Uploaded April 2024 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Irving Kaufman – Monte Cristo
From "Monte Cristo Jr."
Tenor with Orchestra Accompaniment
Written by Harold Atteridge (lyricist), Sigmund Romberg, and Jean Schwartz
78 RPM audio transfer from Bowness Arts' collection of vintage records
Irving Kaufman / Arthur Fields – Monte Cristo / Johnny's In Town
Label: Gennett – 4529
Format: Shellac, 10", 78 RPM
Released: 1919
Genre: Pop
Style: Vocal
Other side of this record: Arthur Fields – Johnny's In Town
Irving Kaufman, born Isidore Kaufman on February 8, 1890, in Syracuse, New York, emerged as a significant voice in the early twentieth century's American music scene. The son of Russian Jewish immigrants, Kaufman found his early footing in the entertainment world as part of The Kaufman Brothers ensemble alongside his siblings Phillip and Jack. His career took a notable turn between 1913 and 1919 when he joined The Avon Comedy Four, a group celebrated for its blend of comedy and music, laying the groundwork for Kaufman's expansive recording career. Though primarily recognized for his vaudeville performances, Kaufman's contribution to music transcended genre boundaries. He collaborated with jazz luminaries like Leon "Bix" Beiderbecke and the Dorsey Brothers, showcasing a voice that adapted seamlessly to both acoustic and electrical recording technologies. His prolific output in the 1920s secured his status as one of the era's defining voices. After a heart attack forced him into retirement in 1949, Kaufman stepped away from the spotlight, making a brief return in 1974 with the release of "Reminisce With Irving Kaufman." This collection, featuring a mix of old recordings and new performances with his second wife, Belle Brooks, served as a nostalgic nod to his enduring legacy. Kaufman's final years were spent in Palm Springs, California, until his death at the age of 85, on January 3, 1976, in Indio, California.
Note: The first 78 RPM record came into existence around 1894, and in 1912 the Gramophone Company established 78 Rotations Per Minute (RPM) as their recording standard. The production of shellac records continued throughout the 78 rpm era, with "non-breakable" 78 rpm vinyl records being introduced in the 1940s. The popularity of the 33 1/3 rpm "Long Play" record, initially released in 1948, caused the 78 rpm record to become obsolete before the end of the 1950s. As these 78 rpm recordings are quite old, they may contain derogatory language and/or negative stereotypes. It is important to evaluate such recordings within their historical context and consider them as a reflection of the attitudes prevalent at the time. These recordings form an integral part of the historical record and do not represent the views of this poster, channel, or Bowness Arts.
Irving Kaufman – Monte Cristo
From "Monte Cristo Jr."
Tenor with Orchestra Accompaniment
Written by Harold Atteridge (lyricist), Sigmund Romberg, and Jean Schwartz
78 RPM audio transfer from Bowness Arts' collection of vintage records
Irving Kaufman / Arthur Fields – Monte Cristo / Johnny's In Town
Label: Gennett – 4529
Format: Shellac, 10", 78 RPM
Released: 1919
Genre: Pop
Style: Vocal
Other side of this record: Arthur Fields – Johnny's In Town
Irving Kaufman, born Isidore Kaufman on February 8, 1890, in Syracuse, New York, emerged as a significant voice in the early twentieth century's American music scene. The son of Russian Jewish immigrants, Kaufman found his early footing in the entertainment world as part of The Kaufman Brothers ensemble alongside his siblings Phillip and Jack. His career took a notable turn between 1913 and 1919 when he joined The Avon Comedy Four, a group celebrated for its blend of comedy and music, laying the groundwork for Kaufman's expansive recording career. Though primarily recognized for his vaudeville performances, Kaufman's contribution to music transcended genre boundaries. He collaborated with jazz luminaries like Leon "Bix" Beiderbecke and the Dorsey Brothers, showcasing a voice that adapted seamlessly to both acoustic and electrical recording technologies. His prolific output in the 1920s secured his status as one of the era's defining voices. After a heart attack forced him into retirement in 1949, Kaufman stepped away from the spotlight, making a brief return in 1974 with the release of "Reminisce With Irving Kaufman." This collection, featuring a mix of old recordings and new performances with his second wife, Belle Brooks, served as a nostalgic nod to his enduring legacy. Kaufman's final years were spent in Palm Springs, California, until his death at the age of 85, on January 3, 1976, in Indio, California.
Note: The first 78 RPM record came into existence around 1894, and in 1912 the Gramophone Company established 78 Rotations Per Minute (RPM) as their recording standard. The production of shellac records continued throughout the 78 rpm era, with "non-breakable" 78 rpm vinyl records being introduced in the 1940s. The popularity of the 33 1/3 rpm "Long Play" record, initially released in 1948, caused the 78 rpm record to become obsolete before the end of the 1950s. As these 78 rpm recordings are quite old, they may contain derogatory language and/or negative stereotypes. It is important to evaluate such recordings within their historical context and consider them as a reflection of the attitudes prevalent at the time. These recordings form an integral part of the historical record and do not represent the views of this poster, channel, or Bowness Arts.
