Century Music Publishing Company

1946 Jitterbugs Piano Solo – Dorothy Wagstaff Cover – Swing Era Sheet Music

Name: 1946 Jitterbugs Piano Solo – Dorothy Wagstaff Cover – Swing Era Sheet Music
Brand: Century Music Publishing Company
Price: 15.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$15.00 USD

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Low stock: 1 left

Title:: Jitterbugs A Piano Solo
Publisher:: The Boston Music Co., Boston, Massachusetts
Type:: Sheet music
Subject:: Educational piano | Swing study
Performance medium:: Piano
Artist:: Cover Art by Dorothy Wagstaff (Dorothy Wagstaff Arens)
Composer:: Stanford King (1912 - 2010)
Era:: Post-War Popular (1946 - 1960)
Date:: 1946
Material:: Paper
Dimensions:: 9" x 12"
Condition:: Good (G)
Color:: Brown, turquoise blue

A 1946 Post-War Swing Study with Playful Jitterbug Illustration

Collector’s Note

A delightful post-war piano solo featuring an illustrated cover by Dorothy Wagstaff, known for her mid-century children’s magazine artwork. Copies of this student-focused edition appear scarce, and the lively swing-era imagery adds notable decorative appeal.

Published in 1946, Jitterbugs by Stanford King reflects the upbeat spirit of the immediate post-war era, when swing dancing and youth culture flourished. Issued by The Boston Music Co. of Boston, Massachusetts, this piano solo was likely intended for student performance, contributing to its relative scarcity today.

The cover illustration—signed by Dorothy Wagstaff (Dorothy Wagstaff Arens)—depicts four teenage couples dancing the jitterbug in animated mid-century style. Wagstaff, a Kansas artist, illustrated children’s books and magazines and contributed artwork to Wee Wisdom magazine from the late 1930s through the 1950s. Rendered in brown and turquoise blue, the design captures youthful movement and the energy of 1940s swing culture.

This example remains in good condition, with minimal browning, minor bottom-edge tears, and light pencil notes. These signs of use do not detract from its display potential. Housed in an archival-grade protective sleeve.

Framing Appeal

The playful jitterbug dancers and turquoise accents make this piece especially appealing for framing. Ideal for a music room, mid-century décor scheme, dance studio, or retro gallery wall, it brings lighthearted 1940s swing charm to any space.

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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