American Popular Song
The AMRC is home to one of the country's largest collections of published song sheets. Numbering roughly four hundred thousand, the Center's sheet music holdings span from the mid-twentieth century back to before the American Revolution, with exceptional strength in the Tin Pan Alley era, World War I, and the American Civil War.
Comprises nearly 600 bound volumes of chiefly American sheet music, published in the nineteenth century and bound into volumes by their original owners. Volumes contain approximately 50-75 pieces of sheet music. Of the volumes, approximately 100 were bound before 1840, 250 were bound during the period 1840-1850, and 135 bound during the period 1860-1875. Consists mostly of music for voice and piano, with small numbers of instrumental- only works. Many volumes include the original collector's name and binding date, in some cases with elaborate binder's title pages.
Scores and scripts of Perry Como, born Pierino Como (1912-2000), noted singer, recording artist, and television personality, including scripts, full scores, and instrumental parts from the Perry Como Show (1955-1963), TV specials, and recording projects; published sheet music; photographs; recordings; and memorabilia.
Collegiate song books collected by Walter S. "Wally" Collins (1926-1997), including extensive research materials on the Yale Song Book.
Song sheets from the collection of Gloria Grotzinger, formerly of Loveland, Colorado. Includes extensive selections from the early American songbook, especially in the areas of early 20th century musical theatre, patriotic songs, and coon songs. Includes a first printing piano vocal score of the musical, "Showboat," with all original language.