Rare Early Victor Monarch 78 UNCLE JOSH Cal Stewart
$
90
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Description
Cal Stewart (b. 1856 Charlotte County, Virginia, d. December 7, 1919) was a pioneer in vaudeville and early sound recordings. He is best remembered for his comic monologues in which he played "Uncle Josh" Weathersby, a resident of a mythical New England farming town called "Punkin Center."
Born in Charlotte County, Virginia in 1856, Stewart spent his early life working in circuses, medicine shows and vaudeville to great acclaim as "Uncle Josh Weathersby from Way Down East". It was on the road that he befriended Mark Twain and later Will Rogers, two men who shared similar wit in comedy.
Around 1897, Thomas Edison's studios hired him to cut several cylinder recordings of his famous speeches and songs. They were well received by the public, and launched an entire series of recordings based on the Uncle Josh character. Stewart's trademark on these recordings are the easily recognizable laugh that precedes his speeches.
Best-selling recordings included “Uncle Josh’s Arrival in New York” (1898), “I’m Old But I’m Awfully Tough (Laughing Song)” (1898), “Jim Lawson’s Horse Trade With Deacon Witherspoon” (1901), “Uncle Josh’s Huskin’ Bee Dance” (1901) and “Uncle Josh Buys an Automobile” (1903).
Stewart continued recording on Edison, Columbia, Victor, and independent labels up until his death on December 7, 1919. He also wrote two books based on his monologues and performed in theaters across America with his wife and her brother and sister.
The 'pre-dog' Victor label featured the name of Eldridge Johnson, whose company had supplied Emil Berliner with spring-wound motors for his phonographs.
In a 1900 court battle over patent rights between Columbia, Zon-O-Phone and Victor, Berliner’s company was temporarily prevented from manufacturing records in the U.S.A.Discouraged, Berliner sold his company to Johnson, who renamed the company ‘Victor’ after the courts allowed him to resume record manufacture in 1901.
This early recording featured Cal Stewart as Uncle Josh Weathersby in Society. This one-sided record was produced on an early Victor Monarch record numbered 3097. It is in good condition. Buyer will include $4 for shipping. Thanks!
On Jan-22-11 at 16:46:49 PST, seller added the following information:I've been informed by another helpful eBay member that this was recorded in February, 1901. Very cool. Thanks!
