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Arthur CollinsAmerican baritone with the most recorded performances
Date of Birth: 07.02.1864
Country:  USA |
Content:
Biography of Arthur Collins
Arthur Francis Collins, an American baritone with the most recorded performances in history, made a name for himself as one of the greatest baritones of his time. Born on February 7, 1864, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Arthur Collins began singing in the local church community until the age of 17. His voice became popular in the surrounding areas and regions, attracting special visitors who came to listen to his singing and leaving him with numerous enthusiastic reviews. Inspired by his talent, Arthur's parents decided to send him to the best vocal teachers.
Pioneering the Recordings
In the late 1890s, Arthur Collins received a letter from the Edison Phonograph Works company, offering him the opportunity to record three songs on a phonograph. Arthur enthusiastically accepted the offer, and his voice captivated Mr. Edison to the point that he immediately scheduled a recording session for him. This was in the mid-1898s, and by 1901, Arthur Collins was working with several recording companies, including Berliner, Columbia, Victor, and Zon-a-phone. In 1900, he was joined by another performer, Byron Harlan, and together they recorded many interesting duets. The most popular hit of that time was the song "The Preacher and the Bear," which was released on all major recording labels of the early 20th century.
The Battle for Acceptance
Like all advocates of progress, Arthur Collins and his publishers faced disapproval and lack of understanding from the conservative public. In response, Arthur Collins, in collaboration with the Edison Phonograph Works company, embarked on an unprecedented campaign for that time. He traveled to cities across America with a sound test. The lights in the auditorium were turned off, and the audience was asked to guess whether the phonograph or Arthur Collins himself was singing. A significant portion of the audience could not differentiate between the two, allowing Arthur to prove to skeptics that his recordings were not a sacrilege but a high-quality sound product.
Retirement and Legacy
In 1926, Arthur Collins retired and settled in Florida, where he devoted himself to breeding unique breeds of horses and cows. He passed away in August 1933, leaving behind a vast legacy of almost a hundred released records.
