• EMPTY SADDLES Sheet Music from Bing Crosby's Rhythm on the Range ©1936 COVER
  • EMPTY SADDLES Sheet Music from Bing Crosby's Rhythm on the Range ©1936 BACK
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Shapiro Bernstein Music Publishers

Empty Saddles Sheet Music (1936) | Bing Crosby | Rhythm on the Range | Western Song

Empty Saddles Sheet Music (1936) | Bing Crosby | Rhythm on the Range | Western Song

$16.00 USD
$16.00 USD
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Low stock: 1 left

AT A GLANCE

Title:
Empty Saddles
Publisher:
Shapiro, Bernstein Music Publishers, New York
Type:
Sheet music
Subject:
Western | cowboy song
Performance medium:
Piano, guitar, voice
Composer:
Billy Hill (1899 - 1940)
Era:
Big Band Era (1935 - 1946)
Date:
1936
Material:
Paper
Dimensions:
9 ¼" x 12 ¼"
Condition:
Good (G)
Color:
Sepia and burgundy red
Notes:
From Paramount film Rhythm on the Range; Bing Crosby portrait cover

1936 Western Classic Made Famous by Bing Crosby

Collector’s Note

Celebrity portrait covers from the golden age of Hollywood musicals are highly collectible. The vivid red background and Bing Crosby film connection make this an especially frame-worthy example of 1930s western Americana.

Released in 1936 and performed by Bing Crosby in the Paramount film Rhythm on the Range, Empty Saddles became one of the defining western songs of its era. Composed by Billy Hill and inspired by a poem by J. Keirn Brennan, the song reflects themes of longing and remembrance that resonated deeply with Depression-era audiences.

This original 1936 issue was published by Shapiro, Bernstein Music Publishers, New York and features a striking sepia portrait of Bing Crosby set against a rich burgundy background. The bold contrast and celebrity image make this piece especially desirable for display.

Crosby recorded the song for Decca Records in 1936, and within months it rose to the Top 10. It was later recorded by Roy Rogers, Burl Ives, and Dean Martin, and remains recognized among the top western songs of all time.

Measuring 9 ¼" by 12 ¼", the sheet music is in very good condition. A faint former owner’s name appears lightly scripted on Bing’s collar but is barely visible and does not detract from presentation. Colors remain strong and vibrant. Housed in a protective sleeve.

Framing Appeal

Framed simply in a clean, retro-style frame, this music sheet with its bold red palette and handsome profile of crooner, Bing Crosby, becomes a stylish nod to vintage Hollywood glamour and atomic-era decor, an eye-catching accent that evokes the golden age of classic entertainers and mid-century celebrity culture. 

Listen to Empty Saddles sung by Bing Crosby here.

Just a quick heads‑up: the photos reveal details far better than text alone, so they’re worth a close review.

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Why Collect Vintage Sheet Music

Collecting old sheet music invites you into a world where history, art, and melody intertwine. Each piece is more than printed notation—it's a preserved moment in time. For music lovers, history buffs, and creative minds alike, building a collection offers both personal satisfaction and the possibility of uncovering items of real value.

From classical masterpieces to the spirited energy of the Jazz Age, vintage sheet music reflects how music shaped culture across generations. First editions of composers like Chopin or Gershwin are especially coveted, treasured for their historical and monetary worth. As Smithsonian Magazine notes, these artifacts provide a vivid window into America’s musical and cultural evolution.

Collectors often cherish sheet music not only for its sound but for its striking cover art. Displayed as décor, it brings warmth and character to any room. Others breathe new life into old pages through creative projects—turning them into artwork, journals, or crafts that merge nostalgia with personal style.

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