Billy Murray : the phonograph industry's first great recording artist / Frank Hoffmann, Dick Carty, Quentin Riggs.

Author/creator Hoffmann, Frank W., 1949-
Other author Carty, Dick.
Other author Riggs, Quentin.
Format Book
Publication InfoLanham, MD : Scarecrow Press, 1997.
Descriptionx, 544 pages, 8 unnumbered pages of plates : illustrations ; 23 cm
Subjects
Murray, Billy.
Singers--United States. --Biography.
Sound recording industry--United States. --History.

Contents Part I: Biography. Introduction: The Billy Murray legacy -- "Now I'll raise an army of my own" ; The early years in Philadelphia -- "Denver town" ; Childhood days in Colorado -- "Me and the minstrel band" ; Barnstorming days, 1893-1903 -- "Yankee Doodle's come to town" ; Early years as a recording artist in New York -- "I'm the guy" ; Peak career years as an exclusive Victor/Edison artist, 1910-1919 -- "In the land of harmony" ; The American Quartet -- "He went in like a lion and came out like a lamb" ; The twenties Victor years -- "They all had a finger in the pie" ; The eight famous Victor artists -- "You don't know how glad I am to get back home" ; Life in Freeport -- "Ain't it funny what a difference a few hours can make" ; The last recording years -- "Just a little rocking chair and you" ; Retirement in Long Island -- "Do you take this woman for your lawful wife?" ; Married life -- "Friends that are good and true" ; The inner Murray as seen through his close associates -- "This is the life" ; Death at Jones Beach -- "After you've gone" ; A musical assessment -- Part II: Appendices. A. Billy Murray discography ; B. Commentary on selected recordings ; C. Ratings of pioneer era recording artists ; D. Poll of Murray's best recordings ; E. Billy Murray tributes ; F. Sample entries from record label supplements ; G. Duration of listing in record catalogs as a determinant of song's popularity ; H. A brief history of the Murray family ; I. Archives and private collections specializing in Billy Murray and acoustic era recordings ; J. Lyrics to selected songs recorded by Billy Murray ; K. Number of recordings in Victor catalog, by artist ; L. Contents of Billy Murray's artist file at the Edison National Historic site ; M. Biographical sketches of the leading recording artists from Billy Murray's era.
Abstract At a time before radio ruled the waves and recording technology remained primitive, Murray's numerous popular successes gave the fledgling recording industry the credibility to develop into a popular form of entertainment. The authors trace the life of this seminal recording artist from his childhood to the crest of his fame in New York where he worked for Edison, Victor, and other record labels. The appendixes provide a wealth of detailed information on this great artist as well as the early recording industry. They include ratings of pioneer era recording artists, a Billy Murray discography, an analysis and commentary on selected recordings, and listings of archives and private collections specializing in Billy Murray and acoustic era recordings.
Bibliography noteDiscography: pages 211-366.
Bibliography noteIncludes bibliographical references and index.
LCCN 95026060
ISBN0810831058 (cloth : alk. paper)

Availability

Library Location Call Number Status Item Actions
Music Closed Stacks - Ask at Circulation Desk ML420.M785 H64 1997 ✔ Available Place Hold