George Lewis' Ragtime Band. George Lewis' Ragtome Band (Jazz Man LP1).
33-1/3 rpm.

Jazz Man Records was founded by David Ashford Stuart in 1941. The record label was devoted to traditional New Orleans-style jazz. In 1946, Stuart sold the label to Nesuhi Ertegun, brother of Ahmet Ertegun, founder of Atlantic Records, and Nesuhi’s wife Marili Morden, owners of the Jazz Man Record Shop in Hollywood, the label’s namesake. Jazz Man Records continued to produce recordings until late 1954.

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This electric guitar was made by Made by Paul Reed Smith (PRS Guitars) in Annapolis, Maryland in 1993. It is serial #3 1557 and has a composite solid-body maple top and mahogany back and neck, all stained green, and features two humbucking pickups. This Dragon I model is distinguished by its distinctive mother-of-pearl dragon fretboard made from 201 pieces of abalone, turquoise, and mother of pearl. It had a limited production run of 50 guitars.When he started building his instruments, Paul Reed Smith was steeped in the traditions of the classic electric guitars of the 1950s and 1960s. Ted McCarty, the past president of Gibson and designer of the Les Paul model, was his mentor. In 1994, Paul Reed Smith's company, PRS Guitars, launched the McCarty model as a tribute to this electric guitar pioneer.Currently not on view

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Simba, a young lion and heir to the throne of the region of the African jungle known as the Pridelands, is the leading character in the 1998 stage adaptation of the Disney film The Lion King. The actor playing Simba wears this distinctive mask, co-designed by Julie Taymor and Michael Curry, which is made of lightweight carbon graphite and the mane consists of polyester fibers. Julie Taymor’s career is hallmarked by a her blend of ancient theatrical ritual and modern show business savvy, with masks and puppets are integral to her theatrical art.Currently not on view

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This saxophone was made by Henri Selmer Co. in Paris, France, in 1932. It is an alto saxophone, serial #17200, made of brass. The saxophone is engraved:

DEPOSE
HENRI
SELMER
PARIS
H. Selmer
4 Place Dancourt
PARIS
No. 17200
SOLE AGENTS
U.S. & CAN.
[Selmer logo]
REG. U.S. PAT. OFF.
MADE IN FRANCE

Used by Herman "Hymie" Shertzer in the Benny Goodman and Tommy Dorsey Bands, as well as other jazz ensembles.

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This guitar was made by Gibson, Inc. around 1962 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. It is a 6-course (6 x 1) electric-acoustic arch top guitar, Johnny Smith model, serial #897087. This guitar was used by musician, composer, and band leader, Johnny Smith.

The “King of the Cool Jazz Guitar,” Johnny Smith was born in Birmingham, Alabama in 1922. Smith began working for the NBC Orchestra in New York in 1947, becoming a highly sought after musician for performances and recordings around the city. Smith played with such diverse figures as Benny Goodman, Arturo Toscanini, Zoot Sims, Art Tatum, Bing Crosby and the New York Philharmonic. He also led his own band, becoming a regular act at the famed Birdland nightclub.

In 1952 he made his first recording as a band leader, the influential “Moonlight in Vermont.” The recording, featuring like-minded saxophonist Stan Getz, was a major statement on the developing, relaxed “cool-jazz” sound, becoming one of the best selling jazz albums of the year.

Smith’s career took off after the album leading to more recording and touring with both the Stan Kenton and Count Basie Orchestras. In 1955 he penned his most well-known original composition, “Walk Don’t Run,” soon to become a Top 10 hit for the surf-rock outfit “The Ventures” in 1960.Currently not on view

This melodica was made by Hohner in Germany, around 1950-1960. It is a Melodica Piano 26 model, made of gray and cream plastic with 26 keys, cream plastic mouthpiece, and a plastic strap on the back of the instrument. Accessioned with original plastic carrying case. This melodica was played by the donor's grandfather, Richard W. Berg.

According to Hohner Inc. at hohnerusa.com, The Melodica is a fascinating wind instrument, easy to learn and powerfully expressive. Played like a piano, it is so compact that you can take it with you anywhere. Producing single notes or chords, the Melodica is both a solo and orchestral instrument, blending beautifully with other instruments. Whatever the music you like — from classical to rock — the Melodica will add its own personality, a unique and captivating sound.

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