Musical instruments, original sheet music, and portraits of musicians preserved in the Smithsonian remind us that American music flourishes within a wide variety of traditions drawn from our multi-cultural heritage.
The patriotic marches of John Philip Sousa, the emotion of the blues, the seductive rhythms of jazz, the expressive joys and sorrows of country music, the hard driving power of rock 'n' roll, and the propulsive beats and poetry of hip hop all serve to unite us. Despite its stylistic diversity, music is unified in its ability to communicate across generations, races, and languages, serving to break down cultural barriers. From our country's urban centers to rural landscapes, music of all types enriches our lives.
King B-Flat Trumpet, used by Dizzy Gillespie
Painting of Duke Ellington
29c Cole Porter single
5c American Music single
Aretha Franklin, SCLC convention, Club Paradise, Memphis, TN
Jason Isbell Hears the Lost Lyrics to 'This Land Is Your Land'
Photograph of Queen Latifah during the filming of "Fly Girl" video
Mother Maybelle and the Carter Family
Phish performs "The Star-Spangled Banner"
29c Hank Williams single
George Gershwin Self-Portrait
Doc Watson and Merle Watson
Photographic postcard featuring Ray Charles
Electric guitar belonging to Chuck Berry, nicknamed "Maybellene"
29c Robert Johnson single
Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner
Poster featuring James Brown in a black suit and bowtie
The Two Kings, Elvis Presley with B.B. King at WDIA Goodwill Review, Memphis, TN
Pete Seeger (with Alan Lomax)