ABSTRACT
American contralto, born in Philadelphia. She was “probably the most popular contralto who ever recorded for the Victor black and blue labels” (Walsh). Her “Silent Night” (Victor 19823; 1925) remained in the catalog into the 1940s. She also appeared on Red Seal, one popular number being “He Shall Feed His Flock” from Messiah (Victor 4026); and made Edison cylinders in 1913-1914. On U-S Everlasting cylinders she was identified as Elsie West Baker. She was Edna Brown on one Edison Blue Amberol and on one Indestructible cylinder. She died in New York. [Walsh 1950/10.]
British baritone, born in Birkenhead; also known as Arthur George. He began recording for Pathé in London in 1909, and made records for one company or another for over 50 years, primarily in the light concert and operetta repertoire, including HMV recordings of Gilbert and Sullivan. He appeared as Ko-Ko on the first complete recording of their Mikado in 1916, and recorded the entire cycle of their works over his long career twice, with his final record appearance coming in 1962 as Robin Oakapple in Ruddigore. Although he was famous for these Gilbert and Sullivan recordings, he never appeared in any of their works on stage. He also recorded hundreds of art and popular songs, and even early children’s recordings, issued under the nom-de-disc of “Uncle George.” Many of his other records were issued under a variety of pseudonyms, including Arthur George, Walter Jefferies, George Portland, Victor Conway, Victor Norbury, Leslie Milton, George Barnes, and Walter Duncan.
