NMAAHC Collections Search

"Niggy" necklace owned by Saul Williams

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

See more items in: 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

"Tardust" ring owned by Saul Williams

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

See more items in: 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

Postcard advertising Niggy Tardust First Show Ever

Created by: Williams, Saul, American, born 1972
Subject of: Lichtenstein, Roy, American, 1923 - 1997

Medium: ink on paper
Dimensions: H x W: 4 1/16 × 6 1/16 in. (10.3 × 15.4 cm)

Type: postcards

Place printed: Austin, Travis County, Texas, United States, North and Central America

Date: 2008

Description: The front of the postcard features four artworks by Roy Lichtenstein in each quadrant of the postcard. The reproduced artwork in the upper left corner, originally entitled "Forget it! Forget Me!” depicts the proper left side of a man's face with a woman in the background. A callout is above the woman and to the right of the man [BUT SWEETIE, / I GOT US TICKETS!]. The reproduced work in the upper right corner is "Kiss V." The image depicts a man and woman embracing, with the woman on the left side and the man on the right. The woman is seen crying with her proper right hand grasping the man's proper left shoulder. The reproduced work in the lower left corner is from the work "Ohhh...Alright..." with black text replacing the original words [SO BETH, WHAT / HAPPENED / TO TOM?]. The image depicts a red haired woman talking into the black handset of a telephone. In the lower right corner is the work "Oh, Jeff... I love you, too... But..." with the original text replaced by [TOM WHO?! / GIRLFRIEND, / IT'S ALL ABOUT / JAMAL NOW!!]. The image depicts a blond haired woman talking into the white handset of a telephone. In the middle of the quadrants at the center it lists the artists featured in the advertised gallery in stylized font [saul williams is now / NIGGY TARDUST / FIRST SHOW EVER/ w"/" the NOISETTES, EARL GREY HOUND / GAME REBELLION, THE EXIT, THE THIRST, AFROBOTS]. Above the top two quadrants to right is black text [Matrix Presents Afro-Punk]. In the lower right corner is a column of text with the venue information [Wednesday 12th March / VICE aka EXODUS / 304 6th St. / Austin, TX, 78701 / Tel. 512-477-7523]. To the left of the column of text is a red logo advertising the car manufacturer Toyota and the car called the Matrix. The logo includes the Toyota symbol to the left of text [TOYOTA / MATRIX]. In a circle in the lower left quadrant is the time for the event [7PM / SHARP!!]. The circle has a thick black rim. On the reverse of the postcard is a black, white, and blue illustration in the style of Lichtenstein. The image depicts a woman with black hair crying. She raises her proper right hand to her proper right cheek. Above her head, right of center in the top half of the image, is a thought bubble with black text [OH GOD! WHY CAN'T / MY BOYFRIEND BE / AFRO-PUNK?!]. In the lower right corner of the image is a black and white illustration of a man who looks at the woman. Surrounding the illustration is a thick black border. Behind both figures, is a blue background with white polka dots.

Topic: African American; Art; Graphic design; 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: 2014.188.6

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

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

The Two Kings, Elvis Presley with B.B. King at WDIA Goodwill Review, Memphis, TN

Created by: Dr. Withers, Ernest C., American, 1922 - 2007
Subject of: Presley, Elvis, American, 1935 - 1977; King, B.B., American, 1925 - 2015

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: December 7, 1957

Description: On the left, Elvis Presley wears a necktie and striped jacket and puts his arm around the shoulders of B.B. King, right, who wears a bowtie and plaid jacket with a pocket square.

Topic: African American; Blues (Music); Photography; Rock and roll (Music); Singers (Musicians)

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

Object number: 2009.16.23

Restrictions & Rights: © Ernest C. Withers Trust

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

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Felt hat with medallion worn by Bo Diddley

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

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

Schematic drawing of stage requirements for The Jackson Five

Created by: Unidentified
Subject of: The Jackson 5, American, 1964 - 1975

Medium: pigment on printing paper, plastic, pressure-sensitive tape
Dimensions: H x W (Paper): 6 1/4 × 8 1/2 in. (15.9 × 21.6 cm); H x W (Overall): 7 1/2 × 9 7/16 in. (19 × 24 cm)

Type: plans (drawings)

Date: 1971

Description: A photocopy of a hand drawn diagram for the Jackson Five's stage requirements. The diagram is in black pigment on white paper. It details a stage, barrier, drum riser, and stage wings with dimensions for all elements provided. The back of the diagram is blank. The paper is dye cut at the top with two holes and there are multiple small holes, likely from staples, on the upper left of the paper. The diagram is in a sealed laminate or clear adhesive sleeve. The plastic is larger than the diagram and the border on the back is covered in masking tape.

Topic: African American; Business; Disco (Music); Popular music; Rock and roll (Music)

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

Object number: 2010.23.1b

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: 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

Red Cadillac Eldorado owned by Chuck Berry

Created by: General Motors Corporation, founded 1908
Owned by: Berry, Chuck, American, 1926 - 2017

Medium: steel, chrome, glass, rubber, plastic
Dimensions: Overall with Weight: 53 x 83 x 236 in., 5400 lb. (134.6 x 210.8 x 599.4 cm, 2449.4 kg)

Type: convertibles

Date: 1973

Caption: The car is part of Berry’s personal fleet of Cadillacs and was driven during the filming of Hail! Hail! Rock ’n’ Roll, a 1987 documentary that chronicles two 1986 concerts.
Description: A red Cadillac Eldorado, model year 1973, owned and driven by Chuck Berry.

Topic: African American; Identity; Musicians; Rock and roll (Music); Transportation

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Donation of Charles E. Berry

Object number: 2011.137.1

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Transportation Vehicles
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

Electric guitar belonging to Chuck Berry, nicknamed "Maybellene"

Manufactured by: Gibson Guitar Corp., American, founded 1894
Owned by: Berry, Chuck, American, 1926 - 2017
Subject of: Chess Records, American, founded 1950

Medium: wood and metal
Dimensions: 41 x 17 x 4 in. (104.1 x 43.2 x 10.2 cm)

Type: guitars

Date: 1959

Description: A Gibson ES-350T semi-acoustic guitar named Maybellene. The wood is light, and the tuning keys are damaged. A black and orange label with the serial number (A33643) and where the guitar was made (Kalamazoo, MI) can be seen through one of the F-holes. The case is treated canvas on wood with velvet lining.

Topic: African American; Musicians; Rock and roll (Music)

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Donation of Charles E. Berry

Object number: 2011.137.2

Restrictions & Rights: 1960 Gibson Guitar Corporation

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Musical Instruments
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

Johnny B. Goode

Written by: Berry, Chuck, American, 1926 - 2017
Published by: The Goodman Group, American, founded 1940s
Owned by: Berry, Chuck, American, 1926 - 2017

Medium: ink on paper
Dimensions: H x W: 12 x 9 in. (30.5 x 22.9 cm)

Type: sheet music

Date: 1958

Description: Sheet music for Chuck Berry's "Johnny B. Goode." The cover features a print of a young Berry duckwalking with a turquoise border. This sheet music is of recent vintage and was owned by Chuck Berry.

Topic: African American; Musicians; Rock and roll (Music)

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Donation of Charles E. Berry

Object number: 2011.137.3

Restrictions & Rights: Copyright © 1958 by Arc Music Corp.. Permission required for use.

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Documents and Published Materials-Sheet music

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Business contract and letter between Club Harlem and the Dell-tones

Created by: American Guild of Variety Artists, founded 1939
Used by: Club Harlem, American, 1935 - 1986
Received by: Delltones
Subject of: Alton, Ben

Medium: ink on paper
Dimensions: H x W: 11 x 8 1/2 in. (27.9 x 21.6 cm)

Type: contracts

Place depicted: 32 N. Kentucky Avenue, Atlantic City, Atlantic County, New Jersey, United States, North and Central America

Date: March 31, 1956

Description: A business contract between Club Harlem and the musical group the Delltones obligating the musicians to perform at the club for two (2) consecutive days starting March 31, 1956 for one hundred and twenty-five dollars ($125.00) paid immediately after the first performance. The contract was drawn up on a contract form created by the American Guild of Variety Artists. The contract is signed and dated by the Delltones: Ben, Stan and Pat. A letter is also attached to the contract from Gale Agency Inc., addressed to Pop Williams, stating that the contract between Club Harlem and the Delltones is enclosed and is a copy for his files. The letter is signed by Bill Peterson.

Topic: African American; Business; Nightlife; Rock and roll (Music)

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Henrietta W. Shelton, Chicken Bone Beach Historical Foundation, Inc.

Object number: 2011.145.4.2

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: 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

Autographed portrait of Deek Watson by M. Smith Studio

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: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: 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

Playbill for Hair

Published by: Playbill, American, founded 1884
Used by: Samuel J. Friedman Theatre, American, founded 1925
Subject of: Burks, Donnie, American, 1939 - 2008; Curry, Steve; Dyson, Ronnie, American, 1950 - 1990; Eaton, Sally, American, born 1946; Keaton, Diane, American, born 1946; McGuire, Barry, American, born 1935; Milford, Richard Kim, American, 1951 - 1988; Moore, Melba, American, born 1945; Plimpton, Shelley, American, born 1947

Medium: ink on paper
Dimensions: H x W: 9 x 6 in. (22.9 x 15.2 cm)

Type: theater programs

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

Date: 1967

Description: Playbill for Hair. White background with yellow box at top; white box below, title is black block lettering. [Biltmore/Theatre/PLAYBILL/the national magazine for theatregoers/I/HAIR] White circular sticker on back, handwritten 1968.

Topic: African American; Broadway Theatre; Musical Theatre; Rock and roll (Music)

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

Object number: 2011.45.39

Restrictions & Rights: Playbill used by permission. All rights reserved, Playbill Inc.

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

Playbill for Hair

Published by: Playbill, American, founded 1884
Subject of: Burks, Donnie, American, 1939 - 2008; Eaton, Sally, American, born 1946; Lynch, Charles O., 1940 - 2008; MacRae, Heather, American, born 1946; Moore, Melba, American, born 1945; Plimpton, Shelley, American, born 1947; Robinson, Erik; Sommer, Bert, American, 1949 - 1990

Medium: ink on paper
Dimensions: H x W: 9 x 6 in. (22.9 x 15.2 cm)

Type: theater programs

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

Date: 1968

Description: Playbill for Hair. White background with yellow box at top; white box below, title is black block lettering. [Biltmore/Theatre/PLAYBILL/the national magazine for theatregoers/I/HAIR]

Topic: African American; Broadway Theatre; Musical Theatre; Rock and roll (Music)

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

Object number: 2011.45.40

Restrictions & Rights: Playbill used by permission. All rights reserved, Playbill Inc.

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

Playbill for The Who’s Tommy

Published by: Playbill, American, founded 1884
Used by: St. James Theatre, American, founded 1927
Subject of: Townshend, Pete, British, born 1945

Medium: ink on paper
Dimensions: H x W: 8 1/2 x 5 3/8 in. (21.6 x 13.7 cm)

Type: theater programs

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

Date: 1993-1995

Description: Playbill for The Who’s Tommy. White background with yellow box at top; white box below with graphic repeatedly spelling out the title, as well as lyrics. [PLAYBILL/ST. JAMES THEATRE/THE/WHO'S/TOMMY/THE/WHO'S/TOMMY/THE/WHO'S/TOMMY/TOMMY/CAN YOU/HEAR ME/THE/WHO'S/EVER SINCE/I WAS A/YOUNG BOY]

Topic: African American; Broadway Theatre; Musical Theatre; Rock and roll (Music)

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

Object number: 2011.45.95

Restrictions & Rights: Playbill used by permission. All rights reserved, Playbill Inc.

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

Poster for The Four Inkspots and the N.B.C. Orchestra

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

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

Night Mare / Hound Dog

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

See more items in: 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

Bo Diddley, 1990

Photograph by: Spitzer, David D., American
Subject of: Diddley, Bo, American, 1928 - 2008

Medium: silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper
Dimensions: H x W (Image): 13 3/4 x 9 3/8 in. (35 x 23.8 cm); H x W (Sheet): 13 7/8 x 10 15/16 in. (35.2 x 27.8 cm); H x W (Matted): 20 x 16 in. (50.8 x 40.6 cm)

Type: gelatin silver prints; portraits

Place captured: Miami Beach, Miami-Dade County, Florida, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1990

Description: A black-and-white photograph of Bo Diddley singing into a microphone at a performance in Miami Beach, FL. His hands are raised in the air, his mouth is open, and his guitar is at his waist. He is wearing his trademark hat, tic-tac-toe shirt, and glasses.

Topic: African American; Composers (Musicians); Instrumentalists (Musicians); Photography; Rock and roll (Music); Singers (Musicians)

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

Object number: 2012.164.3

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

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Bass guitar used by Norwood Fisher in the band Fishbone

Created by: Peavey Electronics, American, founded 1965
Used by: Fisher, John Norwood, American, born 1965
Subject of: Fishbone, American, founded 1979

Medium: hardwood with polyurethane , maple, rock , steel , nickel silver , chrome , polycarbonate and nylon
Dimensions: H x W x D (2012.53.1a): 47 3/4 x 14 1/4 x 2 1/4 in. (121.3 x 36.2 x 5.7 cm); H x W x D (2012.53.1b): 16 3/4 x 50 1/4 x 4 5/8 in. (42.5 x 127.6 x 11.7 cm)

Type: double basses

Date: 1980s

Description: A Peavey T-40 bass guitar (2012.53.1a) and case (2012.53.1b) used by Norwood Fisher, the vocalist and bass guitarist of the American alternative rock band, Fishbone. The guitar has a serial number: [00377681].

Topic: African American; Funk (Music); Punk (Music); Rock and roll (Music)

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, From the Heart of the Family Hood, a Gift to the Ever Expanding Present

Object number: 2012.53.1ab

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Musical Instruments
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

Guild Thunderbass amplifier

Created by: Guild Guitar Company, American, 1952 - 1995
Used by: Dowd, Christopher, American
Subject of: Fishbone, American, founded 1979

Medium: plastic , metal , wood , cloth , plant fiber
Dimensions: H x W x D: 12 x 21 1/2 x 12 1/4 in. (30.5 x 54.6 x 31.1 cm)

Type: amplifiers

Date: before 1978

Description: Guild Thunderbass amplifier used by Christopher Dowd, keyboardist, vocalist and trombone player, in the alternative rock band, Fishbone. The amplifier has a serial number of: [4773].

Topic: African American; Funk (Music); Punk (Music); Rock and roll (Music)

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, From the Heart of the Family Hood, a Gift to the Ever Expanding Present

Object number: 2012.53.2

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Tools and Equipment-Audiovisual
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

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

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