Lost Sounds

Wed, 28 Mar 2007 05:00:00

LOST SOUNDS

Tim Brooks

When Tim Brooks first began hearing the name George W. Johnson back in the 1980s, he had no idea his research would lead to a little-known but crucial chapter in the birth of the recording industry.

For 30 years after commercial records first began being sold in 1890, some of biggest stars were African Americans. And the biggest star of all for an entire decade was George W. Johnson, a former slave and street performer in New York. His "Laughing Song" was heard in Victorian parlors across the country, where he never would have been welcome in person.

But there were many others as well: early precursors of jazz and rhythm and blues; a spoken recording no one knew existed of the controversial Jack Johnson, first black heavyweight champion of the world; a baritone named Harry T. Burleigh, who introduced spirituals to Antonin Dvorak, who then incorporated the music into his New World Symphony.

They're all collected on an album called "Lost Sounds: Blacks and the birth of the Recording Industry," which won a Grammy this year as Best Historical Album. Tim Brooks talks about the thrill of discovery in uncovering these little-known gems.

See a gallery of archived photos
Hear material from the CD
Learn more about Tim's book

Add to story

Your Story - Lloyd Pardue

Lloyd Pardue, 1946

Lloyd Pardue was released from military service in 1946.

He kept his uniform, especially his Eisenhower jacket, a greenish, smart-looking tapered military jacket ever since.

Lloyd Pardue and his Eisenhower jacket

Later - much later - Lloyd took his jacket to the dry cleaners. That was in 1961. Lloyd never saw his jacket again until this past September, 45 years later. He talks to Dick about what it was like to get his missing Eisenhower jacket back.

Add to story

The Story from American Public Media - Lost Sounds

Lost Sounds

LOST SOUNDS

Your Story - Lloyd Pardue