Famous Singer of the Early 20th Century

Billy Murray (1877-1954)

Known as "The Denver Nightingale"

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and raised in Denver, Colorado.

Billy Murray is considered the most famous singer of the early 20th century.

He sang for dozens and dozens of record labels including Edison cylinders.

He died at Jones Beach of a heart attack at the age of 77

Ada Jones (1873-1922)

Born in Lancashire, England and raised in Philadelphia Pennsylvania.

Ada Jones was very popular too. She started recording for record labels in 1905 and after 1906, she and Billy Murray started recording duets together. Ada Jones continued recording until she died of kidney failure in North Carolina at the age of 48.

Byron G. Harlan (1861-1936)

Byron G. Harlan is a singer from Kansas who commonly recorded beside Arthur Collins for numerous record labels including Edison.

Arthur Collins  (1864-1933)

Arthur collins commonly sang with Byron G. Harlan and record the first "Jazz" song. He recorded for many record labels including Edison.

At one time Arthur Collins seriuosly injured himself by falling through a trap door while doing an Edison tone test.

In 1926, he retired in Florida.