• The New and Original SAN ANTONIO ROSE | Irving Berlin Music Publishers ©1940 COVER
  • The New and Original SAN ANTONIO ROSE | Irving Berlin Music Publishers ©1940 SNOW WHITE ADVERTISEMENT
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Irving Berlin Music Publishers

1938 San Antonio Rose – Bob Wills – Western Swing Classic

1938 San Antonio Rose – Bob Wills – Western Swing Classic

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$14.00 USD
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Low stock: 1 left

AT A GLANCE

Title:
San Antonio Rose
Publisher:
Iring Berlin, Inc., New York
Type:
Sheet music
Subject:
Western Swing | Country
Artist:
IM-HO (Immerman-Holley Art Studio)
Composer:
Piano, guitar, voice
Era:
Big Band Era (1935 - 1946)
Date:
1938
Material:
Paper
Dimensions:
9" x 12"
Condition:
Good (G)
Color:
Blue, red, gray

San Antonio Rose — Bob Wills Western Swing Standard

Collector’s Note

First introduced in 1938 by Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys, San Antonio Rose became one of the defining songs of Western Swing and remained the band’s signature tune for decades.

Original 1938 sheet music for San Antonio Rose, composed by Bob Wills and published by Irving Berlin, Inc., New York.

First performed by Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys in late 1938, the instrumental version quickly gained popularity on the Hillbilly and Folk charts. Lyrics were later added, and the song was re-recorded in 1940 as The New San Antonio Rose, solidifying its place in American popular music history. The melody remained the group’s signature number for more than four decades.

Recognized in 2010 by the Western Writers of America as one of the greatest Western songs of all time, this edition represents an important early chapter in American country and Western swing history

The cover design is striking and highly decorative. A deep cobalt blue background frames a studio portrait of Bob Wills in cowboy hat, while a folklórico-style dancer in a red-and-white striped dress adds motion and regional flair in the foreground. The piece reflects the fusion of Texas swing, romantic balladry, and Southwestern visual identity that defined the era.

The lower corner bears the mark of IM-HO (Immerman-Holley Art Studio), adding further interest for collectors of commercial illustration. The back cover features an advertisement for a nine-song folio from Walt Disney’s 1937 film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, providing additional period context.

Excellent vintage condition. Clean pages with strong color and minimal wear."

Framing Appeal

The bold blue palette and folklórico dancer create strong visual contrast, making this an ideal accent piece for a Western-themed room, music studio, or Texas heritage display. Striking matted in ivory or warm linen and framed in dark wood.

Listen to the Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys' recording of San Antonio Rose 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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