NMAAHC Collections Search

I Started Out As a Child

Recorded by: Cosby, Bill, American, born 1937
Distributed by: Warner Bros. Records, Inc., American, founded 1958

Medium: vinyl, ink on paper
Dimensions: Diameter (vinyl disc): 11 7/8 in. (30.2 cm); H x W x D (cardboard sleeve): 12 3/8 × 12 3/8 × 1/8 in. (31.4 × 31.4 × 0.3 cm); H x W (paper sleeve): 12 5/16 × 12 5/16 in. (31.3 × 31.3 cm)

Type: long-playing records

Date: 1964

Description: A 33 1/3 rpm record album titled I Started Out As a Child recorded by Bill Cosby. The front of the record sleeve features a color photograph of Bill Cosby smiling and looking in to the camera. Cosby is wearing a black suit jacket, red plaid dress shirt, and black tie. The front cover has red and black text, which reads: “STEREO / WARNER BROS. / RECORDS / 1567 / “i / started / out / as a / child” / bill / cosby.” The reverse side of record sleeve features four different black and white photographs of Cosby, as well as a track list and review. The album includes a paper sleeve.

Topic: African American; Amusements; Comedy

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number: 2013.101.9a-c

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Media Arts-Audio Recordings
Exhibition: Taking the Stage
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 054

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

The Youngest Teenager

Published by: Mercury Records, American, founded 1945
Recorded by: Mabley, Moms, American, 1897 - 1975

Medium: vinyl and ink on paper
Dimensions: H x W (album jacket): 12 5/16 x 12 5/16 in. (31.3 x 31.3 cm); H x W (disc): 12 x 12 in. (30.5 x 30.5 cm)

Type: long-playing records

Place made: New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1969

Description: A twelve-inch 33 1/3 rpm LP recording of the album "The Youngest Teenager" by Moms Mabley. Mabley is wearing a blue and white floral dress with blue plaid stockings, a blue cardigan and a blue hat. Her hands are on her hips and a speech bubble says [what / generation / gap?]. Her reflection in the mirror also has her hands on her hips but the blue floral dress has changed into a skirt and crop top. The crop top is exposing her chest. Her reflection is wearing tall white boots and the same blue hat. The title [moms mabley / the youngest teenager] is printed in yellow and blue letters at the top right corner of the album cover.

Topic: African American; Comedy

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Savanna Vaughn and C. Warfield Clark, M.D.

Object number: 2011.173.54ab

Restrictions & Rights: All original material originated and copyrighted by Moms Mabley and Eddie Parton. Permission required for use.

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Media Arts-Audio Recordings

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Detroit Lions jacket worn by Eddie Murphy in the film Beverly Hills Cop II

Created by: Albion Knitting Mills, American, 1923 - 1998
Worn by: Murphy, Eddie, American, born 1961

Medium: wool, leather, rayon, synthetic fiber, and metal snaps
Dimensions: H x W: 27 1/4 x 20 1/4 in. (69.2 x 51.4 cm); H x W x D (On Form): 26 1/2 x 26 x 15 in. (67.3 x 66 x 38.1 cm)

Type: jackets

Date: 1987

Description: This black and off-white Detroit Lions letterman jacket was worn by Eddie Murphy in the film Beverly Hills Cop II (1987). The jacket is made from black felted wool with off-white leather sleeves. Ribbed knitted synthetic fabric with a blue and white stripe design on a black ground is attached as the fold-over collar, the cuffs of each sleeve, and around the hem of the jacket body. The jacket closes at the center front using seven (7) metal snaps painted black on the facing side. There are two (2) diagonally set welted pockets, one at each front side waist, with the welts made from the off-white leather. Appliqued hooked thread designs are attached at the proper left chest, across the back, and on the sleeves just below the shoulder seam. The design on the proper left front consists of gray letters reading "LIONS" over a gray, white, and blue football helmet that has the Detroit Lions mascot on the helmet. The design on the back of the jacket consists of gray letters reading "DETROIT" above a larger version of the football helmet and gray letters below the helmet reading "LIONS". The number "67" in black is on each sleeve.; The jacket is fully lined in dark gray rayon. A black fabric label with gold embroidered stitching is sewn at the center back below the collar that reads "Albion / AWARD / Jacket / ALBION KNITTING MILLS / GARDENA, CALIFORNIA / WOOL FABRIC / PROFESSIONALLY DRY CLEAN ONLY / MADE IN U.S.A.". A size tag is sewn to the bottom of the label. A label with style, content, and care information is sewn into the interior proper right side seam near the waist.

Topic: African American; Clothing and dress; Comedy; Costume; Hollywood (Film)

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number: 2012.109.1

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Clothing-Costume
Exhibition: Taking the Stage
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 054

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Rhythm and Blues Revue

35mm motion picture film of Rhythm and Blues Revue

Created by: Studio Films, Inc., American, 1951 - 1956
Produced by: Frye, Ben, American
Subject of: Lionel Hampton, American, 1908 - 2002; Adams, Faye, American, born 1923; Bailey, Bill, American, 1912 - 1978; Jeffries, Herb, American, 1913 - 2014; Milburn, Amos, American, 1927 - 1980; Vaughan, Sarah, American, 1924 - 1990; Basie, Count, American, 1904 - 1984; Big Turner, Joe, American, 1911 - 1985; The Delta Rhythm Boys, American, 1934 - 1987; Davis, Martha, American, 1917 - 1960; Little Buck, American; Cole, Nat King, American, 1919 - 1965; Moreland, Mantan, American, 1902 - 1973; Russell, Nipsey, American, 1918 - 2005; Calloway, Cab, American, 1907 - 1994; Brown, Ruth, American, 1928 - 2006
Owned by: Bowser, Pearl, American, born 1931

Medium: 35mm Film (a): acetate film;; 35mm Film (b): acetate film;; 35mm Film (c): acetate film;; 35mm Film (d): acetate film.
Dimensions: Duration: 72 Minutes; Length (Film): 1850 Feet; Length (Film): 1560 Feet; Length (Film): 1650 Feet; Length (Film): 1450 Feet

Type: motion pictures (information artifacts)

Place depicted: Harlem, New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1955

Caption: "Rhythm and Blues Revue", is a 1955 feature film compiled by Studio Films, Inc. from previously recorded Snader Telescriptions featuring renowned African American jazz singers and musicians from the 1950s. Performers include Faye Adams, Bill Bailey, Ruth Brown, Cab Calloway, Nat King Cole, Count Basie, Martha Davis, The Delta Rhythm Boys, Freddy and Flo, Lionel Hampton, Herb Jefferies, The Larks, Little Buck, Amos Milburn, Mantan Moreland, Nipsey Russell, Big Joe Turner, Sarah Vaughan and Willie Bryant.
Description: 35mm black and white compilation film of a variety of short musical 'Soundie' films made for music-film jukeboxes, and television, by the Snader Telescription and Studio companies in the 1950s.; Consists of: Four 35mm Prints (a-d).; 2012.79.1.105.1a-d: 35mm film. The film begins with a title sequence that announces each performer as a firework explodes behind their name. A credit roll then displays the below the line contributors. Next, an announcer introduces the emcee, Willie Bryant, during a shot of a theater audience. Bryant emerges from behind a curtain as the audience applauds. Before he can begin speaking, Bryant is interrupted by the comedian Freddie Lucas (Part of the Freddie & Flo comedy duo), who begs to be on the show. Later in the skit, Florence Hill (Flo) appears as a mind reading librarian. At the conclusion of the skit, Bryant announces the first performer, Lionel Hampton and his orchestra who perform “Jam Session.” After the conclusion of the song, the curtain closes and there are multiple shots of the audience cheering as Willie Bryant again appears to announce the next performer, Faye Adams who performs “Everyday” in front of the curtain. After the song ends there are multiple shots of the cheering audience and Bryant appears to announce the next performer, Bill Bailey. Bailey performs a tap dancing routine that includes dance moves from his teacher Bill “Bojangles” Robinson and concludes with a moonwalk. At the end of the performance, the curtain closes and there are multiple shots of the audience cheering as Willie Bryant appears to announce the next performer, Herb Jeffries who sings “In My Heart.” When the song ends, the curtain closes and there are multiple shots of the audience cheering as Freddie & Flo rush onto the stage to perform a comedy routine. After their routine there are multiple shots of the cheering audience and Bryant appears to announce the next performer, Amos Milburn, who sings “Bad Bad Whiskey” with backing from the Paul Williams Band. At the conclusion of the song, the curtain closes and then reopens so that Milburn can bow. Bryant appears to announce the next performers, The Larks, who sing “The World Is Waiting For The Sunrise.” At the end of the performance, the curtain closes and there are multiple shots of the audience cheering as Bryant brings Freddie & Flo back onto the stage for some comedic banter. Bryant then introduces Lionel Hampton who performs “Bongo Interlude.” Two unnamed women dance during the performance. The curtain closes and there are multiple shots of the audience cheering. When curtain opens, the stage is set up as a tobacconist and Leonard Reed is behind the counter listening to a Brooklyn Dodgers baseball game on the radio. Willie Bryant appears and the two men engage in a brief skit. Bryant then presents the next performer, Sarah Vaughan, who sings “Perdido.” The curtain closes and there are multiple shots of the audience cheering as Bryant returns to the stage. Nipsy Russell sneaks onto the stage behind Bryant and the two engage in comedic banter before Bryant presents the next performer, Count Basie who performs “Basie’s Conversation.” The curtain closes, there are multiple shots of the audience cheering, and Bryant introduces Big Joe Turner who sings “Shake Rattle And Roll.” The curtain closes, there are multiple shots of the audience cheering, and Bryant introduces the next performers, The Delta Rhythm Boys, who perform the spiritual “Dem Bones.” The curtain closes, there are multiple shots of the audience cheering, and Bryant introduces the next performers Martha Davis and her husband, Calvin Ponder, who perform “Just Goodbye.” The curtain closes, there are multiple shots of the audience cheering, and Bryant introduces the next performer, Little Buck, who performs a tap dance routine. The curtain closes, there are multiple shots of the audience cheering, and Bryant brings out Little Buck for more applause. Bryant then introduces the next performer, Nat King Cole, who sings “Calypso Blues.” The curtain closes, there are multiple shots of the audience cheering, and Nipsy Russell and Mantan Moreland come out for a comedy routine. Moreland leaves the stage and Russell continues on his own. Following Russell’s routine, Bryant introduces Cab Calloway who performs “Minnie The Moocher.” The curtain closes, there are multiple shots of the audience cheering, and Bryant brings out Ruth Brown for some stage banter before she performs “Teardrops From My Eyes” with backing by the Paul Williams Band. The curtain closes, there are multiple shots of the audience cheering, and Bryant introduces Count Basie for the film’s final performance, “One O’Clock Jump.”

Topic: African American; Comedy; Entertainers; Film; Jazz (Music); Musicians; Rhythm and blues (Music); Tap dancing; Variety shows (Television)

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Pearl Bowser

Object number: 2012.79.1.105.1a-d

Restrictions & Rights: Unknown - Restrictions Possible

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: Pearl Bowser Collection
Classification: Media Arts-Film and Video

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Rock-N-Roll Revue

35mm motion picture film of Rock-N-Roll Revue

Created by: Studio Films, Inc., American, 1951 - 1956
Directed by: Kohn, Joseph
Produced by: Frye, Ben, American
Subject of: Apollo Theater, founded 1913; Ellington, Duke, American, 1899 - 1974; Lionel Hampton, American, 1908 - 2002; Vaughan, Sarah, American, 1924 - 1990; Russell, Nipsey, American, 1918 - 2005; Coles & Atkins, American, 1940 - 1959; Darnell, Larry, American, 1921 - 1983; Bryant, Willie, American, 1908 - 1964; The Clovers, American, founded 1946; Washington, Dinah, American, 1924 - 1963; Cole, Nat King, American, 1919 - 1965; Big Turner, Joe, American, 1911 - 1985; Reed, Leonard, American, 1907 - 2004
Owned by: Bowser, Pearl, American, born 1931

Medium: 35mm Film (a): acetate film;; 35mm Film (b): acetate film;; 35mm Film (c): acetate film;; 35mm Film (d): acetate film;; Film Reel (e): metal;; Film Reel (f): metal;; Film Reel (g): metal;; Film Reel (h): metal.
Dimensions: Duration: 70 Minutes; Length (Film) - Reel 1: 1630 Feet; Length (Film) - Reel 2: 1765 Feet; Length (Film) - Reel 3: 1520 Feet; Length (Film) - Reel 4: 1440 Feet

Type: motion pictures (information artifacts)

Place depicted: Harlem, New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1955

Caption: "Rock-n-Roll Revue" is a 1955 feature film compiled by Studio Films, Inc. from previously recorded Snader Telescriptions featuring renowned African American jazz singers and musicians from the 1950s. The film includes performances by Duke Ellington, Larry Darnell, Coles and Atkins, The Clovers, Dinah Washington, Nat King Cole, Big Joe Turner, Willie Bryant, and Leonard Reed.
Description: 35mm black and white compilation film of a variety of short musical 'Soundie' films made for music-film jukeboxes, and television, by the Snader Telescription and Studio companies in the 1950s.; Consists of: Four 35mm Film Prints (a-d) and Original Film Reels (e-h).; 2012.79.1.84.1a-d: 35mm film. The film begins with a title sequence that announces each performer as a firework explodes behind their name. A credit roll then displays the below the line contributors. Next, an announcer introduces the emcee, Willie Bryant, during a shot of a theater audience. Bryant emerges from behind a curtain as the audience applauds. He begins his introduction of the show’s proceedings; he refers to the show as the “Harlem Variety Revue.” Bryant then introduces the first performer, Duke Ellington. The curtain parts and Ellington and his orchestra perform “The Mooche.” After the conclusion of the song, the curtain closes and there are multiple shots of the audience cheering as Willie Bryant again appears to announce the next performer, Larry Darnell. Darnell performs “What More Do You Want Me To Do.” After the performance ends, the curtains close while Darnell bows and the audience cheers. Willie Bryant then emerges onstage as the curtains re-open and Darnell bows in Bryant’s direction. The two men then exchange playful gestures and Bryant tells a joke. Bryant segues into an introduction of the tap dancing duo, Coles & Atkins. The duo then perform a short routine. After the routine, Bryant, Coles and Atkins perform a comedic piece based around Bryant interrupting their performance. Coles & Atkins then goad Bryant into dancing with them and the three men perform a brief routine. There are multiple shots of the audience cheering when they leave the stage. Bryant then introduces The Clovers, who perform “Your Cash Ain’t Nothin’ But Trash.” After the song ends, there is another comedy routine with Willie Bryant, Coles & Atkins, and Leonard Reed. There are multiple shots of the audience before Bryant introduces Dinah Washington, who performs “Only a Moment Ago.” Bryant then introduces Nat King Cole, who performs “The Trouble With Me Is You.” After multiple shots of the audience when the song concludes, Bryant again introduces Duke Ellington, who performs “The Hawk Talks” with his orchestra. There are multiple shots of the drummer Louie Bellson as he performs a drum solo during the song. Bryant introduces Big Joe Turner by way of a comedy bit with Leonard Reed. Turner performs “Oke-She-Moke-She-Pop” with backing by the Paul Williams Band. The film concludes with a shot of the audience cheering.; 2012.79.1.84.1e-h: Original film reels.

Topic: African American; Comedy; Entertainers; Film; Jazz (Music); Musicians; Rhythm and blues (Music); Rock and roll (Music); Tap dancing; Variety shows (Television)

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Pearl Bowser

Object number: 2012.79.1.84.1a-h

Restrictions & Rights: Unknown - Restrictions Possible

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: Pearl Bowser Collection
Classification: Media Arts-Film and Video

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Basin Street Revue

35mm motion picture film of Basin Street Revue

Created by: Studio Films, Inc., American, 1951 - 1956
Directed by: Kohn, Joseph
Produced by: Frye, Ben
Subject of: Apollo Theater, founded 1913; Reed, Leonard, American, 1907 - 2004; Bryant, Willie, American, 1908 - 1964; Vaughan, Sarah, American, 1924 - 1990; Lionel Hampton, American, 1908 - 2002; Adams, Faye, American, born 1923; Jeffries, Herb, American, 1913 - 2014; Calloway, Cab, American, 1907 - 1994; The Clovers, American, founded 1946; Davis, Martha, American, 1917 - 1960; Frank Foster, American, 1928 - 2011; Moreland, Mantan, American, 1902 - 1973; Russell, Nipsey, American, 1918 - 2005; Milburn, Amos, American, 1927 - 1980; Coles & Atkins, American, 1940 - 1959; Williams, Paul Hucklebuck, American, 1915 - 2002
Owned by: Bowser, Pearl, American, born 1931

Medium: 35mm Film (a): acetate film;; 35mm Film (b): acetate film;; 35mm Film (c): acetate film;; 35mm Film (d): acetate film;; Film Reel (e): metal;; Film Reel (f): metal;; Film Reel (g): metal;; Film Reel (h): metal
Dimensions: Duration: 61 minutes; Length (Film) - Reel 1: 1520 Feet; Length (Film) - Reel 2: 1320 Feet; Length (Film) - Reel 3: 1290 Feet; Length (Film) - Reel 4: 1370 Feet

Type: motion pictures (information artifacts)

Place depicted: Harlem, New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1956

Caption: "Basin Street Revue is a 1956 feature film compiled by Studio Films, Inc. from previously recorded Snader Telescriptions featuring renowned African American jazz singers and musicians from the 1950s. Performers include Willie Bryant, Sarah Vaughan, Lionel Hampton, Paul Williams, Jimmy Brown, Amos Milbur, Faye Adams, Coles and Atkins, Herb Jefferies, Cab Calloway, Count Basie, The Clovers, Nat King Cole, Martha Davis, Frank Foster, Mantan Moreland, Nipsey Russell, and Marie Bryant.
Description: 35mm black and white compilation film of a variety of short musical 'Soundie' films made for music-film jukeboxes, and television, by the Snader Telescription and Studio companies in the 1950s.; Consists of: Four 35mm Prints (a-d) and Four Original Film Reels (e-h).; 2012.79.1.85.1a-d: 35mm film. The film begins with a title sequence that announces each performer as a firework explodes behind their name. This is followed by a shot of a theater marquee with the title Basin Street Revue. A credit roll then displays the below the line contributors. Next, an announcer introduces the emcee, Willie Bryant, during a shot of a theater audience. Bryant emerges from behind a curtain as the audience applauds. As Bryant begins to speak, Nipsy Russell walks across the stage and interrupts Bryant with a joke about his mother in law. Bryant then begins his introduction of the show’s proceedings; he refers to the show as the “Harlem Variety Revue.” Bryant then introduces the first performer, Lionel Hampton and his orchestra. The curtain parts and Hampton and his orchestra perform “Ding Dong Baby.” An unknown woman joins Hampton on the stage as he sings, but does not sing herself; he gives her a kiss on the cheek before she exits. After the conclusion of the song, the curtain closes and there are multiple shots of the audience cheering as Willie Bryant again appears to announce the next performer, Sarah Vaughan, who performs “You’re Not The Kind.” The song concludes, the curtain closes, and there are multiple shots of the cheering audience as Bryant emerges to introduce the next performers, Jimmy Brown, the saxophonist from the Apollo Theater’s house band, the Paul Williams Band. Bryant and Brown engage in some stage banter before the performance of “My Love Is True.” The song concludes, the curtain closes, and there are multiple shots of the cheering audience as Bryant emerges to introduce the next performer, Martha Davis, who performs “We Just Couldn’t Say Goodbye.” Bryant mentions that Davis is performing with her spouse, bassist, Calvin Ponder. There are multiple insert shots of the audience during the performance. The song concludes, the curtain closes, and there are multiple shots of the cheering audience as Nipsy Russell and Mantan Moreland enter the stage. They perform a short comedy routine together before Bryant introduces the next performer, Amos Milburn. He performs “Bewildered.” The song concludes, the curtain closes, and Bryant has the curtain reopened so Milburn can take a bow. The curtain again closes and Bryant invites Faye Adams onto the stage. The engage in some brief stage banter before she performs “Somebody, Somewhere” in front of the curtain. Jimmy Brown emerges from behind the curtain to perform a solo. The song concludes, there are multiple shots of the cheering audience, and Bryant introduces the next performers, The Clovers, who perform “Lovey Dovey.” The song concludes, the curtain closes, and there are multiple shots of the cheering audience as Bryant emerges to introduce Sarah Vaughan for a performance of “These Things I Offer You (For A Lifetime).” The song concludes, the curtain closes, there are multiple shots of the cheering audience, and Bryant introduces Coles & Atkins. The duo sing and them perform a tap dance routine. Their performance concludes, they bow and Bryant introduces Herb Jeffries by way of a brief skit. Jeffries performs “A Woman Is A Worrisome Thing” from the balcony of a fire escape. The song concludes, the curtain closes, there are multiple shots of the cheering audience, and Bryant introduces Cab Calloway, who performs “Calloway Boogie.” Calloway dances with an unknown female dancer. A “The End” title card appears as the song and the film conclude.; 2012.79.1.85.1e-h: Original film reels.

Topic: African American; Comedy; Dance; Entertainers; Film; Jazz (Music); Variety shows (Television)

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Pearl Bowser

Object number: 2012.79.1.85.1a-h

Restrictions & Rights: © Studio Films, Inc. Permission required for use.

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: Pearl Bowser Collection
Classification: Media Arts-Film and Video

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

When I Was a Kid

Recorded by: Cosby, Bill, American, born 1937
Distributed by: Universal City Records, American, 1966 - 1972

Medium: vinyl, ink on paper
Dimensions: Diameter (vinyl disc): 11 7/8 in. (30.2 cm); cardboards sleeve: 12 3/8 × 12 3/8 × 1/8 in. (31.4 × 31.4 × 0.3 cm); H x W (paper sleeve): 12 5/16 × 12 5/16 in. (31.3 × 31.3 cm)

Type: long-playing records

Place made: Westbury, Nassau County, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1971

Description: A 33 1/3 rpm record album titled "When I Was a Kid" recorded by Bill Cosby. The front of the record sleeve features a color illustration of Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids hanging out in front of a movie theater. Green, red, and white text on the front cover reads "BILL COSBY "WHEN I WAS A KID" / STEREO 73100 / ©UNIVERSAL CITY RECORDS / A DIVISION OF MCA INC. 1971 PRINTED IN U.S.A. / Recorded Live at THE WESTBURY MUSIC FAIR." The reverse side of record sleeve consists of black type set against a white background and features a track list and dedication from Bill Cosby. The vinyl disc has yellow, green, blue, and purple inner circle with black type. The album includes a paper sleeve.

Topic: African American; Amusements; Comedy

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number: 2013.101.10a-c

Restrictions & Rights: © Universal City Records - A Division of MCA Inc 1971. Permission required for use.

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Media Arts-Audio Recordings

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Why Is There Air?

Recorded by: Cosby, Bill, American, born 1937
Distributed by: Warner Bros. Records, Inc., American, founded 1958

Medium: vinyl, ink on paper
Dimensions: Diameter (vinyl disc): 11 15/16 in. (30.3 cm); cardboard sleeve: 12 3/8 × 12 3/8 × 1/8 in. (31.4 × 31.4 × 0.3 cm); H x W (paper sleeve): 12 5/16 × 12 5/16 in. (31.3 × 31.3 cm)

Type: long-playing records

Date: 1965

Description: A 33 1/3 rpm record album titled "Why Is There Air?" recorded by Bill Cosby. The front of the record cover features a color photograph of Bill Cosby wearing a Temple University shirt and holding a white volleyball. Blue and red type on the front cover reads, "BILL COSBY / WHY IS THERE AIR? / WARNER BROS. / RECORDS / 1606." The Warner Brothers logo appears in the top right corner. The reverse side of the record cover features a large black and white photograph of Bill Cosby's head, as well as a track list and a biography.The vinyl disc has a brown inner circle with black type. The album includes a paper sleeve

Topic: African American; Amusements; Comedy

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number: 2013.101.11a-c

Restrictions & Rights: © Warner Bros. Records. Permission required for use.

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Media Arts-Audio Recordings

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Laff of the Party, Vol. 1

Recorded by: Foxx, Redd, American, 1922 - 1991
Distributed by: Dootone Record Corporation, American, 1951 - ca. 1975

Medium: vinyl, ink on ink on paper
Dimensions: Diameter (vinyl disc): 11 7/8 in. (30.2 cm); H x W x D (sleeve): 12 3/8 x 12 3/8 x 1/8 in. (31.4 x 31.4 x 0.3 cm)

Type: long-playing records

Date: 1960

Description: A 33 1/3 rpm record album titled Laff of the Party, Vol. I recorded by Redd Foxx. The front of album cover features a caricature of Redd Foxx in a white jacket, white dress shorts, and red and white checkered socks. Red and black vertical type on left side reads "REDD / FOXX." Type on right side of cover's front reads "NOVELTY SERIES / DTL-214 / LAFF / OF THE / PARTY. / VOLUME 1 / COVER BY FOXX / dooto / AUTHENTIC HIGH FIDELITY / RECORDS." The reverse side of cover includes a track list, biography, and list of other comedy records. The vinyl disc's inner circle has green, red, and yellow border.

Topic: African American; Amusements; Comedy

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number: 2013.101.1ab

Restrictions & Rights: Unknown - Restrictions Possible

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Media Arts-Audio Recordings
Exhibition: Taking the Stage
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 054

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Jokes I Can't Tell On Television

Recorded by: Foxx, Redd, American, 1922 - 1991
Distributed by: Dootone Record Corporation, American, 1951 - ca. 1975

Medium: vinyl, ink on paper
Dimensions: Diameter (vinyl disc): 11 15/16 in. (30.3 cm); sleeve: 12 7/16 x 12 3/8 x 1/8 in. (31.6 x 31.4 x 0.3 cm)

Type: long-playing records

Date: 1969

Description: A 33 1/3 rpm record album titled Jokes I Can’t Tell on Television recorded by Redd Foxx. The front of the album cover features a black and white photograph of Redd foxx smiling. White type on cover reads "DOOTO / DTL-845 / REDD FOXX / Jokes / I Can't / Tell On / Television / ANTHOLOGY © 1969 DOOTO INC." The back of the cover features a track list, biography, and advertisements for "DOOTO RECORDS." The vinyl disc is black with a brown, green, purple, and orange inner circle.

Topic: African American; Amusements; Comedy

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number: 2013.101.2ab

Restrictions & Rights: © 1969 DOOTO Inc. Permission required for use.

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Media Arts-Audio Recordings

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

"The Funniest Woman in the World:" Moms Mabley Onstage

Recorded by: Mabley, Moms, American, 1897 - 1975
Distributed by: Chess Records, American, founded 1950

Medium: vinyl, ink on paper
Dimensions: Diameter (vinyl disc): 11 7/8 in. (30.2 cm); sleeve: 12 3/8 x 12 3/8 x 1/8 in. (31.4 x 31.4 x 0.3 cm)

Type: long-playing records

Date: 1961

Description: A 33 1/3 rpm record album titled "The Funniest Woman in the World:" Moms Mabley Onstage recorded by Moms Mabley. The front of album cover features a color photograph of Moms Mabley sitting on stage holding a microphone in her proper right hand. Yellow and white type at top of cover reads "'the funniest woman in the world' / MOMS MABLEY ONSTAGE / CHESS LP 1447." The back of the record cover consists of black type against a white background and features a review from Redd Foxx. The vinyl disc has a black inner circle with silver type.

Topic: African American; Amusements; Comedy

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number: 2013.101.3ab

Restrictions & Rights: © Universal Music Group. Permission required for use.

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Media Arts-Audio Recordings

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Moms Mabley Breaks Up The Network

Recorded by: Mabley, Moms, American, 1897 - 1975
Distributed by: Chess Records, American, founded 1950

Medium: vinyl, ink on paper
Dimensions: Diameter (vinyl disc): 11 7/8 in. (30.2 cm); sleeve: 12 3/8 x 12 3/8 x 1/8 in. (31.4 x 31.4 x 0.3 cm)

Type: long-playing records

Date: 1968

Description: A 33 1/3 rpm record album titled Moms Mabley Breaks Up the Network. The front of the record sleeve features a red-hued color photograph of Moms Mabley framed inside of a television set. White type at top of the cover reads "LPS 1525 / Electronically Altered For STEREO / CHESS / RECORDS / Moms Mabley / Breaks Up / The Network." The reverse side of the cover features another frame made of a television set, with a biography of Moms Mabley in black type. The vinyl disc has a blue inner circle with track list and production information.

Topic: African American; Amusements; Comedy

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number: 2013.101.4ab

Restrictions & Rights: © Universal Music Group. Permission required for use.

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Media Arts-Audio Recordings

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Moms Mabley At Geneva Conference

Recorded by: Mabley, Moms, American, 1897 - 1975
Distributed by: Chess Records, American, founded 1950

Medium: vinyl, ink on paper
Dimensions: Diameter (vinyl disc): 11 7/8 in. (30.2 cm); H x W x D (sleeve): 12 3/8 x 12 1/4 x 1/8 in. (31.4 x 31.1 x 0.3 cm)

Type: long-playing records

Date: 1962

Description: A 33 1/3 rpm record album titled Moms Mabley at Geneva Conference recorded by Moms Mabley. The front of the record cover is made to look like a newspaper article. Black type at top reads "MOMS MABLEY AT / GENEVA CONFERENCE / CHESS LP 1463-." The cover features a black and white photograph of Moms Mabley at center with a clenched fist. Fidel Castro and Nikita Khrushchev sit on either side of Moms Mabley in the image. The back of record cover consists of a review written by Marty Faye. The vinyl disc has a black inner circle with silver type.

Topic: African American; Amusements; Comedy

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number: 2013.101.5ab

Restrictions & Rights: © Universal Music Group. Permission required for use.

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Memorabilia and Ephemera
Exhibition: Taking the Stage
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 054

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

In Living Black & White

Recorded by: Gregory, Dick, American, 1932 - 2017
Distributed by: Colpix Records, American, 1958 - 1966

Medium: vinyl, ink on paper
Dimensions: Diameter (vinyl disc): 11 7/8 in. (30.2 cm); sleeve: 12 3/8 x 12 3/8 x 1/8 in. (31.4 x 31.4 x 0.3 cm)

Type: long-playing records

Date: 1961

Description: A 33 1/3 rpm record album titled Dick Gregory in Living Black and White recorded by Dick Gregory. The front of the album cover consists of a black and white photograph of Dick Gregory speaking in to a microphone. Orange, grey, black, blue, and white text on cover reads "COLPIX / CP 417 / DICK GREGORY / IN / LIVING / BLACK / & / WHITE / ©COLPIX RECORDS. A DIVISION OF COLUMBIA PICTURES CORPORATION, NEW YORK, N. Y./PHOTO: POMPEO POSAR." The reverse side of the record has a track list and review written by Alex Dreier. The vinyl disc has a gold inner circle with red and black type.

Topic: African American; Amusements; Comedy

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number: 2013.101.6ab

Restrictions & Rights: © Colpix Records - A Division of Columbia Pictures Corporation. Permission required for use.

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Media Arts-Audio Recordings
Exhibition: Taking the Stage
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 054

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Ready or Not: Here's Godfrey Cambridge

Recorded by: Cambridge, Godfrey, American, 1933 - 1976
Distributed by: Epic Records, American, founded 1953

Medium: vinyl, ink on paper
Dimensions: Diameter (vinyl disc): 11 7/8 in. (30.2 cm); sleeve: 12 3/8 x 12 3/8 x 1/8 in. (31.4 x 31.4 x 0.3 cm)

Type: long-playing records

Date: 1964

Description: A 33 1/3 rpm record album titled Ready or Not-... Here's Godfrey Cambridge recorded by Godfrey Cambridge. The front of the record sleeve features a color photograph of Godfrey Cambridge with his index finger pressed against his lips. Orange and pink type on front of cover reads "Here's / Godfrey / Cambridge / Ready or not… / EPIC / FOOTLIGHT / SERIES." The back of the record sleeve features a track list, various reviews, and a short biography. The vinyl disc has a yellow inner circle with black type.

Topic: African American; Amusements; Comedy

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number: 2013.101.7ab

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Media Arts-Audio Recordings
Exhibition: Taking the Stage
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 054

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Bill Cosby Is A Very Funny Fellow...Right!

Recorded by: Cosby, Bill, American, born 1937
Distributed by: Warner Bros. Records, Inc., American, founded 1958

Medium: vinyl, ink on paper
Dimensions: Diameter: 11 15/16 in. (30.3 cm); cardboard sleeve: 12 3/8 × 12 7/16 × 1/8 in. (31.4 × 31.6 × 0.3 cm); H x W (paper sleeve): 12 5/16 × 12 3/8 in. (31.3 × 31.5 cm)

Type: long-playing records

Date: 1963

Description: A 33 1/3 rpm record album titled "Bill Cosby Is a Very Funny Fellow… Right!" recorded by Bill Cosby. The front of the record cover features a small color photograph of Bill Cosby with his proper left hand on his face. The front cover has pink and black text, set against a white background. It reads "BILL COSBY / IS A VERY FUNNY FELLOW / RIGHT! / Produced by ALLAN SHERMAN / WARNER / BROS. / RECORDS / 1518." The reverse side of the record cover features a black and white photograph of Bill Cosby, along with a track list and biography. The vinyl disc has a gold inner circle with black and red type. The album includes a paper sleeve.

Topic: African American; Amusements; Comedy

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number: 2013.101.8a-c

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Media Arts-Audio Recordings

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Costume worn by Flip Wilson as Geraldine

Created by: William "Bill" Lewis Belew, American, 1931 - 2008
Worn by: Wilson, Flip, American, 1933 - 1998

Medium: velvet, fringe, rhinestones, glass beads, metal, and elastic
Dimensions: H x W x D (Dress, on form): 59 × 21 1/4 × 9 in. (149.9 × 54 × 22.9 cm); H x W x D (Shorts, on form): 14 × 12 3/4 × 8 in. (35.6 × 32.4 × 20.3 cm); H x W (Shorts, flat): 15 1/4 × 11 3/8 in. (38.7 × 28.9 cm)

Type: outfits; dresses; shorts

Place used: NBC Studios, Burbank, Los Angeles County, California, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1972

Description: This costume, a dress and matching shorts, was worn by Flip Wilson as the character Geraldine Jones. The dress (a) is crushed velvet, and is tie-dyed in orange, purple, pink, and red on an off-white background. The bodice and sleeves of the dress are decorated with silver and orange rhinestones that are affixed to the fabric with prong snaps. The dress has full-length sleeves, a sweetheart front neckline and a scoop back. The hem of the dress hits at mid-thigh. Long orange fringe is attached along the inseam of each sleeve, underneath the bustline on the front and back of the dress, and along the hemline. The fringe affixed to the hemline is floor-length. All of the fringe is further embellished with long strands of orange bugle beads strung onto cord and finished with clear, faceted round beads. The bead strings are stitched into the fringe at approximately 1-inch intervals, although some of the strands are missing beads. The dress closes in the back with a pink zipper running from the top of the center back bodice to the center back below the waist, and secures with two (2) hook-and-eye closures, one at the top of the zipper and one at the waist. A fabric label at the interior proper left back neck has handwritten text in black ink reading "BB 3834." A barcode label from the Palace Costume Co. is adhered at the proper right back next to the zip closure.; Worn under the dress is a pair of matching 4-panel shorts (b) made from the same tie-dyed crushed velvet fabric as the dress. The shorts have a wide elastic waistband and are unlined. A fabric label at the interior proper right back below the waistband has handwritten text in black ink reading "BB 3834." A barcode label from the Palace Costume Co. is adhered to a piece of interfacing that is stitched to the center back seam.

Topic: African American; Clothing and dress; Comedy; Costume; Gender; Television

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number: 2013.127.1ab

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Clothing-Costume
Exhibition: Taking the Stage
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 054

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Program for An Evening of Comedy with Jackie 'Moms' Mabley and Her Ladies

Created by: National Black Theatre, American, founded 1968
Subject of: Taylor, Clarice, American, 1917 - 2011; Mabley, Moms, American, 1897 - 1975; Washington, Dinah, American, 1924 - 1963; Holiday, Billie, American, 1915 - 1959; Jackson, Mahalia, American, 1911 - 1972; Rainey, Ma, American, 1886 - 1939

Medium: ink on paper
Dimensions: H x W x D (Closed): 8 1/2 × 5 1/2 × 1/16 in. (21.6 × 14 × 0.2 cm); H x W (Open): 8 1/2 × 12 in. (21.6 × 30.5 cm)

Type: programs

Place used: New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date: 2003

Description: Program for "An Evening of Comedy With Jackie Moms Mabley and Her Ladies," written by and starring Clarice Taylor. The performance was presented by the National Black Theatre, Inc. from April 17-May 25, 2003. At the top of the cover is a band in a gradient from black to white with black text. It reads [NATIONAL BLACK THEATRE, INC. / Dr. Barbara Ann Teer, Founder & CEO / Mabil Falson & Jackie Jeffries Associate Producers]. Below is a black and white photographic image of Clarice Taylor dressed for her role as Moms Mabley. Taylor is wearing a floppy hat, house dress, and large, unbuttoned shirt. Behind her is a brick wall with [MOMS] written in white. The "o" in Moms is a heart. Black text on the bottom half reads [AN EVENING OF COMEDY WITH / JACKIE MOMS MABLEY / AND HER LADIES / WRITTEN BY & STARRING / CLARICE TAYLOR / FEATURING / JOHN STANLEY / APRIL 17TH THROUGH MAY 25TH, 2003]. Other actresses portrayed Billie Holiday, Dinah Washington, Mahalia Jackson, and Ma Rainey in the show. The program includes cast biographies and information about the National Black Theatre.
Transcription Center Status: Transcribed by digital volunteers

Topic: African American; Comedy; Comedy (Theatre); Entertainers; Singers (Musicians); Women

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of William and James Thomas and family in memory of Clarice Taylor

Object number: 2013.188.37

Restrictions & Rights: Unknown - Restrictions Possible

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Memorabilia and Ephemera

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Denim bucket hat worn by Jimmie Walker as J.J. Evans on Good Times

Designed by: Riggs, Rita, American, born 1930
Manufactured by: Cali-Fame of Los Angeles, Inc., American, founded 1925
Worn by: Jimmie Walker, American, born 1947

Medium: cotton denim, twill tape, and synthetic fiber
Dimensions: H x W x D (On form): 9 1/4 × 9 3/4 × 10 in. (23.5 × 24.8 × 25.4 cm)

Type: hats

Place used: United States, North and Central America

Date: 1974-1979

Description: Blue denim bucket hat with quilted brim worn by Jimmie Walker as the character James "JJ" Evans Jr. on the television show "Good Times." The interior of the cap portion is not lined, though the seams are covered in black twill tape. There is an interior hat band of black synthetic lining material. A white clothing tag with brown printed text is sewn at the center back of the interior band that reads: "Cali-Fame / of / Los Angeles / XL".

Topic: African American; Clothing and dress; Comedy; Costume; Families; Sitcoms; Stereotypes

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number: 2014.26.1

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Clothing-Costume
Exhibition: Taking the Stage
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 054

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Orange dress worn by Esther Rolle as Florida Evans on Good Times

Designed by: Riggs, Rita, American, born 1930
Worn by: Rolle, Esther, American, 1920 - 1998

Medium: polyester and rayon knit with metal buttons
Dimensions: H x W x D (On form): 42 3/8 × 19 1/4 × 13 1/2 in. (107.6 × 48.9 × 34.3 cm)

Type: dresses

Place used: United States, North and Central America

Date: 1974

Description: Orange knit dress worn by Esther Rolle as the character Florida Evans on the television show "Good Times." The A-line dress has full-length sleeves, a notched collar, and falls just below the knee. The dress closes at the center front with five (5) round gold buttons. There is one (1) small white button under the proper left front side of the notched collar. The sleeves taper slightly at the wrist, with three (3) small round gold buttons attached to a band with a pointed tip that serve decorative purposes only. The dress is not hemmed, though there is a heavy even crease 2 1/8 inches from the raw edge. The dress is not lined. A white tag with care instructions is sewn at the center back neck, with evidence of a second manufacturer's tag on top of it now removed. A union tag is sewn at the proper left side seam near the bottom of the dress. A white tag with handwritten text reading "GT" is hand sewn to the proper right front dart seam near the waist.

Topic: African American; Clothing and dress; Comedy; Costume; Families; Motherhood; Sitcoms

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number: 2014.26.2

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Clothing-Costume
Exhibition: Taking the Stage
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 054

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

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