In late 1904 and early 1905, a young 27 year old Billy Murray was at the dawn of his long and fruitful career. Billy would venture into Columbia's rather primitive recording studio and step in front of a recording horn and sing with all of his might. By the end of his recording career he would leave behind some of the most memorable and treasured recordings in existence.
Billy's very early Columbia disc recordings rarely surface today and few were sold when they were new. You'll search for a very long time to find these 3 very early Billy Murray 10 inch Columbia Black & Silver label records. Some Billy Murray discographies do not even list a couple of these recordings:
1. Plain Mamie O'Hooley #1659
2. Mary Ellen #1660
3. Yankee Doodle Boy #3051
All of these play through very nicely without skips or hung grooves, there are no cracks or warp in any of them. All have noticeable play and handling wear, early pressing imperfections and so forth. These recordings are representative of Billy's earliest recording efforts. His voice is young, fresh and energized.
"Plain Mamie O'Hooley" -AND- "Mary Ellen" are introduced by, I believe, Billy Murray himself (!!):
"PLAIN MAMIE O'HOOLEY SUNG BY BILLY MURRAY...COLUMBIA RECORD!!"
"MARY ELLEN SUNG BY BILLY MURRAY...COLUMBIA RECORD!!"
Interesting Note: The record labels on Plain Mamie O'Hooley and Mary Ellen indicate: "Baritone Solo". Billy was a tenor!!
PM with interest. Thanks.
Doug
FOR SALE: 3 VERY EARLY Billy Murray B&S Columbias - $200
- FellowCollector
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Re: FOR SALE: 3 VERY EARLY Billy Murray B&S Columbias - $200
Donnie J WHERE ARE YOU!!!! Seriously, this is worth preserving somehow.
- Lucius1958
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Re: FOR SALE: 3 VERY EARLY Billy Murray B&S Columbias - $200
Seconded! I would love to have copies of these, especially "Yankee Doodle Boy"...VanEpsFan1914 wrote:Donnie J WHERE ARE YOU!!!! Seriously, this is worth preserving somehow.
Bill