Summertime Sheet Music Value Guide

This 1905 edition of 'Summertime' is a quintessential example of the Tin Pan Alley era, composed by the legendary 'Daddy of Popular Song,' Harry Von Tilzer. It is highly collectible for its vibrant cover art and its representation of early 20th-century American popular culture.

What affects the value of Summertime Sheet Music?

• The physical condition of the paper, specifically the absence of spine splits, foxing, or edge tears.
• The visual quality and color preservation of the cover art, which is a primary draw for music ephemera collectors.
• Presence of original owner signatures or music store stamps, which can slightly decrease or increase value depending on historical context.
• Completeness of the score, ensuring all interior pages of the 1905 arrangement are intact and legible.

How to Identify Summertime Sheet Music?

• Verify the 1905 copyright date and the attribution to composer Harry Von Tilzer on the front cover.
• Look for the distinct Tin Pan Alley style cover art, typically featuring idyllic seasonal scenes or floral motifs.
• Check for the publisher's mark, as Von Tilzer often published his own works during this peak period of his career.
• Confirm the material is the original heavy-stock paper common to early 1900s sheet music production.

History of Summertime Sheet Music

Harry Von Tilzer was a prominent American songwriter and music publisher in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Known as the 'Daddy of Popular Song,' he composed numerous hits and played a crucial role in the Tin Pan Alley era. This 'Summertime' piece reflects the popular musical tastes and vibrant cover art prevalent during that period, often featuring idyllic scenes.