Comedy Stars at 78 Rpm: Biographies and Discographies of 89 American and British Recording Artists, 1896-1946

by Ronald L. Smith

Visit a living room on a Saturday in the 1920 What you are likely to find is family or friends gathered around the Victrola, laughing at the antics of a comedy routine recorded on a disc, or even a tube, called the 78. Technically, the 78 was produced as late as the 1950s, but the real heyday of the medium ended in the 1940s, as radio variety shows took their cue to air the popular comedians, and to add musicians and singers for "variety." The performers of the time are both familiar and foreign. From Amos 'n' Andy to Vesta Victoria, their styles were as varied as the paths they followed. Their careers are encapsulated here with a biography, a discography, a filmography, and even some of the favorite comedy routines of each.

225 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 1998