our Current Exhibit
a Traveling Exhibit
Visit The Great American Songbook Foundation
1 Carter Green
Carmel, IN 46032
317.844.2251
Info@TheSongbook.org
Songbook Exhibit Gallery Location & Hours
Enter west entrance of the Palladium on 3rd Ave
Monday-Friday 10am-4pm; also open one hour before Songbook and Jazz Series events in the Palladium
The Great American Songbook Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with a mission
to inspire and educate by celebrating the Great American Songbook.
What Color Are You?
Select your color result below to discover more about your 20s-20s artists.
"I Want to Be Happy" and "ME!" (Rainbow)
You're drawn to songs that celebrate joy and self-expression! “I Want to Be Happy,” composed by Vincent Youmans and Irving Caesar for the musical No, No, Nanette in the 1920s, is an upbeat, celebratory anthem of happiness and simple pleasures, while Taylor Swift’s “ME!” is a vibrant, playful declaration of individuality and self-love. Both songs uplift with their joyful energy and emphasize the importance of embracing who you are.
Explore more:
- Listen to: 1924 recording of "I Want to Be Happy"
- Listen to: Taylor Swift's "ME!" (feat. Brendon Urie of Panic! At the Disco) ft. Brendon Urie
- Learn more about Broadway composer and producer Vincent Youmans
- Hear Taylor Swift talk about her album "ME!"
"Rhapsody in Blue" and "State of Grace" (Blue)
You’re drawn to songs that feel expansive and cinematic! Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” broke boundaries with its blend of jazz and classical influences, creating a sweeping soundscape that defines the Roaring Twenties. Similarly, Taylor Swift’s “State of Grace” has a grand, anthemic quality, capturing the emotional highs and lows of love. Both songs explore musical themes of beauty, freedom, and complexity.
Explore more:
- Listen to: 2017 Remastered rendition of Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" with Leonard Bernstein and the Columbia Symphony Orchestra
- Listen to: Taylor Swift's "State of Grace"
- Celebrate "Rhapsody in Blue's" 100th anniversary with our founder Michael Feinstein on CBS Sunday Morning
- Hear Taylor Swift talk about her song "State of Grace" off the album "Red"
"Stardust" and "All Too Well" (Green)
You’re drawn to songs that evoke nostalgia and deep emotion. Hoagy Carmichael's “Stardust” is a hauntingly beautiful reflection on lost love, while Taylor Swift’s “All Too Well” captures the intensity of cherished memories. Both songs resonate with listeners through their vivid storytelling and emotional depth.
Explore more:
- Listen to: Nat King Cole's rendition of "Stardust" (with lyrics) or an instrumental version remastered in 2002
- Listen to: Taylor Swift's "State of Grace"
- Look back at the 90th anniversary of the recording of "Stardust" composed by Hoagy Carmichael with Indiana University's Archives of Traditional Music
- Hear Taylor Swift talk about her song "State of Grace" off the album "Red"
"St. Louis Blues" and "exile" (Red)
You’re drawn to haunting melodies and stories of heartbreak. Bessie Smith’s “St. Louis Blues” is a deep, soulful exploration of sorrow and loss, while Taylor Swift’s “Exile,” featuring Bon Iver, is a modern tale of two people reflecting on the end of a relationship. Both songs capture the raw pain of separation with powerful vocals and emotionally charged lyrics.
Explore more:
- Listen to: Bessie Smith's rendition of "St. Louis Blues"
- Listen to: Taylor Swift's "exile"
- Learn more about Bessie Smith with the National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Read about the origins of "exile" as told by The National's Aaron Dessner (co-producer of Folklore)
"The Charleston" and "Shake It Off" (Yellow)
You’re all about having fun and embracing life’s vibrant moments! “Charleston” was the anthem of the dance craze that defined the Roaring Twenties, just as “Shake It Off” became a celebration of individuality and letting go of negativity. Both songs are all about movement, fun, and unapologetic self-expression, perfect for any free spirit.
Explore more:
- Listen to: James P. Johnson's "The Charleston"
- Watch: Taylor Swift's "Shake It Off" music video
- Learn more about the Father of the stride piano James P. Johnson
- Take a look at NPR's "Anything That Connects: A Conversation with Taylor Swift" to learn about Swift's intentions behind "Shake It Off"