"Comedian" and "Comedienne" as artist designations on record labels into
the 1920s? It's  a use of these words in a broader context than the
conventional sense. Was it meant simply to identify someone as a "popular"
rather than classical or "serious" artist? Is it meant to be associated
with performers who might be seen in vaudeville or theater who had acts
that combined some comic patter or exchange, followed by song (or dance).

Is there a precise intention that has been written about, or discovered in
primary materials?

Thanks for your comments.

Rob