Bessie Smith blue label Columbias also use that description. Also available on YouTube

Rodger Holtin

For Best Results Use Victor Needles

Sent from my sluggish old iPhone, which explainz any bad typjng, bad spellimg, nonsensical word choices, delays and all other lapses.

> On Jan 28, 2021, at 6:30 PM, Rob Bamberger <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>
> Steve -- The question was prompted by the label of Victor 19639, the
> Boswell Sisters' first recording made in New Orleans. A listener saw a
> picture of the label on YouTube and was puzzled at the sisters being
> described as "Comedians." I wanted to provide a better-informed answer than
> I could provide singly.
>
> David, thanks for the citation to the book -- and my appreciation to all
> for your input.
>
> Rob
>
>> On Thu, Jan 28, 2021 at 2:30 PM Steven Smolian <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>>
>> As I recall, Miss Patricola was similarly identified. Rob, who else
>> prompted this question?
>>
>> Steve
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Association for Recorded Sound Discussion List [mailto:
>> [log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Rob Bamberger
>> Sent: Thursday, January 28, 2021 1:49 PM
>> To: [log in to unmask]
>> Subject: Re: [ARSCLIST] What was meant by the use of the words...
>>
>> I must not have been clear in my initial posting. I do understand the
>> gender distinction. The question is why those terms were used to describe
>> performers who were not comics, per se.
>>
>>> On Thu, Jan 28, 2021 at 1:40 PM Roy Baugher <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>>>
>>> I think “comedian” is/was used as a male variant of the word, and
>>> “comedienne” is/was used as the female variant of the word.
>>>
>>> Similar to “actor” and “actress”.
>>>
>>> Etymologists would know better about this subject than me.
>>>
>>> Roy Baugher
>>>
>>> On Thu, Jan 28, 2021 at 1:13 PM Rob Bamberger <[log in to unmask]>
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>> "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
>>>>
>>> --
>>> Sent from Gmail Mobile
>>>
>>