J. W. Myers

Welsh baritone John W. Myers was probably the most important singer in the first decade of the American phonograph industry. Although he was born in Wales around 1865, nothing is known of his background and it hasn't been confirmed that "J.W. Myers," the name he used for recording, was his genuine one. But the tradition from which he comes is well-known, the 19th century baritone cum basso profundo who delighted audiences with his strong voice; loud, low notes; genteel parlor songs; and ballads of male gusto and bravado. Myers' trade was plied in music halls, traveling variety...