William Thomas Murray was one of the most popular singers in the United States in the early 20th century. While he received star billing in Vaudeville, he was best known for his prolific work in the recording studio, making records for almost every record label of the era. Murray was the best-selling recording artist of the first quarter of the 20th century, selling over 300 million records during the phonograph era.
Murray in a newspaper ad from 1919
"You'd Be Surprised", on OkeH, 1919
"Oh! By Jingo", on Lyric, 1919
Ada Jane Jones was an English-American popular singer who made her first recordings in 1893 on Edison cylinders. She is among the earliest female singers to be recorded.
Portrait of Jones, 1894
Ada Jones sending morse code in 1918