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Whistling solos, comic monologues, and "coon songs": these are the popular records of over 100 years ago, routines that remind us that the early talking machine was a novelty entertainment. The records—whether soft, non-durable brown wax cylinders or fragile shellac discs—were disposable curiosities that have accidentally survived the ravages of time to become crude testimonies to history two centuries ago.

An odd kind of popularity
There are no "original" hits by original artists on records of the 1890s. Hit songs were the ones selling the most sheet music or those coming out of Broadway. In the fledgling recording industry, numerous versions of the songs appeared on commercial records. Over time, though, the reputations of certain artists, such as Dan W. Quinn, Len Spencer, George Gaskin, J. W. Myers, and Steve Porter, assured quality. These were the big "stars" of earliest days of recording.

A living testament to history
Many of the artists featured on the 1890s CD were born before the Civil War. In fact, recording phenom George W. Johnson was born a slave on a Virginia plantation. These are the voices of a history that usually seems beyond reach. But listen as Russell Hunting, in "Casey as Doctor," makes a joke about newly-inaugurated President McKinley. Or hear Sousa's Band play their director's "latest" march, "El Capitan." The booklet includes information on each of the artists featured to help bring these pioneers to life.

All the rough edges
The accompanying essay does not attempt a complete cultural history of the decade but, instead, focuses on a few key events that illuminate the songs, the marches, and comedy routines. Additionally, you'll be able to read some of the song lyrics; like many of the contemporary events, not all the songs are pretty. And not all the records have the clear sound of modern CD music. While we have attempted to minimize the noise on these rare records, the fact is that they are worn and noisier than most of the records Archeophone reissues.