Hi Corey -- That's right about the gender distinction. What I'm raising is why performers whom we do not think of as comics, but as a singer, might be described as a "comedian" or "comedienne" on the label. For example, the Victor label on the Bioswell Sisters' first recording made in New Orleans describes them as "Comedians." On Thu, Jan 28, 2021 at 1:34 PM Corey Bailey <[log in to unmask]> wrote: > I've always thought that 'Comedian' referred to a male comic & that > 'Comedienne' referred to a female comic. I could be wrong though.... > > Be safe, > > CB > > Corey Bailey Audio Engineering > www.baileyzone.net > > On 1/28/2021 10:03 AM, Rob Bamberger 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 >