The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

This is one of the oddest records I've ever owned -- a classic 'coon song' written in 1893, recorded in 1918 by operatic singer Frieda Hempel. It is truly bizarre, and it's easy to understand why it was a poor seller. You can experience its incredible awfulness at the UCSB Cylinder archive: http://www.library.ucsb.edu/OBJID/Cylinder9321.

This cylinder is in excellent condition, no fading, scratches, or hung grooves. There is only a very tiny plaster chip on the inside rim, not affecting anything. It is complete with original Royal Purple box, but no lid. See the attached pictures.

I can't imagine what Edison's recording specialists were thinking when they came up with the crazy idea of having Frieda Hempel sing a coon song.

$135 postpaid by Priority Mail in the US. Paypal, Zelle, or checks accepted.

Rene,

I remember hearing that cylinder on your Idealia back in 2001 at a big gathering at your house. Fun memories


D.Edwards

I can't imagine why a singer of Frieda Hempel's stature agreed to record such material. Surely she didn't need the money.