One of the very earliest recording pioneers, Dan Quinn sang songs that were true to his audience and time (as any entertainer would) - that the lyrics of this Kerry Mills song could be considered "politically incorrect" is an interesting
barometer of how times have changed in the hundred-plus years since this song was written and recorded (in 1902). Dan recorded two versions of this cylinder over the years - this early one in 1902, with Frank Banta playing the piano, and
again in 1904 with a full orchestra (that version is currently on-line at the
UCSB Special Collection). Edison Labs would wind up issuing several different
recordings of this song, both vocal and instrumental, as it was a huge hit and always sold well. At the very end of this record, which you will not hear on the later version, Dan makes reference to another hit of the period called "The
Whistling Coon" and spares no one's sensitivities in the process. The surface of this cylinder is pretty rough, having suffered mold damage from damp storage, but it is intact which definitely counts in its favor. Some of the music was
brought out from behind the static, which has helped it's listenability somewhat. Those who are offended by ethnic stereotyping should not listen to this. But, whether you listen to it or not, keep in mind that any song is more enjoyable if
you consider it within the social framework which produced it.
