If you enjoy humming a tune, listening to a beloved singer, playing the piano or guitar, singing along with the radio, or imagining yourself in the starring role of a Broadway show, you may want to consider the Library's collection of vocal scores and song compilations.
The Library has a broad array of popular music songbooks covering various time periods of American and world history. The Greatest Songs of 1890-1920 with such familiar melodies as "By the Light of the Silvery Moon" or "My Wild Irish Rose" are guaranteed to put a smile on everyone's face. I'll Be Seeing You: 50 Songs of World War II not only features the lyrics and piano accompaniment but chord symbols and guitar chord diagrams. The songs within this book may delight an audience of veterans as well as provide background music for a 1940's themed party. The New York Times Great Songs of the Sixties will have baby boomers rocking and rolling and recalling those tumultous times.
Many vocal scores from Broadway shows are available ranging from Grease and The Pajama Game, to Billy Joel's Movin' Out and Spamalot. If you are longing for the "good old days", The Ultimate Nostalgia Songs may suit your needs. If you are planning a wedding, The Classic Wedding Collection, The Complete Wedding Music Collection or The Wedding & Love Fake Book, may provide inspiring thoughts for this momentous event. If you are anticipating an audition for a community or professional production, The Belter's Book of Comedy Songs, The Big Book of Torch Songs, Broadway Heroes and Villains: Songs of Virtue and Treachery or The 16-Bar Theatre Audition: 100 Songs Excerpted for Successful Auditions may be consulted. If you are a fan of fake books, your choices include The Easy Standards Fake Book, The Movie Fake Book, The TV Fake Book, etc. If you want to join in when your friends go caroling, please check out The Best Christmas Songs Ever, The Complete Christmas Music Collection or Sing for Christmas.
If you need assistance finding a particular song or score, please feel free to contact me.