Cherio Music Publishers

I Don’t Want to Set the World on Fire (1941) Vintage Big Band Sheet Music | Barbelle Cover | Tommy Tucker

Name: I Don’t Want to Set the World on Fire (1941) Vintage Big Band Sheet Music | Barbelle Cover | Tommy Tucker
Brand: Cherio Music Publishers
Price: 14.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$14.00 USD

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Low stock: 1 left

Title:: I Don’t Want to Set the World on Fire
Publisher:: Cherio Music Publishers, New York
Type:: Sheet music
Performance medium:: Piano, guitar, voice
Artist:: Albert Barbelle
Composer:: Bennie Benjemin; Eddie Durham; Sol Marcus; Eddie Seiler
Era:: Big Band Era (1935 - 1946)
Date:: 1941
Material:: Paper
Dimensions:: 9" x 12"
Condition:: Good (G)
Color:: Red, navy, black
Notes:: WWII-era romantic ballad

1941 Big Band Ballad with Iconic Barbelle Cover Art

Collector’s Note

Original big band sheet music, especially those with Barbelle illustrated cover are limited in supply, making them attractive for collectible value. Well-preserved pieces can appreciate in value over time, combining historical interest with financial investment potential

Released in 1941 at the height of the Big Band era, I Don’t Want to Set the World on Fire captures the tender romanticism that defined American popular music on the eve of World War II. With its heartfelt lyrics and sweeping melody, the song became one of the era’s enduring standards.

Composed by Bennie Benjemin, Eddie Durham, Sol Marcus, and Eddie Seiler, the song was first recorded in 1940. Tommy Tucker and His Orchestra’s recording for Okeh Records the following year became a major hit and earned Gold Record status. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the song’s emotional resonance deepened, making it one of the defining romantic ballads of the early 1940s.

This 1941 Cherio Music edition features cover artwork by the celebrated illustrator Albert Barbelle, known for his mid-century sheet music designs and early Mickey Mouse book illustrations. The cover depicts a romantic couple embracing within a heart motif, Cupid below with torch in hand, and an inset photograph of bandleader Tommy Tucker. Interior and back covers advertise additional Cherio Music releases of the period.

Measuring 9" by 12", this sheet music is in very good condition with no tears. Colors remain bold in red, navy, and black. Housed in a protective sleeve.

Framing Appeal

Featuring the iconic Barbelle illustrated cover and Tommy Tucker, this vintage piece brings authentic swing-era charm to your home. Display it framed for an instant touch of nostalgia that celebrates mid-century glamour and entertainment.

Listen to I Don't Want to Set the World on Fire performed by bandleader, Tommy Tucker and Amy Arnell here.

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

We share as much accurate information as possible about each item—from provenance to condition—but the images often show the nuances best. If you ever need more details, we’re always happy to help.

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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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