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By Recorded Sound Archives, June 19, 2025 7:13 pm

As the days grow longer and the scent of barbecue fills the air, summer settles in—and with it comes a soundtrack that stirs nostalgia and national pride. At the Recorded Sound Archives at FAU, our vintage recordings tell the story of American summers past: patriotic marches, carefree swing tunes, and songs that once drifted from radios on porches and park benches across the country.

Following our Memorial Day Tribute, we invite you to take a deeper dive into the sounds that shaped American summers between the 1920s and 1950s. This curated collection celebrates everything from sunny strolls to star-spangled joyrides. Whether you’re planning a backyard cookout or simply daydreaming of summers gone by, let these voices and melodies carry you back in time.

Shellac & Sunshine: Vintage Sounds of Summer Playlist

1. “He Took her for a Sleigh Ride (In the Good Old Summertime)” – Billy Murray (1941)
   A sentimental favorite that became a summertime standard, capturing the simple joys of warm weather and sweet romance with a twist.
2. “Stars and Stripes Forever” – Sousa’s Band (1926)
   No American summer celebration is complete without this patriotic march booming through the air on the Fourth of July.
3. “Lazybones” – Lee Sims (1933)
   The ultimate anthem of taking it slow—perfect for a summer afternoon nap in the shade.
4. “On the Sunny Side of the Street” – Tommy Dorsey Orchestra & The Sentimentalists (1944)
   This swing-era classic radiates optimism and charm, a feel-good favorite of the World War II generation.
5. “Don’t Fence Me In” – Roy Rogers (1952)
   With wide open skies and freedom in the lyrics, this cowboy-tinged tune feels like a musical road trip across the American West.
6. “America the Beautiful” – Bob Emery’s Choir & Ted Eddy and Orchestra (1951)
   A stirring rendition of the American landscape, filled with rich harmonies and national pride.
7. “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” – Phil Davis and Band (1950s)
   An early recording of a timeless tradition—baseball, peanuts, and summer nights.
8. “By the Light of the Silvery Moon” – Dennis Day (1947)
   Whimsical and romantic, this song reflects moonlit summer evenings filled with hope and harmony.
9. “You Are My Sunshine” – Gene Autry (1941)
   Country warmth and heartfelt lyrics made this a favorite for decades, echoing through picnic fields and porch swings alike.
10. “Summertime” – Billie Holiday and her Orchestra; Artie Shaw; Bunny Berigan; Cozy Cole; Joe Bushkin (1987)
    A sultry, haunting classic that evokes the season’s slower rhythms and deeper emotions.

All recordings featured in this playlist are part of the extensive vintage collections at the Recorded Sound Archives, where summer is always just a needle drop away.

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By Recorded Sound Archives, June 13, 2025 7:00 pm

When you think of “pop music,” you might imagine slick beats and catchy hooks. But rewind a century, and “pop” meant something quite different. In the 1920s and 1930s, popular music was the heartbeat of family living rooms, broadcast radios, and record players spinning 78rpm discs.

This Father’s Day, we invite you to step into a musical time machine with the Recorded Sound Archives and celebrate the vintage voices that defined what “dad music” sounded like back then—whether it was crooning love songs, swinging jazz, or toe-tapping novelty tunes.

What Was “Pop Music” in the 1920s–30s?

Popular music in the early 20th century reflected the tastes of a growing middle class. Songs from Broadway, Tin Pan Alley, and vaudeville were chart-toppers before the Billboard charts even existed. Fathers of the era—whether relaxing with a pipe and phonograph or whistling on the way to work—likely knew these melodies by heart.

Featured Recordings from the RSA

Here are a few timeless tracks from the RSA collection that capture the sound of an earlier generation of fathers:

Gene Autry – “Back in the Saddle Again”
Label: Columbia, 1939
America’s beloved singing cowboy brought joy to fathers and children alike. Autry’s Western charm and wholesome storytelling made him a staple in households across the country.

Billy Murray – “I’m Looking Over a Four Leaf Clover”
Label: Victor, 1927
Billy Murray’s spirited delivery made him one of the most recorded artists of the early 20th century. This cheerful tune was perfect for sing-alongs and whistling dads alike.

Paul Whiteman and His Orchestra – “Whispering”
Label: Victor, 1920
One of the earliest big band recordings to gain massive popularity, this instrumental hit set the stage for dance hall music and the rise of jazz-inspired pop.

Cal Stewart – “Uncle Josh in a Department Store”
Label: Victor, early 1900s
In this comical monologue, Uncle Josh recounts his first chaotic encounter with a department store—getting lost, confused, and overwhelmed by the bustle of city shopping. It’s a timeless “dad out of his element” moment that still hits home today.

Fats Waller – “It’s a Sin to Tell a Lie”
Label: Victor, 1936
Waller’s charismatic voice and playful piano brought warmth and wit to the music dads loved. This song strikes a perfect balance between humor and heartfelt.

Honoring the Sounds of Fatherhood

Music has always been part of the soundtrack of fatherhood. Whether your dad played Glenn Miller on vinyl or you’re a father yourself rediscovering these vintage gems, we hope these songs bring a smile and spark some nostalgic joy this Father’s Day.

Explore more recordings on the Recorded Sound Archives website today!

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By Recorded Sound Archives, June 3, 2025 6:56 pm

On this World Environment Day, we turn the dial back to a time when voices of nature were heard and performed—live, on stage, and even on shellac. Meet Charles Kellogg, a naturalist, performer, and early environmental advocate who used his voice—literally—to raise awareness for the preservation of America’s great redwood forests.

Born in 1868 in the Sierra Nevada of California, Charles Kellogg grew up surrounded by the sights and sounds of wilderness. But he wasn’t just a lover of the outdoors—he was a living echo of it. Gifted with a vocal range unlike any other, Kellogg became famous for his astonishing ability to mimic birdsong and forest sounds with uncanny accuracy. His performances earned him the nickname “The Forest Singer.”

At the height of the 78rpm recording era, Kellogg took his act to the airwaves and the archives. His recordings, including rare discs like The Forest Singer and Birds of the Forest, captured more than just novelty; they captured a moment when sound and nature were deeply intertwined. These were more than performances—they were preservation acts meant to inspire wonder and respect for the natural world.

But Kellogg’s love of nature didn’t stop at birdsong. He was a passionate crusader for the preservation of the redwood forests. In one of his boldest moves, he traveled across the country in a custom-built “Redwood Motorhome,” constructed from a hollowed redwood log mounted on a chassis. Wherever he went, he brought entertainment and a message: our forests are sacred and need our protection.

Kellogg’s recordings remind us that conservation isn’t just about laws and science—it’s about connection. Hearing the wind in the trees, the bird’s call, the rustle of leaves—and recognizing those sounds as part of our shared home.

As we celebrate World Environment Day, Charles Kellogg is a quirky, compelling reminder that art, nature, and advocacy have long walked hand in hand. His voice may have mimicked the birds—but the message was unmistakably human: protect what is precious before it’s gone.

Want to hear the forest as it once was? Explore early nature-themed recordings from Charles Kellogg in our archives and let the past echo into your present.

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By Recorded Sound Archives, May 14, 2025 6:40 pm

As we approach Memorial Day, we reflect on the power of music to bring people together, lift spirits, and inspire a sense of unity. The Recorded Sound Archives is home to a treasure trove of patriotic recordings pressed onto fragile 78rpm shellac discs—reminders of how music once echoed through living rooms, barracks, and dance halls during America’s most trying times.

These vintage recordings aren’t just music—they’re sonic time capsules that capture the resilience, pride, and hope of generations past.

The Sound of a Nation at War

Music became an essential part of the American experience during both World Wars. Songs served to entertain and rally support, express longing, and keep morale high both on the home front and overseas.

Some of the most iconic voices of the era are represented in the RSA’s 78 rpm collection:

Kate Smith’s rousing rendition of “God Bless America” became a national anthem of comfort and resolve during WWII.

George M. Cohan, often called “The Man Who Owned Broadway,” gave us enduring classics like “Over There” and “You’re a Grand Old Flag.

Paul Robeson’s deep, commanding voice brought dignity and drama to “Ballad for Americans“—a sweeping narrative celebrating American diversity, resilience, and democratic ideals.

Big Bands, Big Spirit

Patriotism wasn’t confined to marches and anthems. Jazz and swing artists contributed mightily to the war effort through USO tours and morale-boosting records:

Glenn Miller’s “American Patrol” and “Moonlight Serenade” became staples among the troops, blending military motifs with smooth, danceable melodies.

The Andrews Sisters kept spirits high with hits like “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” and “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree“.

Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra added emotional depth with ballads such as “The House I Live In,” reflecting on the diverse American dream.

Voices That Echo Today

Though recorded nearly a century ago, these patriotic 78 rpm recordings still resonate. They remind us of the sacrifices made, the unity once felt, and the shared heritage passed down through music. Their crackles and pops only add to their authenticity—each one a living testament to the eras they came from.

At the Recorded Sound Archives, we preserve these voices as artifacts and living memories. Whether you’re researching American history, exploring vintage music, or just looking to reconnect with the sounds of a proud, resilient past, our patriotic 78 rpm recordings offer a stirring starting point.

Explore the Archives

Discover our new Patriotic Voices on Shellac collection, this memorial day to hear more voices that shaped American musical history—and discover more gems on the RSA website.

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By Recorded Sound Archives, May 9, 2025 5:37 pm

Celebrating Irving Berlin’s Birthday with “Ragtime Violin” — In English, Yiddish, and on Piano Roll!

This May 11th, we’re celebrating the birthday of one of America’s most iconic songwriters: Irving Berlin (1888–1989). Born in Imperial Russia and raised on the streets of New York City’s Lower East Side, Berlin went on to write more than 1,500 songs, many of which are considered standards of the American songbook. From White Christmas to God Bless America, his music has left an enduring legacy—but long before those classics, Berlin had a knack for catchy tunes that captured the spirit of their time.

One of those early gems is “Ragtime Violin,” a playful and rhythmically spirited piece first published in 1911. To mark Berlin’s birthday, we’re featuring a special piano roll version of the song on our YouTube channel—bringing a bit of the ragtime era to life just as it might’ve been heard over a century ago.

But there’s more to discover: “Ragtime Violin” was also recorded on 78rpm records in both English and Yiddish, a testament to Berlin’s roots and the multilingual musical culture of the early 20th century. These rare recordings showcase not only the humor and syncopation of ragtime but also the immigrant voices that shaped American popular music.

So this week, we invite you to:

• Watch our new piano roll video of “Ragtime Violin”
• Explore the English and Yiddish versions of the song on 78rpm
• Celebrate the incredible legacy of Irving Berlin—songwriter, immigrant, and musical pioneer.

Stay tuned to the RSA as we continue to dig into the rich sounds of the past—one needle drop at a time.

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By Recorded Sound Archives, March 13, 2025 12:07 pm

Purim, one of the most joyous and festive holidays in the Jewish calendar, commemorates the survival of the Jewish people as told in the Book of Esther. Marked by lively celebrations, costumes, and the reading of the Megillah, Purim is also deeply connected to music and performance. At the Recorded Sound Archives (RSA), we are fortunate to have a collection of rare and historic recordings that capture the spirit of this holiday.

Discover Our Purim Collection

From traditional Purim songs to theatrical performances, our collection includes recordings that bring the holiday’s energy to life. These recordings, available in full for listening, offer a window into the rich cultural and musical traditions associated with Purim.

Listen and Explore

All of these recordings and more are available for full listening through the RSA. Celebrate Purim by immersing yourself in these historic and culturally significant recordings.

Cantata Ebraica by Ramon Tasat

Dreams of Safam by Safam

Holiday Music Box (Purim) by Eliahu Gamliel & Shirley Cohen

Holiday Sing Along by Ohel Moshe Childrens Chorus

I Love the Day of Purim by Gladys Gewirtz & Heidy Mayer

Kinder Songs – Holiday Songs for the Entire Family by Deborah Katchko-Gray

Lomier Zingen – Let’s Sing a Yiddish Song by Masha Benya and Childrens Chorus

New Rhythms in the Jewish Center by Benjamin Maissner

Pesach Burstein – Volume 2 – by Peisachke Burstein & Vilner Komiker

Purim by Emanuel Rosenberg

Purim Part 1 by Emamuel Rosenberg

Purim Festival In Town Hall by Sidor Belarsky

Purim Party by Shimon and Ilana Gewirtz

Purim Song Parade by Gladys Gewirtz & Seymour Silbermintz

Purim is here by Gladys Gewirtz

Shalom Yeladim by Judy Caplan Ginsburgh

Songs for Tu Bishvat and Purim by William Wolff & Joan Mey

The Werdyger Children’s Choir Sings by Mendel Werdyger, Chaiml Werdyger & Ted Grey

Chag Purim Sameach!

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By Recorded Sound Archives, January 17, 2025 3:06 pm

As we reflect on the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we are reminded of his unwavering commitment to equality, justice, and the brotherhood of all people. Music, as a universal language, has often been a vessel for carrying his message forward, transcending barriers and uniting communities. One such remarkable work is The Gates of Justice by jazz legend Dave Brubeck.

A Vision of Brotherhood

Dave Brubeck composed The Gates of Justice in 1969, a tumultuous time in American history, following the assassination of Dr. King and amid the Civil Rights Movement. Brubeck’s work was deeply influenced by his belief in the “brotherhood of man” – a concept that resonated with Dr. King’s vision of a world where justice and equality prevail.
This dynamic piece blends jazz, classical, and spiritual elements to create a powerful statement on unity and hope. It draws from diverse traditions, incorporating Hebrew liturgy, African American spirituals, and texts from the Bible and Dr. King’s own speeches. The result is a profound musical journey that encourages reflection and inspires action.

A Highlight in the Recorded Sound Archives

The Recorded Sound Archives at Florida Atlantic University Libraries is proud to preserve and share this important recording. Brubeck’s The Gates of Justice stands as a testament to the enduring power of music to address social issues and foster understanding.
Visitors to the RSA can explore this original recording and immerse themselves in its stirring melodies and evocative messages. It’s an opportunity to not only appreciate Brubeck’s artistry. But also to connect with the ideals that Dr. King championed throughout his life.

Listen to the album here: https://rsa.fau.edu/album/36132

Honoring Dr. King’s Legacy

As we commemorate MLK Day, we encourage you to let the music of The Gates of Justice inspire you. Whether you’re revisiting Dr. King’s speeches, engaging in acts of service, or simply reflecting on the significance of his work. Brubeck’s composition serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of justice, unity, and compassion.
This MLK Day, let us continue to strive for a world where the gates of justice remain open to all.
Please note that the library will be closed on observance of MLK Day January 19th and 20th.

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By Recorded Sound Archives, January 17, 2025 2:11 pm

Welcome Back Owls! As the spring semester begins, the Recorded Sound Archives (RSA) is buzzing with excitement! Whether you’re a returning student or new to Florida Atlantic University, we’re thrilled to welcome you to explore the RSA—a treasure trove of historic sound recordings preserved right here in the Wimberly Library.

Last year was a remarkable one for our team. We digitized countless recordings spanning genres, eras, and cultures, ensuring these invaluable pieces of history are available for generations to come. To kick off the new semester, we’re sharing some of our staff’s favorite digitization projects from the past year.

RSA Staff Favorites in 2024

• Tantst, Tantst Yidelekh by Abe Schwartz Orchestra
• Grieg: Piano Concerto
• What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong
• Vilanelle by Maria Ivogun
• Nun Mi Sceta by Josef Schmidt
• Lover, Come Back To Me by Red Allen and his Quartet
• Never On Sunday by Red Allen and his Quartet
• Hang Over Blues by Various Artists
• A hundred Years From Today by Eddie Condon and his Orchestra
• Big Noise From Winnetka by Bob Crosby Orchestra

Your Invitation to Explore

Did you know that many of these digitized recordings are available online? Visit the RSA website to explore thousands of recordings or stop by the library to see the collections in person.

As we embark on another semester, we encourage you to dive into the rich sounds of history. Whether you’re seeking inspiration for a research project, an escape into another era, or simply curious about what the RSA has to offer, there’s something for everyone. And if you find yourself within FAU Libraries and on the 5th floor please stop by for our History of Sound Tour!

Here’s to a spring semester filled with discovery, creativity, and the music of the past enriching our present. Welcome back, and happy listening!

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By Recorded Sound Archives, December 11, 2024 3:59 pm

When it comes to blending the spirit of Chanukah with the soulful sounds of jazz, Kenny Ellis shines brightly. His album, Hanukkah Swings, is a festive treat that reinvents traditional Chanukah melodies with a toe-tapping, swing-inspired twist.

Ellis, a talented cantor and performer, brings a joyful exuberance to the album, making it a perfect soundtrack for the Festival of Lights. Tracks like “Swingin’ Dreidel” and “Chanukah Swings” showcase his ability to infuse Jewish holiday classics with the lively, improvisational spirit of jazz. The result is a collection that feels both timeless and refreshingly original.

Listening to Hanukkah Swings is like attending a holiday party where tradition meets the vibrancy of a jazz club. It’s an album that invites you to celebrate with joy, rhythm, and a touch of sophistication. Whether you’re spinning a dreidel or just enjoying a quiet evening by the menorah, Kenny Ellis sets the mood for a jazzy Chanukah celebration.

Have you heard this holiday gem? Discover this one and more within our Chanukah Collection and share your favorite tracks with us and how they light up your celebration!

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By Recorded Sound Archives, December 11, 2024 3:50 pm

The holidays bring with them a surge of nostalgia, warmth, and joy—and nothing embodies the festive spirit quite like music. At the Recorded Sound Archives (RSA), we couldn’t resist the charm of holiday melodies as we embarked on a delightful journey to celebrate the season through music.

Discover RSA Staff’s Favorite 10 Holiday Songs

1. Silent Night, Holy Night by Frank Sinatra
2. Santa Claus is Coming to Town by the Boston Pops Orchestra
3. Sleigh Ride by Charlie Bertini; Randy Morris; Dave Gannett
4. The Little Drummer Boy by The Boston Pops Orchestra
5. White Christmas by Frank Sinatra
6. Silent Night by Helen Traubel
7. A Christmas Carol by Richard Hale and Lionel Barrymore
8. Christmas Boogie by Sugar “Chile” Robinson
9. I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas by Gayla Peevey
10. Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer by Gene Autry and the Pinafores

The Magic of Holiday Music

Music has an incredible way of weaving emotions into our lives. This year’s celebration reflects the broad spectrum of holiday cheer, from playful jingles to timeless ballads.

Our team shared touching memories tied to these songs. For some, they evoked childhood moments spent with loved ones. For others, these melodies reminded them of classic holiday traditions or the warmth of giving and receiving during the season. The diversity of our choices reflects how holiday music speaks to each person in a unique way.

What Makes Holiday Tunes Special?

Holiday music spans decades, blending vintage charm with modern classics. From soothing croons to festive rhythms, each track celebrates the season’s magic in its own way. Discover more songs within our vintage holiday music collection.

Share Your Favorites With Us!

Now it’s your turn! What holiday tunes make your season bright? We’d love to hear your favorites in the comments. Let’s keep spreading the joy of the season through music.

From all of us at the RSA, we wish you a harmonious holiday season filled with love, laughter, and your favorite tunes.