The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Back when I started collecting in the late 1980’s there were still numerous recording artists alive from the 78 rpm era. I know that Tony Bennett is still alive, but don’t think many or any others are left.

The 78 was essentially dead in the USA after 1958, but there were some 1959 releases and a handful from 1960. 78s were issued in other countries much later. India pressed 78s until at least 1968 for example.

If we just stick to US releases, then there are still many alive. Ones that come to mind are Brenda Lee, Johnny Mathis, Paul Anka, Jimmy Bowen, Jerry Lee Lewis, etc. But you're right, we lose more and more every day.

Do Elvis sightings count?

Marilyn Horne and Julie Andrews both made shellac discs.

Louise Tobin is still alive at 103.

52089 wrote: Fri Aug 19, 2022 10:43 am The 78 was essentially dead in the USA after 1958, but there were some 1959 releases and a handful from 1960. 78s were issued in other countries much later. India pressed 78s until at least 1968 for example.

If we just stick to US releases, then there are still many alive. Ones that come to mind are Brenda Lee, Johnny Mathis, Paul Anka, Jimmy Bowen, Jerry Lee Lewis, etc. But you're right, we lose more and more every day.

I agree 100%. The last number one hit in the US on the Billboard 100 charts that was out on 78 was “Kansas City” by Wilbert Harrison, who died at the age of 65 in 1994. The number one hit before that was “The Happy Organ” by Dave “Baby” Cortez, which was also out on 78. He is still alive today as far as I know.

Sonny Rollins

Connie Francis, Pat Boone, Jerry Lee Lewis.

Ruth Slenczynski. There's a 78 rpm album of hers on Discogs.

(Double-click the video above or click this link to go to the video on YouTube.)

I always wondered what the last 78 of a number one hit ever issued in countries other than the US was? In the US, it was definitely “Kansas City” by Wilbert Harrison. Canada and the UK it was “Heartaches By The Number” and “Georgia On My Mind” respectively. I would assume that the last overall number one hit out on a 78 in other counties might be some of the Beatles songs from the late 60s or even some early 70s hits by other artists.