Printed by

Tucker Printing House, American

Subject of

Fisk Jubilee Singers, American, founded 1871

Douglass, Frederick, American, 1818 - 1895

Twain, Mark, American, 1835 - 1910

Medium

ink on paper (fiber product)

Dimensions

H x W: 8 3/4 x 6 1/4 in. (22.2 x 15.9 cm)

Type

handbills

Place printed

Portland, Cumberland County, Maine, United States, North and Central America

Date

1875

Description

A paper handbill advertisement for a performance by the Jubilee Singers on March 23, 1875 at City Hall in an unnamed location. One side of the handbill has the printed title [A SONG FROM FREDERICK DOUGLASS] at the top and then recounts a visit of the Jubilee Singers with Frederick Douglass where he shared a spiritual that he sang while enslaved that inspired him to seek freedom in the North. The lyrics of the song are printed in the center of the handbill. The details for the upcoming performance are printed at the bottom center in large text [CITY HALL / ON THE EVENING OF / TUESDAY, MARCH 23D, 1875. / Tickets now on sale at Stockbridge's]. At the bottom left corner in small print is [Tucker Printing House, Portland.]

The other side of the handbill has printed a letter to [Theo. F. Seward, Esq.] from Samuel Clemens recounting how much he enjoys performances by the Jubilee Singers. At the top of the page in large text is printed [MARK TWAIN / AND THE / Jubilee Singers]. At the bottom center of the page is the text [CITY HALL, / TUESDAY EVENING!].

Transcription Center Status

Transcribed by digital volunteers

Topic

African American

Amusements

Folk (Music)

Resistance

Singers (Musicians)

Slavery

Spirituals (Music)

Credit Line

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

Object number

2011.57.1

Restrictions & Rights

Public domain

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Memorabilia and Ephemera-Advertisements

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Created by

William Morris Agency, American, 1898 - 2009

Subject of

Cooke, Sam, American, 1931 - 1964

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

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

Type

contract documents

Place depicted

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

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

Date

May 26, 1959

Description

A one-year management contract between Sam Cooke and the William Morris Agency. It is comprised of two sheets of white paper with black printed text and additional typed and stamped information. Stapled to the front of the document is a small sheet of white paper with typed text regarding paragraph 3(b) of the contract. Sam Cooke's initials are signed at the bottom of this page.

Topic

African American

Business

Entertainers

Singers (Musicians)

Soul (Music)

Credit Line

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

Object number

2011.68.6

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

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

Williams, Saul, American, born 1972

Medium

ink on paper, burlap

Dimensions

H x W x D: 10 7/8 × 8 1/2 × 1 1/2 in. (27.6 × 21.6 × 3.8 cm)

Type

journals (accounts)

Date

2001 - 2002

Description

Bound journal of notes and poetry. Journal is olive green with red binding on the spine. Adhered to the red binding on the front cover, spine, and back cover are portions of cut burlap. A mixed media collage is adhered to the inside of the front cover. Pages made of recycled dark yellow paper with inserted pages of various paper materials. An additional mixed media collage is also adhered to the inside back cover.

Topic

African American

Identity

Language

Poetry

Singers (Musicians)

Credit Line

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

Object number

2014.188.2ab

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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

Compiled by

Unidentified

Photograph by

Unidentified

Subject of

Unidentified Man or Men

Unidentified Woman or Women

Medium

ink on photographic paper

Dimensions

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

Type

black-and-white photographs

collages

Date

early 20th-mid 20th Century

Description

Black-and-white photocollage of various performers and performances.

Topic

African American

Entertainers

Instrumentalists (Musicians)

Photography

Singers (Musicians)

Credit Line

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

Object number

2011.145.3.1

Restrictions & Rights

Unknown - Restrictions Possible

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Memorabilia and Ephemera

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Recorded by

Ross, Diana, American, born 1944

Distributed by

Motown Record Corporation, American, founded 1959

Owned by

Ginger Smock, American, 1920 - 1995

Medium

record (a): vinyl;

jacket (b): ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W (album jacket): 12 5/16 × 12 5/16 in. (31.3 × 31.3 cm)

Diameter (record): 12 in. (30.5 cm)

Type

long-playing records

Date

1978

Description

A twelve-inch 33 1/3 rpm LP recording of the album "Ross" recorded by Diana Ross. The front of the album cover is yellow and has an illustration of Diana Ross wearing a white dress. She is in front of a green plant. Her right arm is raised and her hand is behind her head. She is holding a cigarette in her right hand. The smoke of the cigarette spells “Ross.” The word “Diana” is at the top center of the album cover in white.

Topic

African American

Rhythm and blues (Music)

Singers (Musicians)

Soul (Music)

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Lydia Samuel Bennett

Object number

2016.161.3.5ab

Restrictions & Rights

© 1978 Motown Record Corporation. 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

Unidentified

Subject of

Middleton, Velma, American, 1917 - 1961

Armstrong, Louis, American, 1901 - 1971

Medium

silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper

Dimensions

H x W (Image): 4 13/16 × 6 13/16 in. (12.3 × 17.3 cm)

H x W (Sheet): 5 1/8 × 7 1/16 in. (13 × 18 cm)

Type

gelatin silver prints

portraits

Place captured

Brussels, Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest, Belgium, Europe

Date

1949

Description

A silver gelatin print depicting a black-and-white image of Velma Middleton and Louis Armstrong. The two are depicted from the shoulders up sitting closely together, with their heads touching. Middleton is depicted playing a trumpet while Armstrong holds his proper left hand to his proper left ear. Middleton is wearing a dark top and looking towards the top of the image. Armstrong is wearing a white tuxedo, black bowtie, and is looking towards the left edge of the image. Armstrong has a comical expression on his face. Near the left corner of the image is an inscription in blue ink that reads, [X Marks / the spot / With Love / to Laura / Velma / Middleton]. Black text printed in the negative at the bottom right reads [BRUSSELS, '49]. There are no inscriptions on the back of the photograph.

Topic

African American

Conductors (Musicians)

Entertainers

Instrumentalists (Musicians)

Jazz (Music)

Photography

Singers (Musicians)

Credit Line

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

Object number

2013.46.25.70

Restrictions & Rights

Unknown - Restrictions Possible

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

The Laura Cathrell Show-Down Magazine Collection

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Attributed to

Ortiz's Art Clothing and Ace Tailors, American

Worn by

Pride, Charley, American, born 1934

Medium

jacket: cotton denim, suede, and metal;

pants: cotton denim, suede, and metal

Dimensions

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

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

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

Type

jean jackets

trousers

Place made

Galveston, Texas, United States, North and Central America

Date

1976

Description

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

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

Topic

African American

Clothing and dress

Country (Music)

Instrumentalists (Musicians)

Singers (Musicians)

Credit Line

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

Object number

2012.125.50ab

Restrictions & Rights

Public domain

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Clothing-Costume

Exhibition

Musical Crossroads

On View

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

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Designed by

Langman, Donna, American

Worn by

Graves, Denyce, American, born 1964

Medium

(a): silk satin, silk and cotton brocade, ribbon, cotton tape, glass beads, plastic boning, and metal fasteners;

(b): silk taffeta, synthetic satin, velvet, synthetic lace, buckram, plastic zipper, and metal fasteners

Dimensions

H x W (corset): 21 × 17 3/4 in. (53.3 × 45.1 cm)

H x W (skirt): 61 x 40 in. (154.9 x 101.6 cm)

Type

corsets

skirts

Place used

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

Date

1993-1994

Description

This black corset and pink ruffled skirt were designed by Donna Langman and worn by Denyce Graves as the lead in the Washington National Opera's production of Carmen during the 1993-1994 season. The corset (a) is made from black silk satin and is sleeveless and strapless. A loop of black woven cotton tape is sewn at the top of both sides with black beaded decoration covering the tape and black beaded fringe hanging below it. These beaded pieces are worn draped across the upper arm, not over the shoulder. The corset closes at the center back with a black metal zipper and one (1) hook-and-eye at the top of the zipper. The interior of the corset is lined with a black silk and cotton floral brocade. The seams are pressed open and serged along the raw edges. Flexible boning covered in black ribbon with a woven floral design is hand sewn to the interior to provide stiff shaping. There are sixteen (16) long pieces of boning around the corset and two (2) shorter pieces of boning sewn one at each front side where the arm meets the chest. A cream fabric label is sewn at the interior proper left back with embroidered and handwritten black text reading "Donna Langman / Denyce Graves [handwritten] / new york". Hanger loops made from the black floral ribbon are sewn at each interior side.

The skirt (b) has tiers of pink iridescent silk taffeta ruffles cascading down the front. A single pink taffeta ruffle runs around the entire bottom of the skirt, which is longer in the back with a slight train. The waist and the back of the skirt are faced in a fuchsia synthetic satin fabric. This fabric is covered on the skirt by a black velvet overlay that wraps around the sides and ends in a v at the center front waist. The velvet is sewn to the skirt around the waist and is tacked around the length of the skirt where the fuchsia fabric meets the pink taffeta ruffle. A length of black lace is sewn around the top edge of the velvet overlay, which resembles a long scarf or shawl wrapped around the waist of a Spanish flamenco style skirt. The skirt closes at the center back using a pink plastic zipper with one (1) metal snap and one (1) metal hook-and-eye. An additional black metal invisible zipper is sewn at the center back of the black velvet overlay, covering the pink metal zipper when closed. Buckram is sewn inside the waistband and the hem of the skirt. The skirt is not lined. Two (2) hanger loops made from pink synthetic fabric are sewn one at each interior side waist.

Topic

African American

Clothing and dress

Costume

Local and regional

Opera (Music)

Singers (Musicians)

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Denyce Graves

Object number

2012.49.2ab

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

Issued by

Soul Train, American, 1971 - 2006

Owned by

Whitney Houston, American, 1963 - 2012

Medium

metal and marble

Dimensions

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

Type

trophies (prizes)

Place used

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

Date

2000

Description

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

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

Topic

African American

Actors

Popular music

Singers (Musicians)

Women

Credit Line

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

Object number

2014.161.5

Restrictions & Rights

Unknown - Restrictions Possible

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Awards and Medals

Exhibition

Musical Crossroads

On View

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

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Issued by

American Music Awards

Owned by

Whitney Houston, American, 1963 - 2012

Medium

Lucite™, wood, metal and felt

Dimensions

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

Type

trophies (prizes)

Place used

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

Date

1987

Description

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

Topic

African American

Actors

Popular music

Singers (Musicians)

Women

Credit Line

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

Object number

2014.161.6

Restrictions & Rights

Unknown - Restrictions Possible

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Awards and Medals

Exhibition

Musical Crossroads

On View

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

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Photograph by

Henry, Horace C., American, born 1948

Subject of

Belafonte, Harry Jr., American, born 1927

King, Coretta Scott, American, 1927 - 2006

Rev. King, Martin Luther Sr, American, 1899 - 1984

King, Alberta, American, 1904 - 1974

Unidentified Woman or Women

Unidentified Man or Men

Ebenezer Baptist Church, American, founded 1886

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W: 11 x 14 in. (27.9 x 35.6 cm)

Type

inkjet prints

Place depicted

Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia, United States, North and Central America

Date

January 15, 1969; printed 2011

Caption

Harry Belafonte confers with Mrs. Coretta Scott King while seated next to Rev. Martin Luther King Sr. and Mrs. Alberta King. Dr. King's parents were affectionally [sic] known as "Mama King" and "Daddy King".

Description

This black and white photograph shows Harry Belafonte speaking with Coretta Scott King, who is looking at the camera, inside of Ebenezer Baptist Church for Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday commemoration in 1969. They are seated next to Martin Luther King Sr. and Alberta King who are holding programs. Other attendees can be seen in the background. The background is not in focus but media equipment and the stained glass windows are still visible. The back of the photograph has a manufacturer's mark, and handwritten and printer's inscriptions.

Topic

African American

Actors

Civil rights

Photography

Religion

Singers (Musicians)

United States--History--1961-1969

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Horace C. Henry

Object number

2011.94.11

Restrictions & Rights

© Horace Henry

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Portfolio/Series

One Day in January: A Collection of Images Taken at Dr. King’s First Memorial Service

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Photograph by

Henry, Horace C., American, born 1948

Subject of

King, Coretta Scott, American, 1927 - 2006

Belafonte, Harry Jr., American, born 1927

Unidentified Child or Children

King, Bernice Albertine, American, born 1963

Unidentified Man or Men

Unidentified Woman or Women

Printed by

Unidentified

Subject of

Ebenezer Baptist Church, American, founded 1886

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W: 11 x 14 in. (27.9 x 35.6 cm)

Type

inkjet prints

Place depicted

Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia, United States, North and Central America

Date

January 15, 1969; printed 2011

Caption

There was a lot of press coverage at this first memorial service in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., but most of the media represented was local. There was not a large number of representatives from the national media present.

Description

This black and white photograph shows Harry Belafonte sitting with Bernice and Coretta Scott King inside Ebenezer Baptist Church during Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday commemoration in 1969. Bernice King is looking at the camera. There are other unidentified attendees seated and leaning against the wall. Press equipment is visible behind the King family. There is a glare from a light above Belafonte. The back of the photograph has a manufacturer's mark, photographer's stamp and a handwritten inscription.

Topic

African American

Actors

Civil rights

Photography

Religion

Singers (Musicians)

United States--History--1961-1969

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Horace C. Henry

Object number

2011.94.15

Restrictions & Rights

© Horace Henry

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Portfolio/Series

One Day in January: A Collection of Images Taken at Dr. King’s First Memorial Service

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Photograph by

Henry, Horace C., American, born 1948

Subject of

Unidentified Woman or Women

Unidentified Man or Men

Printed by

Unidentified

Subject of

Ebenezer Baptist Church, American, founded 1886

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W: 11 x 14 in. (27.9 x 35.6 cm)

Type

inkjet prints

Place depicted

Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia, United States, North and Central America

Date

January 15, 1969; printed 2011

Caption

They sang, they spoke, they celebrated and remembered King...

Description

This black and white photograph shows four women singing at the birthday commemoration for Martin Luther King Jr. inside Ebenezer Baptist Church in 1969. They are dressed in long-sleeved white dresses. One woman is blocked from view with only her arms and part of her head visible. The women are standing behind a lectern which is partially obscured by a large flower arrangement and folding chairs. The photograph was taken from the side and shows the women in profile. There are unidentified male attendees behind the women. The back of the photograph has a manufacturer's mark, photographer's stamp and a handwritten inscription.

Topic

African American

Civil rights

Photography

Religion

Singers (Musicians)

United States--History--1961-1969

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Horace C. Henry

Object number

2011.94.18

Restrictions & Rights

© Horace Henry

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Portfolio/Series

One Day in January: A Collection of Images Taken at Dr. King’s First Memorial Service

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture