Music recorded in June 1893
June 1893 was marked by events symbolizing "modern mass society" around the world. In the United States, the trial of Lizzie Borden (1860–1927) attracted public attention. At the same time, Chicago unveiled the giant Ferris wheel at the World's Columbian Exposition, highlighting the connection between urban entertainment and technology. At sea, the collision and sinking of the battleship HMS Victoria exposed advances in military technology and the vulnerabilities of their operation. Meanwhile, in Western Australia, news of the discovery of gold mines in Kalgoorlie accelerated efforts to promote resource development, migration, and urban development.
Confirmed recordings this month: 0
Summary of information on recordings made in June 1893
In tracing the recording culture of June 1893, the Columbia Phonograph Company's "April Catalog Supplement," dated the 1st of that month, provides a solid clue regarding distribution. Furthermore, the company's documents from the same period confirm the framework for "humorous talking records," including humorous skits based on the World's Columbian Exposition, suggesting that the contemporary event of the fair was being incorporated as material for "storytelling records."
Columbia June 1, 1893 Addendum
The Columbia Phonograph Company documents include a "Supplement to April catalog" dated June 1, 1893, following the April 1893 catalog. Among the catalogs updated monthly, this dated supplement provides the first direct clue that the company's record distribution (at least the organization of distribution materials) was active as of June 1893.
- https://archive.org/details/ColumbiaPhonograph1889-1896
- https://archive.org/stream/ColumbiaPhonograph1889-1896/Columbia%20Phonograph%201889-1896_djvu.txt
- https://timbrooks.net/PDFs/colhist78.pdf
Humorous Talking Records
In the company's "1893B - Humorous talking records supplement," "Pat Brady and the World's Fair at Chicago" is listed as one of the acts on Dan Kelly's (dates of birth and death unknown) "Pat Brady Records," confirming that the World's Columbian Exposition was incorporated into the subject matter of skit records. Russell Hunting's (dates of birth and death unknown) "Casey Series" is also included in the same category, suggesting that "storytelling and skit" repertoire from around 1893 was organized as a series in the catalog.
- https://archive.org/details/ColumbiaPhonograph1889-1896
- https://archive.org/stream/ColumbiaPhonograph1889-1896/Columbia%20Phonograph%201889-1896_djvu.txt
