Manufactured by

Unidentified

Distributed by

Motown Record Corporation, American, founded 1959

Subject of

Commodores, American, founded 1968

Medium

paper, plastic laminate, metal

Dimensions

Diameter: 2 3/8 × 3/8 in. (6 × 1 cm)

Type

buttons (information artifacts)

Date

1978

Description

A silver pin back button with black type. The black text follows the apex of the button and reads: [IT'S A NATURAL HIGH!]. Just beneath the arched text is the Motown logo. Beneath the logo are three lines of block black text which read: [COMMODORES / 1978 PLATINUM / TOUR]. The back of the pin has a metal clasp and an etched inscription.

Topic

African American

Entertainers

Rhythm and blues (Music)

Singers (Musicians)

Credit Line

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

Object number

2016.68.1

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Memorabilia and Ephemera

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

Peacock Records, Inc., American, founded 1949

Recorded by

Thornton, Big Mama, American, 1926 - 1984

Medium

vinyl, adhesive, paper

Dimensions

Diameter: 9 7/8 × 1/16 in. (25.1 × 0.2 cm)

Type

78 rpm records

Place depicted

Houston, Texas, United States, North and Central America

Date

1953

Description

A black vinyl record with a red label at its center filled with silver text. Above the record's center is the record label logo, an illustrated peacock perched on the "c" in "Peacock" of the text [Peacock RECORDS]. Beneath the record's center it lists the song title and its production information; one side reads [HOUND DOG / (J. Leiber - M. Stroller - J. Otis) / WILLIE MAE / "Big Mama" THORNTON / Kansas City Bill & Orchestra]. The other side reads [Night Mare (J. Leiber - M. Stroller - J. Otis) / WILLIE MAE / "Big Mama" THORNTON / Kansas City Bill & Orchestra]. Text aligned with the arc beneath the song title reads [PEACOCK RECORDING CO. 4104 LYONS AVE. HOUSTON, TEXAS].

Topic

African American

Instrumentalists (Musicians)

Rhythm and blues (Music)

Rock and roll (Music)

Singers (Musicians)

Credit Line

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

Object number

2016.68.12

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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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

Manufactured by

Perri Entertainment Services, Inc., American, 1992 - 2003

Subject of

SWV, American, founded 1990

Medium

ink, paper, plastic

Dimensions

H x W: 4 13/16 × 2 7/8 × 1/16 in. (12.2 × 7.3 × 0.2 cm)

Type

passes (tickets)

Date

1996

Description

A laminated VIP pass for a SWV (Sisters With Voices) concert. The front of the pass features a color photograph of the group posing together; Cheryl "Coko" Gamble is closest to the bottom edge of the image while Tamara "Taj" Johnson leans her chin on Gamble's proper right shoulder. Leanne "Lelee" Lyons stands behind Johnson and Gamble and leans forward so that her chin rests on the crown of Johnson's head. The women all wear fur stoles around their shoulders. Stylized text in the top right corner of the pass reads [SISTERS WITH VOICE / SWV / NEW BEGINNING]. Black text at the bottom of the pass reads [VIP].

Topic

African American

Rhythm and blues (Music)

Singers (Musicians)

Credit Line

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

Object number

2016.68.13

Restrictions & Rights

© 1996 BMG Entertainment. Permission required for use.

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Memorabilia and Ephemera

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

Jubilee Records, American, 1946 - 1970

Recorded by

Orioles, The, American, 1946 - 1956

Medium

vinyl, adhesive, paper

Dimensions

Diameter: 9 7/8 × 1/16 in. (25.1 × 0.2 cm)

Type

78 rpm records

Date

1949

Description

This is a black vinyl record with a blue label at its center printed with silver text. Above the record's center is the record label's logo, which reads [Jubilee] in script. Beneath the record's center is more silver text which lists the respective song titles and production information for each side. One side reads [SO MUCH / (Whitman - Miller) / THE ORIOLES]. The other side reads [FORGIVE AND FORGET / Deborah Chessler / THE ORIOLES].

Topic

African American

Doowop (Music)

Instrumentalists (Musicians)

Rhythm and blues (Music)

Singers (Musicians)

Credit Line

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

Object number

2016.68.14

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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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

Manufactured by

Unidentified

Subject of

Wonder, Stevie, American, born 1950

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W: 2 × 5 1/2 in. (5.1 × 14 cm)

Type

tickets

Place depicted

Japan, Asia

Date

1981

Description

A ticket for a 1981 performance by Stevie Wonder in Japan. The front of the ticket is predominantly blue in color with a small horizontal strip of white beneath the larger blue block; within the blue block is a line of large black text which reads [STEVIE WONDER]. The other text is written in Japanese characters with cardinal numbers. To the left of the ticket's main body is a perforated edge with the ticket stub is still attached. The stub is white with black text. The back of the ticket has additional information in black text on white paper. A partial stamp is visible on the left side.

Topic

African American

Funk (Music)

Instrumentalists (Musicians)

Motown (Music)

Rhythm and blues (Music)

Singers (Musicians)

Soul (Music)

Credit Line

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

Object number

2016.68.3

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Memorabilia and Ephemera

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

Spitzer, David D., American

Subject of

Tyler, Alvin "Red", American, 1925 - 1998

Medium

silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper

Dimensions

H x W (Image): 13 11/16 x 9 3/16 in. (34.7 x 23.4 cm)

H x W (Sheet): 13 3/4 x 11 in. (35 x 28 cm)

H x W (Matted): 20 x 16 in. (50.8 x 40.6 cm)

Type

gelatin silver prints

portraits

Place captured

Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, United States, North and Central America

Date

1992

Description

A black-and-white photograph of Alvin "Red" Tyler playing saxophone at a performance in Charlotte, NC. He is wearing a horizontal striped shirt tucked into his pants, glasses, and a beret.

Topic

African American

Instrumentalists (Musicians)

Jazz (Music)

Photography

Rhythm and blues (Music)

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of David D. Spitzer

Object number

2012.164.2

Restrictions & Rights

© David D. Spitzer

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Photograph by

Spitzer, David D., American

Subject of

Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson, American, 1917 - 1988

Medium

silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper

Dimensions

H x W (Image): 13 5/8 x 9 5/16 in. (34.6 x 23.6 cm)

H x W (Sheet): 13 3/4 x 10 5/8 in. (35 x 27 cm)

H x W (Matted): 20 x 16 in. (50.8 x 40.6 cm)

Type

gelatin silver prints

portraits

Place captured

Hialeah, Miami-Dade County, Florida, United States, North and Central America

Date

1987

Description

A black-and-white photograph of Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson playing a saxophone at a performance in Hialeah, FL. He is performing outdoors and wearing a gray suit, white shirt, and dark tie. A ring is visible on his left hand.

Topic

African American

Instrumentalists (Musicians)

Jazz (Music)

Photography

Rhythm and blues (Music)

Singers (Musicians)

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of David D. Spitzer

Object number

2012.164.4

Restrictions & Rights

© David D. Spitzer

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Photograph by

Spitzer, David D., American

Subject of

Simone, Nina, American, 1933 - 2003

Medium

silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper

Dimensions

H x W (Image): 13 11/16 x 9 3/16 in. (34.8 x 23.4 cm)

H x W (Sheet): 14 x 10 1/2 in. (35.5 x 26.6 cm)

H x W (Matted): 20 x 16 in. (50.8 x 40.6 cm)

Type

gelatin silver prints

portraits

Place captured

Coral Gables, Miami-Dade County, Florida, United States, North and Central America

Date

1977

Description

A black-and-white photograph of singer Nina Simone performing in Coral Gables, FL. Simone is photographed in profile from the right. She holds a microphone in her right hand and her left hand is extended in front of her. She wears a light colored dress and large dangling earrings.

Topic

African American

Folk (Music)

Instrumentalists (Musicians)

Jazz (Music)

Photography

Rhythm and blues (Music)

Singers (Musicians)

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of David D. Spitzer

Object number

2012.164.125

Restrictions & Rights

© David D. Spitzer

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Photograph by

Spitzer, David D., American

Subject of

Watts, Ernie, American, born 1945

Medium

silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper

Dimensions

H x W (Image): 13 13/16 x 9 1/8 in. (35.1 x 23.1 cm)

H x W (Sheet): 14 1/16 x 10 1/2 in. (35.7 x 26.6 cm)

H x W (Matted): 20 x 16 in. (50.8 x 40.6 cm)

Type

gelatin silver prints

portraits

Place captured

Clearwater, Pinellas County, Florida, United States, North and Central America

Date

1992

Description

A black-and-white photograph of Ernie Watts playing saxophone at a performance in Clearwater, FL. He is wearing a white collared shirt and is behind a microphone. His eyes are closed and his lips are pursed as he blows into the saxophone.

Topic

African American

Instrumentalists (Musicians)

Jazz (Music)

Photography

Rhythm and blues (Music)

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of David D. Spitzer

Object number

2012.164.23

Restrictions & Rights

© David D. Spitzer

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Published by

Tuesday Publications, Inc., American, 1965 - 1970s

Edited by

Evans, William Leonard Jr., American, 1914 - 2007

Subject of

Ausby, Ellsworth, American, 1942 - 2011

Machado de Assis, Joaquim Maria, Brazilian, born 1839

Butler, Jerry Jr., American, born 1939

Owned by

Robinson, Avis Collins, American, born 1954

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W: 13 1/8 × 10 7/8 in. (33.3 × 27.6 cm)

Type

magazines (periodicals)

Place printed

Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, United States, North and Central America

Date

February 1970

Description

Edition of Tuesday Magazine, Vol. 5, No. 6. The cover has black printed text at the top and graphics below. The text reads [NATIONAL / EDITION Tuesday / MAGAZINE] with [FEBRUARY 1970 · ISSUED MONTHLY] in the upper right corner. A list of topics discussed in the magazine is below this [A SPECIAL LOOK / AT THE WORLD OF / BLACK CULTURE / New Artists: / The Style is Personal / The Moviemakers: / Saying It On Film / The Negro in / World History: / Novelist, / Machado de Assis / Jerry Butler: / “The Rhythm, the / Blues, the Roots”]. The front cover has an image of artist Ellsworth Ausby in front of a colorful background. The cover photography is by Doug Harris. There are various articles and advertisements in the issue. The back cover has a Kool cigarettes advertisement. The magazine has twenty-eight (28) pages.

Topic

African American

Advertising

Art

Business

Film

Literature

Mass media

Music

Musicians

Rhythm and blues (Music)

Singers (Musicians)

Credit Line

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

Object number

2018.17.11.4

Restrictions & Rights

© Tuesday Publications, Inc, 1970. Permission required for use.

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials-Published Works

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Created by

Dr. Withers, Ernest C., American, 1922 - 2007

Subject of

Franklin, Aretha, American, 1942 - 2018

Unidentified Man or Men

Southern Christian Leadership Conference, American, founded 1957

Medium

silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper

Dimensions

H x W: 20 x 16 in. (50.8 x 40.6 cm)

Type

gelatin silver prints

portraits

Place depicted

Memphis, Shelby County, Tennessee, United States, North and Central America

Date

July 1968

Description

Aretha Franklin is seated, wearing a white jacket with feathery cuffs, and sings into a microphone.

Topic

African American

Civil rights

Gospel (Music)

Photography

Rhythm and blues (Music)

Singers (Musicians)

United States--History--1961-1969

Credit Line

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

Object number

2009.16.19

Restrictions & Rights

© Ernest C. Withers Trust

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Created by

Resistol Hats, American, founded 1927

Owned by

Diddley, Bo, American, 1928 - 2008

Medium

felt, silver

Dimensions

H x W (hat): 5 3/4 x 12 x 13 in. (14.6 x 30.5 x 33 cm)

L x W (hatbox): 18 1/2 x 15 x 8 in. (47 x 38.1 x 20.3 cm)

Type

hats

Date

ca. 1992

Description

Hat worn on stage by Bo Diddley for the last 15 years of his career, including his final performance on May 12, 2007. The hat is made of black felt, with brown trim around the brim and a wide black ribbon band featuring the silver medallion bearing the name "BO" designed by Diddly himself. There are several other decorative elements attached to the band: a round "BLUES" pin, a Smokey Bear pin, a Florida Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry pin, and a gold pin in the shape of an alligator.

Topic

African American

Blues (Music)

Clothing and dress

Instrumentalists (Musicians)

Rhythm and blues (Music)

Rock and roll (Music)

Singers (Musicians)

Credit Line

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

Object number

2009.42.1ab

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

Published by

ABC Records, American, 1955 - 1979

Recorded by

Charles, Ray, American, 1930 - 2004

Medium

(2010.34.12a): vinyl;

(2010.34.12b): ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W (sleeve): 7 x 7 1/16 in. (17.8 x 17.9 cm)

Diameter (record): 6 7/8 in. (17.5 cm)

Type

45 rpm records

Date

1962

Description

A 45 rpm record of I Can't Stop Loving You and Born To Lose by Ray Charles. The record has a black label with: [ABC-PARAMOUNT] across the top in yellow, red, and blue lettering.

Topic

African American

Country (Music)

Rhythm and blues (Music)

Soul (Music)

Credit Line

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

Object number

2010.34.12ab

Restrictions & Rights

© MCA Records. Permission required for use.

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Media Arts-Audio Recordings

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Photograph by

Williams, Milton, American, born 1940

Subject of

Charles, Ray, American, 1930 - 2004

The Raelettes, American, 1956 - 2004

The Howard Theatre, American, founded 1910

Medium

silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper

Dimensions

H x W (Image): 9 7/16 x 13 15/16 in. (24 x 35.4 cm)

H x W (Sheet): 11 x 13 15/16 in. (27.9 x 35.4 cm)

Type

gelatin silver prints

Place depicted

Howard Theatre, Washington, District of Columbia, United States, North and Central America

Date

May 17, 1980

Caption

Howard Theater. I used to catch them at the Howard Theater in the fifties when they were performing this song. Just when you thought Ray Charles was going to fall off his seat, he would lean into the mike and really get into the music. They Raelettes were always as fine as they wanted to be. May 17, 1980.

Milton Williams, Moments in Time, 1973-1993 (Nashville: James C. Winston Publishing Co., 1996), 45.

Description

A black-and-white photograph of Ray Charles and the Raelettes performing at the Howard Theatre. Charles is seated at a piano, with the Raelettes standing to the right. The photograph is stamped and inscribed on the back.

Topic

African American

Jazz (Music)

Local and regional

Photography

Rhythm and blues (Music)

Singers (Musicians)

Credit Line

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

Object number

2011.15.101

Restrictions & Rights

© Milton Williams

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Photograph by

Williams, Milton, American, born 1940

Subject of

Green, Al, American, born 1946

Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium, American, founded 1961

Unidentified Man or Men

Unidentified Woman or Women

Medium

silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper

Dimensions

H x W (Image and Sheet): 13 7/8 x 10 15/16 in. (35.2 x 27.8 cm)

Type

gelatin silver prints

Place depicted

Washington, District of Columbia, United States, North and Central America

Date

July 31, 1976

Caption

Singer Al Green performing ‘Tired of Being Alone’ during the Kool Jazz Festival at RFK stadium in Washington. July 31, 1976.

Milton Williams, Moments in Time, 1973-1993 (Nashville: James C. Winston Publishing Co., 1996), 35.

Description

A black-and-white photograph of Al Green singing on stage with three backup singers in the background. The photograph is stamped and inscribed on the back.

Topic

African American

Festivals

Gospel (Music)

Photography

Rhythm and blues (Music)

Singers (Musicians)

Credit Line

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

Object number

2011.15.69

Restrictions & Rights

© Milton Williams

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Published by

Apollo Records, American, 1944 - 1962

Recorded by

Harris, Wynonie, American, 1915 - 1969

Medium

vinyl

Dimensions

Diameter: 9 7/8 in. (25.1 cm)

Type

78 rpm records

Date

1945

Description

A 10 inch, 78 rpm recording of the single "Somebody Changed the Lock on My Door" backed with "Wynonie's Blues" by Wynonie Harris.

Topic

African American

Blues (Music)

Rhythm and blues (Music)

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

2011.173.97

Restrictions & Rights

© 1945 Apollo Records. Permission required for use.

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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

Photograph by

Smith, Marvin, American, 1910 - 2003

Smith, Morgan, American, born 1910

Subject of

Deek Watson, American, 1909 - 1969

Medium

silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper

Dimensions

H x W (Sheet): 10 × 8 in. (25.4 × 20.3 cm)

Type

gelatin silver prints

portraits

Place made

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

Date

1940s - 1950s

Description

A signed black-and-white photograph of Deek Watson. Watson wears a ring on both hands, a watch on his left wrist, and a bracelet on his right wrist. The photo is signed at top right: [To tiny great people / From Deek Watson / Just in case you / change your / mind / Lets Bow wo wo / wo wo "Ha Ha"]. Photographer's stamp on back reads [PHOTO BY M. SMITH / 243-251 W. 125TH STREET / MO. 2-3168 NEW YORK, N. / Credit line must be observed / Must not be syndicated, loaned or used for / advertising purposes without permission.]

Topic

African American

Rhythm and blues (Music)

Rock and roll (Music)

Singers (Musicians)

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Robert and Brenda Strong

Object number

2011.42.30

Restrictions & Rights

Unknown - Restrictions Possible

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Exhibition

Cultural Expressions

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 050

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Published by

Playbill, American, founded 1884

Used by

Imperial Theatre, American, founded 1923

Subject of

Babatunde, Obba, born 1951

Derricks, Cleavant, American, born 1953

Devine, Loretta, American, born 1949

Harney, Ben, American, born 1952

Holliday, Jennifer, 1960

Ralph, Sheryl Lee, American, born 1956

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W: 8 3/4 x 5 3/4 in. (22.2 x 14.6 cm)

Type

theater programs

Place used

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

Date

1982

Description

Playbill for Dreamgirls. White background with yellow box at top; black box below with the lower half of three women each with one exposed leg, holding a microphone in hand, with title below. [PLAYBILL/IMPERIAL THEATRE/DREAMGIRLS] White circular sticker on back, handwritten 1982.

Transcription Center Status

Transcribed by digital volunteers

Topic

African American

Actors

Broadway Theatre

Musical Theatre

Rhythm and blues (Music)

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Kayla Deigh Owens

Object number

2011.45.24

Restrictions & Rights

Playbill used by permission. All rights reserved, Playbill Inc.

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Memorabilia and Ephemera

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Created by

Unidentified

Distributed by

Gale Inc., American

Subject of

The Ink Spots, American, 1931 - 1964

NBC Symphony Orchestra, American, 1937 - 1954

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W: 22 x 14 in. (55.9 x 35.6 cm)

Type

posters

Place depicted

Norwich University, Northfield, Washington County, Vermont, United States, North and Central America

Date

1950s

Description

A poster advertising a performance of The Four Ink Spots plus the N.B.C. Orchestra in Northfield, Vermont at the Norwich University Armory on May 3rd. The poster has black writing at the top that gives information about the event. The center of the poster contains large lettering that reads: The Four Ink Spots and a black and white photograph of the group. Text at the bottom gives additional information about the performance as well as the name of the management company sponsoring the group. The back of the poster is blank.

Topic

African American

Amusements

Popular music

Rhythm and blues (Music)

Rock and roll (Music)

Credit Line

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

Object number

2011.57.35

Restrictions & Rights

Public domain

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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

Created by

Swing Time Records, American, 1947 - 1953

Received by

Charles, Ray, American, 1930 - 2004

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

11 x 8 1/2 in. (27.9 x 21.6 cm)

Type

receipts

Place used

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

Date

November 24, 1950

Description

Receipt for payment signed by Ray Charles, singer early in his career when he was only 20 years old. The receipt states that Ray Charles Robinson received from Swing Time Record Company payment of $82.50 for a recording session at Universal Studios on November 24, 1950. Charles joined Swing Time Records and under his own name "Ray Charles" to avoid being confused with boxer Sugar Ray Robinson) recorded two more R&B hits, "Baby, Let Me Hold Your Hand" (#5) in 1951 and "Kissa Me Baby" (#8) in 1952. The following year, Swing Time folded and Ahmet Ertegün signed him to Atlantic Records.

Topic

African American

Business

Musicians

Rhythm and blues (Music)

Credit Line

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

Object number

2011.57.40.1

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials-Business and Legal Documents

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture