“Singing Along” Jazz Age Club Songbook – Cincinnati / Northern Kentucky Ephemera (1920s–1930s)

1920s–30s Cincinnati Nightclub Songbook Singing Along

Before jukeboxes and amplified bands became the soundtrack of nightlife, small neighborhood clubs relied on communal singing to bring energy to the room. Singing Along reflects that lively Jazz Age tradition in the Cincinnati / Northern Kentucky region.

Printed by the Otto Printing Company of Newport, Kentucky, this 6” x 9” booklet appears to have been used by a small private entertainment club in the Cincinnati / Northern Kentucky area during the 1920s–1930s.

The front cover features a lively black-and-white caricature of a vaudeville-style gentleman — cane twirling, bowler hat tipped — framed within a decorative border. Stamped in red is a cartoon bird mascot wearing a top hat and cane, reinforcing the nightlife character of the piece. The red stamped bird emblem appears consistent with vaudeville-era club mascots commonly used by small nightlife establishments of the period.

The back cover reads “Entertainment Nightly,” further suggesting use in a small club or informal after-hours venue. Inside are 76 popular songs of the era, including:

• “Bill Bailey (Won’t You Please Come Home)”
• “Ma, He’s Making Eyes at Me”
• “My Blue Heaven”
• “Wait Till the Sun Shines, Nellie”
• “Let Me Call You Sweetheart”
• “Paper Doll”

Many selections include patron notations beneath the titles — such as “Willie’s Favorite” — suggesting a tight-knit community of regulars who requested their preferred songs during gatherings. Condition is good with age toning and lightly bent corners consistent with social use.