each hem with beaded tassels of strung red bugle beads, reinforced with red twill tape on the interior. Five (5) tiers on the proper left descend in a criss-cross with the five (5) tiers on the proper right, with each subsequent tier stitched underneath the tier above. The proper right tiers wrap all the way around to the back of the dress, giving the appearance of five (5) tiers on the verso. The dress fastens with an inset red metal zipper that runs from the top of the turtleneck to just above the first tier. The dress is not lined.

Topic

African American

Actors

Clothing and dress

Costume

Fashion

Popular music

Singers (Musicians)

Women

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Estate of Whitney Houston

Object number

2014.161.3

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Clothing-Costume

Clothing-Fashion

Exhibition

Musical Crossroads

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 053

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Issued by

Soul Train, American, 1971 - 2006

Owned by

Whitney Houston, American, 1963 - 2012

Medium

metal and marble

Dimensions

H x W x D: 13 15/16 × 3 1/8 × 3 1/8 in. (35.4 × 7.9 × 7.9 cm)

Type

trophies (prizes)

Place used

Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States, North and Central America

Date

2000

Description

A Soul Train trophy given to Whitney Houston in 2000, called the "Soul Train Music Special Artist of the Decade Award for Extraordinary Artistic Achievements-Female." The award is a gold metal statuette affixed to a cube-shaped green marble base. The gold metal statuette features stylized figures similar to an African ceremonial mask. The front depicts a geometric female torso without arms and a head without facial features, wearing a geometric style headdress. The back depicts a geometric male torso without arms, also with a head without facial features, wearing a geometric style headdress. Extending out of the top of the headdress are four (4) smaller heads of a similar style to the main figures. One (1) smaller head extends directly above the female head and one (1) smaller head extends directly above the male head, each with one face. Two (2) smaller heads extend up from the headdress in between the male and female sides of the statuette. These heads have two identical faces, one facing out and the other facing in. On the front of the base is a gold plaque with etched text [WHITNEY HOUSTON/THE ARTIST OF THE/DECADE AWARD/FEMALE/SOUL TRAIN/MUSIC AWARDS - 2000]. The statuette bends at a slight angle from the torso, towards the side of the cube with the gold plaque.

The statuette is bolted into the marble base with a bolt that can be seen at the bottom of the base. On the head of the bolt, the letters [AJ] can be seen.

Topic

African American

Actors

Popular music

Singers (Musicians)

Women

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Estate of Whitney Houston

Object number

2014.161.5

Restrictions & Rights

Unknown - Restrictions Possible

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Awards and Medals

Exhibition

Musical Crossroads

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 053

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Issued by

American Music Awards

Owned by

Whitney Houston, American, 1963 - 2012

Medium

Lucite™, wood, metal and felt

Dimensions

H x W x D: 14 × 4 5/8 × 4 11/16 in. (35.6 × 11.7 × 11.9 cm)

Type

trophies (prizes)

Place used

Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States, North and Central America

Date

1987

Description

An American Music Awards trophy given to Whitney Houston in 1987 for "Favorite Female Vocalist Soul / R & B". The trophy is a tall Lucite™ pyramid on a cube-shaped black-painted wood base. The clear quadrilateral pyramid is affixed to a small square Lucite™ platform that is adhered to the wood base. The pyramid has no markings or text. Etched onto the front edge of the square platform is the text infilled with white [AMERICAN MUSIC AWARD]. The black square wood base has a gold metal plaque affixed to the front. The plaque is etched with text infilled with black [FAVORITE FEMALE VOCALIST/ Soul/ R & B/ Whitney Houston/ 1987]. On the back of the base in the lower left corner is a small gold-colored metal strip etched with the text [8741] infilled in black. The bottom of the wood base is covered in black felt.

Topic

African American

Actors

Popular music

Singers (Musicians)

Women

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Estate of Whitney Houston

Object number

2014.161.6

Restrictions & Rights

Unknown - Restrictions Possible

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Awards and Medals

Exhibition

Musical Crossroads

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 053

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Designed by

Flynn, Danny

Manufactured by

Isaac Mizrahi, founded 1987

Worn by

Herron, Cindy, American, born 1961

Subject of

En Vogue, American, founded 1989

Medium

Dress: synthetic fiber and spandex

Bra: satin, nylon, spandex, and metal (underwire)

Gloves: nylon and spandex

Shoes: satin, leather, elastic, and rubber

Dimensions

H x W (.1, dress, flat): 52 1/2 × 13 in. (133.4 × 33 cm)

H x W x D (.1, dress, on form): 55 × 12 1/2 × 8 in. (139.7 × 31.8 × 20.3 cm)

H x W (,2, bra, flat): 7 1/2 × 13 in. (19.1 × 33 cm)

H x W x D (.2, bra, on form): 7 1/2 × 10 1/2 × 9 in. (19.1 × 26.7 × 22.9 cm)

H x W (.3a, glove (left)): 21 1/2 × 5 in. (54.6 × 12.7 cm)

H x W (.3b, glove (right)): 21 1/2 × 5 in. (54.6 × 12.7 cm)

H x W x D (.4a, shoe (left)): 5 × 3 1/2 × 10 3/4 in. (12.7 × 8.9 × 27.3 cm)

H x W x D (.4b, shoe (right)): 5 × 3 1/2 × 10 3/4 in. (12.7 × 8.9 × 27.3 cm)

Type

dresses

brassieres

gloves

pumps (shoes)

Date

1992

Description

A costume worn by Cindy Herron of En Vogue for the music video "Giving Him Something He Can Feel" (1992) comprised of a red dress (.1), a bra (.2), a pair of elbow-length black gloves (.3), and a pair of black heels (.4ab).

Dress (.1): A red halter neck sleeveless dress with an an ankle-length skirt. The dress is made from a red stretch knit sewn with the dull side of the fabric facing. The front of the bodice is v-shaped and scoops below the bust. There is a sixteen (16) inch slit along the proper right side of the skirt, with the edges of the slit rounded at the hem. The letter "C" is handwritten in black ink on the inside back bodice. The dress is not lined.

Bra (.2): A red and black strapless bra with padded cups, black lace wings, and an adjustable back closure with two hooks and three sets of two eyes. The cups are faced in red satin, with an additonal half-circle panel of the red satin sewn around the bottoms and between the cups. The interior of the cups is made black nylon. Clear elastic grip tape is attached at the interior top edge of the wings. The letter "C" is handwritten in white ink or paint on the interior center front gore and in black ink on the interior side of the red satin half-circle panel.

Gloves (.3ab): A pair of black elbow-length stretch gloves, both alike. The gloves are seamed along the exterior side and around the fingers, with a separate thumb attached to the gusset. The letter "C" is handwritten in white ink or paint on the interior of each glove near the opening. In the the left glove (a) there is a white manufacturer's tag sewn to the seam near the arm opening with fiber content, size, and place of manufacture printed on it in black ink.

Shoes (.4ab): A pair of black satin pumps with a pointed toe. Each toe box has a small oval cutout at the exterior side of the shoe. A small leather bow is stitched to each toe box between the oval cutout and the toe box edge. The sides of each foot are uncovered. At each heel is a small thin leather strap, with a 1 inch strip of elastic at the back center of the strap to grip the heel. The shoes have 3-1/4 inch stiletto heels that are tipped with rubber. On the insole at the heel on both shoes is a white label with black text that reads: "ISAAC / ISAAC MIZRAHI". On the underside of both shoes at the shank are the leather seal and size: "vero/ cuoio/ MADE IN ITALY/ 10/ B".

Topic

African American

Actors

Clothing and dress

Popular music

Singers (Musicians)

Women

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of En Vogue

Object number

2014.189.2.1-.4ab

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Clothing-Costume

Exhibition

Musical Crossroads

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 053

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Created by

James, Mark, American, born 1961

Subject of

Queen Latifah, born 1970

Monie Love, English, born 1970

Calliope Productions

Medium

graphite on paper (fiber product)

Dimensions

H x W: 8 × 10 in. (20.3 × 25.4 cm)

Type

worksheets

Place made

Manhattan, New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date

October 13, 1989

Description

Track sheet for song "Ladies First" by Queen Latifah. Document consists of 25 boxes with different music tracks for the song "Ladies First" listed in each one. Tracks consist of either instrument tracks or vocal tracks. Tracks are handwritten in pencil. Document has typed heading that reads, [CALLIOPE/PRODUCTIONS]. Handwritten in TR corner of document is, [Q. Latifah/DJ Mark 45 King/Dr Shane Faber/ 10/13/89].

Topic

African American

Actors

Feminism

Hip hop (Music)

Identity

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Mark James

Object number

2015.187

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials

Exhibition

Musical Crossroads

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 053

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Designed by

Travis, Michael, American, 1928 - 2014

Worn by

Warwick, Dionne, American, born 1940

Medium

Dress: synthetic fiber with metal zipper

Belt: synthetic fiber and leather with plastic, glass, and metal rhinestones and beads, and metal hook-and-eyes

Dimensions

H x W x D ((a) flat): 57 1/2 × 18 × 5 in. (146.1 × 45.7 × 12.7 cm)

H x W x D ((b) flat): 26 × 28 × 1/4 in. (66 × 71.1 × 0.6 cm)

Type

dresses

belts (costume accessories)

Date

ca. 1965

Description

A light purple dress (a) with ivory embroidery and coordinating ivory belt (b) with beaded decoration worn by Dionne Warwick.

(a): Lilac purple dress with long sleeves and a full skirt. The dress is made of a lilac organza layered over ivory organza and decorated with an ivory machine-embroidered abstract floral design. Embroidered leaves, attached all over the dress on the bodice, sleeves and skirt, hang loose as three-dimensional elements. The bodice of the dress is fitted with an ivory notched spread collar. The bodice is fully lined with ivory synthetic fabric. The dress closes at the center front with a metal zipper that begins below the waist and ends at the center bust. There is a single metal hook-and-eye fastener above the zipper. The full-length sleeves are fitted to the elbow, with the forearms having large pleats, ending in fitted ivory cuffs that fasten with two (2) ivory fabric-covered buttons on each cuff. The skirt of the dress is very full with a floor-length hemline, and has two under-layers of petticoats. The innermost petticoat is an ivory synthetic fiber lined in an ivory synthetic satin, with two tiers of ivory organza ruffles sewn along at the exterior bottom. The outer petticoat is made of two layers of ivory organza. The initials of the designer, "MT", are handwritten in black ink at the interior proper right back of the bodice.

(b): Wide ivory belt with rhinestones and beaded tassel. The belt is faced with an ivory organza and edged in ivory satin. A large flower made of white and clear rhinestones is sewn at the center front, which is slightly wider than the rest of the belt. Six (6) long strands of varying lengths with white, clear, and silver beads hang from the center of the flower. Each beaded strand ends in a beaded tassel with nine (9) strands. The belt is lined with ivory leather. It fastens at the center back with two (2) metal hook-and-eye closures.

Topic

African American

Actors

Clothing and dress

Costume

Popular music

Singers (Musicians)

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Dwandalyn R. Reece in memory of Pauline Watkins Reece

Object number

2015.45.1ab

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Clothing-Costume

Exhibition

Musical Crossroads

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 053

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Subject of

Waters, Ethel, American, 1896 - 1977

Cotton Club, American, 1923 - 1940

Medium

ink on wood with metal

Dimensions

H x W: 2 × 8 1/2 × 7/8 in. (5.1 × 21.6 × 2.2 cm)

Type

noisemakers

Place used

Harlem, New York City, New York County, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date

ca. 1933

Description

This is a wood clapper instrument with black etched type on front and back. Consisting of three pieces of wood, two small rectangles are attached via thin metal strips to the large paddle-shaped base, one on each side. There is black type on both small wooden rectangles. The type on one side of the clapper reads, "The Cotton Club/ Aristocrat of Harlem/ Lenox Ave. & 142nd St. / Phone Bradhurst 2-7767-1687." On reverse side type reads, "Hear/ Ethel Waters/ Sing/ Stormy Weather/ Geo. Dewey Washington." There is a decorative border in black ink around both rectangles. There is text on the reverse side at one end of the rectangle that reads "National Bo [illegible] Co. / [illegible] west 64th [illegible]."

Topic

African American

Actors

Jazz (Music)

Nightlife

Popular music

Singers (Musicians)

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, gift of Dwandalyn R. Reece in memory of Pauline Watkins Reece

Object number

2015.45.3

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Memorabilia and Ephemera-Advertisements

Exhibition

Musical Crossroads

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 053

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Attributed to

Ortiz's Art Clothing and Ace Tailors, American

Worn by

Pride, Charley, American, born 1934

Medium

jacket: cotton denim, suede, and metal

pants: cotton denim, suede, and metal

Dimensions

H x W (jacket): 30 1/2 x 20 in. (77.5 x 50.8 cm)

Inseam (pants): 34 1/2 in. (87.6 cm)

Jacket on Form: 30 1/2 x 25 x 14 1/2 in. (77.5 x 63.5 x 36.8 cm)

Type

jean jackets

trousers

Place made

Galveston, Texas, United States, North and Central America

Date

1976

Description

This denim jean jacket (a) and bell-bottom jeans (b) with suede patchwork details were worn by Charley Pride. The blue jean jacket (a) is cut straight with full-length sleeves and a fold-over collar with exaggerated pointed lapels. It closes at the center front with four (4) round metal buttons that have the text "KEMINGTON / 20 / GA / EXPRESS" engraved around them. Rectangular patches of tan, brown, and ochre suede with blue denim are sewn on the front and back yoke. There are two (2) patch pockets, one at each front chest, with pointed flaps that close using one (1) button each, though the button on the proper right pocket is missing. The cuff of each sleeve closes with two (2) buttons each. The jacket is not lined. There is a size tag at the interior center back neck.

The bell-bottom blue jeans have side panels on each leg made from rectangular patches of tan, brown, and ochre suede with blue denim, matching the yoke decoration on the jacket (a). The pants close at the center front waist with a metal zipper, one (1) metal snap, and one (1) metal hook-and-eye. There is one (1) inset pocket at the proper right front waist. The pants are not lined.

Topic

African American

Clothing and dress

Country (Music)

Instrumentalists (Musicians)

Singers (Musicians)

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Charley Pride

Object number

2012.125.50ab

Restrictions & Rights

Public domain

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Clothing-Costume

Exhibition

Musical Crossroads

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 053

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Issued by

Country Music Association, American, founded 1958

Received by

Pride, Charley, American, born 1934

Medium

wood, metal, plastic

Dimensions

H x W x D: 14 x 5 x 5 in. (35.6 x 12.7 x 12.7 cm)

Type

trophies (prizes)

Date

1971

Description

1971 Country Music Association (CMA) award for Male Vocalist of the Year, awarded to Charley Pride. The base of the award is white plastic with a gold metal plaque. Etched lettering on the plaque says "CHARLEY PRIDE / MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR / 1971." The top portion of the award is a wooden cone with a carved-out section on the front at the bottom. There is a gold metal music note in the carved-out section. Lettering on the flag of the music note reads "COUNTRY / MUSIC / ASSOCIATION." The note head features a raised design of a world map with lettering across the center that reads "BEST LIKED WORLD WIDE."

Topic

African American

Country (Music)

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Charley Pride

Object number

2012.125.67

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Awards and Medals

Exhibition

Musical Crossroads

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 053

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Written by

Captain Wells, Jeff, American

Received by

Pride, Charley, American, born 1934

Subject of

United States Army, American, founded 1775

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W (letter): 11 × 8 1/2 in. (27.9 × 21.6 cm)

H x W (images): 8 1/2 × 11 in. (21.6 × 27.9 cm)

Type

letters (correspondence)

Place depicted

San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas, United States, North and Central America

Baghdad, Iraq, Middle East, Asia

Date

May 28, 2007

Description

A fan letter sent to Charley Pride from Captain Jeff Wells while serving in United States Army. The letter is handwritten in blue ink on yellow paper. In the letter, Jeff Wells thanks Charley Pride for making music that allowed him to temporarily escape from the war in Iraq. Also included are four images of Wells while serving in Iraq. The images are printed on a white piece of paper in landscape view (2012.125.76.1.6b). The images are attached to letter with a metal staple.

Topic

African American

Correspondence

Country (Music)

Iraq War, 2003-2011

Military

Photography

Singers (Musicians)

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Charley Pride

Object number

2012.125.76.1.6ab

Restrictions & Rights

© Jeff Wells

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials

Exhibition

Musical Crossroads

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 053

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Created by

Ayers, Lemuel, American, 1915 - 1955

Subject of

Bailey, Pearl, American, 1918 - 1990

Medium

watercolor, graphite and ink on paper with cloth and metal staples

Dimensions

H x W: 12 1/8 x 9 9/16 in. (30.8 x 24.3 cm)

Type

design drawings

Place used

New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date

1945

Description

A watercolor sketch by Lemuel Ayers of a costume for the musical "St. Louis Woman", as performed in 1946. This costume is for the character "Butterfly" performed by Pearl Bailey. At the center of the sheet of paper is a light sketch in pencil painted over in watercolor of a woman wearing a patterned, light green dress with a pink bouse and green puff sleeves with dark green bows at the shoulders and cuffs, a bow with a long sash at the waist, a hat with a bow, and a veil. At the upper left hand corner, in ink, is handwritten [Sk # 73]. At the upper right hand corner of the paper is a drawing, not overpainted, showing the back view of the dress. Behind the figure of the woman are some lightly painted lines indicating a wall and floorboards. Stapled to the lower right hand corner of the paper is a small piece of paper with handwriting at the top, in ink: [Bailey Sk 73/ Butterfly]. Below this, four (4) swatches of pink, green, yellow and gray fabric are stapled and/or glued. Next to the swatches are notes, handwritten in ink, indicating where in the costume each fabric is used. Below the attached piece of paper, hand painted, is the text: [Butterfly./ Funeral]. At the bottom left corner, handwritten in graphite, is: [Pearl Bailey]. At the bottom right corner is a paper watermark. The verso of the sketch is covered in text. At the top is [# 73 - ], and below are instructions as to how many yards are needed of each type of fabric. The sketch is unsigned. On the verso, the paper is stamped at the lower right corner with a United Scenic Artists stamp.

Topic

African American

Art

Costume design

Musical Theatre

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2011.57.45.2ab

Restrictions & Rights

Unknown - Restrictions Possible

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Decorative Arts, Craft, and Design

Exhibition

Musical Crossroads

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 053

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Published by

Salabert, Francis, French, 1884 - 1946

Written by

Koger, Géo, French, 1894 - 1975

Scotto, Vincent, French, 1874 - 1952

Created by

Varna, Henri, French, 1877 - 1969

Subject of

Baker, Josephine, American, 1906 - 1975

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W: 10 3/4 x 7 in. (27.3 x 17.8 cm)

Type

portraits

sheet music

Place depicted

Paris, Île-de-France, France, Europe

Date

1930

Description

A piece of sheet music for the song "J'ai Deux Amours," performed by Josephine Baker. A cartoon print of Baker appears on the cover. She wears a peacock tail that a spotted cat plays with.

Topic

African American

Actors

Entertainers

Jazz (Music)

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2010.36.13.5

Restrictions & Rights

Unknown - Restrictions Possible

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials-Sheet music

Exhibition

Musical Crossroads

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 053

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Written by

Baker, Josephine, American, 1906 - 1975

Received by

Wallace, Margaret Martin

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W: 10 1/2 x 8 1/8 in. (26.7 x 20.6 cm)

Type

letters (correspondence)

Place made

Le Vésinet, Paris, Île-de-France, France, Europe

Date

November 1, 1938

Description

A signed, typed letter from Josephine Baker to her sister Margaret Martin Wallace ("Meg"). The letter is written in French and was accompanied by a typed translation of the text.

Topic

African American

Actors

Entertainers

Families

United States--History--1933-1945

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2010.36.14

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials

Exhibition

Musical Crossroads

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 053

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture