For today’s part 2 post I am once again sharing Ottawa vintage dealer PFTPAntiqueSales (on Etsy), stunning collection of 1920s vintage sheet music they have for sale in their shop (at time of posting). The cover illustrations are truly works of art and perfect for framing in your home (I have a couple myself), having on display on your piano or to do whatever you like with (your choice!). They are also just beautiful to look at it, even if you don’t purchase a piece for yourself.
I have also included their matching 1920s songs for you to listen too, so please enjoy from start to finish.
Let’s begin!
Disclosure: Some of the links on my blog from Etsy are Affiliate Links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
NOTE: If you click on any of the items featured below and they are not available, don’t fret! Hit the search button and see what else is on Etsy.
Vintage Sheet Music from the 1920s
1926 sheet music for “Me Too Ho-Ho! Ha-Ha!” SO CUTE!
“Me Too (Ho-Ho! Ha-Ha!)” by Paul Whiteman and his Orchestra 1926 (video link).
1926 – “Mary Lou” with Ukulele arrangement. Fun!
MARY LOU performed the Ipana Troubadours 1926. This was a pioneering American broadcasting band under the direction of Sam Lanin, and named for the brand of toothpaste that sponsored its radio appearances (video link).
1921 – “Kitty from Kansas City” comedy fox trot song.
What is the song about? Poor Kitty is teased from not being smart or pretty but the singer loves her anyways (the sheet music imagery does not reflect the song at all). Ahhh the 1920s. Not a song that would be be okay in today’s society.
Who was Rudy Vallee? He was an American singer, musician, actor, and radio host. He was one of the first modern pop stars of the teen idol type (source).
Rudy is a very interesting person and lived quite a fascinating life, I think I might do a blog post on him in the future. Stay tuned!
1923 – “Starlight Bay” (Note: I cannot find music for this one).
I was drawn to this sheet music because it reminded me of Nancy Drew book covers.
Further Reading: A Peak Into My Vintage Collection- Early 1950s Nancy Drew Books
1927 vintage sheet music – “Me and My Shadow”.
1924 – “Bring Back Those Rock-a-Bye Baby Days”. Lullaby fox trot song.
1922 vintage sheet music – “You Tell Her I S-T-U-T-T-E-R”.
Who was Billy Murray? He was one of the most popular singers in the United States in the early 20th century. While he received star billing in vaudeville, he was best known for his prolific work in the recording studio, making records for almost every record label of the era (Source).
1926 – “Climbing up the Ladder of Love” from Earl Carroll’s “Vanities”.
What was “Vanities”? A Broadway revue that Earl Carroll presented in the 1920s and early 1930s. Carroll and his show were sometimes controversial. Carroll bragged that “the most beautiful girls in the world” passed through the stage door of his theatre. As many as 108 women were onstage in Carroll’s show at one time. Critics often insinuated that Carroll’s performers were provocatively dressed (Source).
Don Voorhees & His Earl Carrol Vanities Orchestra Hal Yates – Climbing Up The Ladder Of Love 1926.
Donald was an American composer and conductor who received an Emmy Award nomination for “Individual Achievements in Music” for his work on the television series, The Bell Telephone Hour (video link).
1924 – “The Pal That I Loved Stole the Gal That I Loved”. A Sympathetic Ballad.
1924 vintage sheet music – “What’ll I Do” from the New Music Box Revue.
“What’ll I Do” is one of the few songs by Berlin that is clearly autobiographical. His fiancée, a society beauty named Ellin MacKay, had been sent to Europe by her disapproving father, a very wealthy Long Island magnate, in the hopes that MacKay would forget Berlin. (She did not and eventually they married.) The song was written during McKay’s “tour” of Europe. In the lyrics, the singer longs disconsolately for his love, imagining how he can go on without her (Source).
Paul Whiteman’s Orchestra – 1923 (video link). This video has no lyric’s but I wanted you to hear that 1920s sound before pointing you to the 1950s version in the next video that has words. Enjoy!
Now here is a STUNNING version from Julie London with words – 1956 (video link).
Well that was a fun post to put together as I have never really heard of most of these songs. Hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.
Please share in the comments section below what your favourite was.
Further Reading:
Thanks for stopping by!
Liz
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