The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

“On This Day in the History of Recorded Sound…”

September 12, 1953: Died: Reinald Werrenrath, concert and operatic baritone and prolific Victor recording artist.

https://www.antiquephono.org/#/

I have always liked Werrenrath, and wondered why he is so thoroughly forgotten today. He seems to have hit his peak of popularity around World War I; one of my favorite discs is a Victor blue label of him singing the Star Spangled Banner on one side and My Country 'Tis of Thee on the other. Another is him singing "The Americans Come!" a fantasy song/play that he makes enjoyable despite how overwrought it is. (Worth a listen.)

Interesting fact about Werrenrath: Despite his exotic name, he was actually born in Brooklyn!