Skip to main content
Image Not Available for Johnny Noble's Royal Collection of Hawaiian Songs
Johnny Noble's Royal Collection of Hawaiian Songs
Image Not Available for Johnny Noble's Royal Collection of Hawaiian Songs

Johnny Noble's Royal Collection of Hawaiian Songs

Composer (American, 1892 - 1944)
Date1929
Object number00018437
NameSheet music book
MediumPaper
DimensionsOverall: 245 x 310 mm, 0.74 kg
ClassificationsBooks and journals
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThis booklet of sheet music contains a collection of Hawaiian songs compiled by Johnny Noble, known as the Hawaiian jazz king. Noble's songs helped popularise Hawaiian culture and music with a global mainstream audience. This was the beginning of the incorporation of traditional Hawaiian music into orchestral arrangements and bandstand pieces. The cover features a Hawaiian surfer and outrigger.HistorySheet music offers an insight into popular culture and social values at the time of their production. The widely distributed pieces were sold fairly cheaply, making them popular purchases with the general public. Music was an integral part of people's social life in the home and at public outings including balls, recitals, taverns, concerts and theatres. The 1920s and 1930s was the age of Jazz. Song writers and composers were located around the New York district of 'Tin Pan Alley', producing and selling musical pieces.SignificanceThis sheet music represents the Hawaiian composer, arranger and director Johnny Noble and his impact on popularising Hawaiian music. It reflects how beach culture, surfing and outdoor recreation impacted music trends in the 20th century.