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

1941 Big Band Ballad with Iconic Barbelle Cover Art

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 June 1941 recording for Okeh Records 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 inches by 12 inches, this sheet music is in very good condition with no tears. Colors remain bold in red, navy, and black. Housed in a protective sleeve.

✨ Collector’s Note: Barbelle-designed Big Band covers from the early 1940s are increasingly sought after for their strong graphic composition and romantic wartime themes. This example displays beautifully and is especially appealing to mid-century and WWII-era collectors.