Uploaded June 2014 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Burgundy
Words and music by Tommie Malie, Harry Richman and Jimmy Steiger
The B. F. Goodrich Silvertown Cord Orchestra directed by Joseph Knecht
Vocal fefrain by the "Silver Masked Tenor" (Joseph M. White)
Recorded May 26, 1926
Victor 20074
In 1924, the B. F. Goodrich Company decided to employ radio as a medium to reach millions of listeners with good entertainment. Joseph Knecht, musical director of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City was asked to organize an orchestra for this purpose. He began broadcasting weekly dance concerts in December 1924 from New York on station WEAF on Thursday nights and on a network of 15 stations which could be heard by 50% of the country's population. The orchestra was named the B.F. Goodrich Silvertown Cord Orchestra. The Silvertown Cord was the brand name of their premium auto tire. The featured vocalist was the "Silver-Masked Tenor", Joseph M. White. His identity was a closely-guarded secret for several years. Around 1930, his identity was revealed, but that didn't stop him from using his famous identity. He simply continued performing as Joseph White, the "Silver Masked Tenor."
From an article in the March 11, 1928, Pittsburgh Press:
...So great has been the curiosity aroused as to the identity of the Silver-Masked Tenor, the talented singer appearing with the B. F. Goodrich Silvertown Cord Orchestra this week, that various determined efforts have been made to pierce his armor of mystery and cause him to reveal his name. One of these efforts recently was directed at his wife; an interviewer hoping to catch her in an unguarded moment and learn the name of her singer-husband. But to a cleverly formed query, she replied: "Why I'm just Mrs. Silver Masked Tenor!"
Burgundy
Words and music by Tommie Malie, Harry Richman and Jimmy Steiger
The B. F. Goodrich Silvertown Cord Orchestra directed by Joseph Knecht
Vocal fefrain by the "Silver Masked Tenor" (Joseph M. White)
Recorded May 26, 1926
Victor 20074
In 1924, the B. F. Goodrich Company decided to employ radio as a medium to reach millions of listeners with good entertainment. Joseph Knecht, musical director of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City was asked to organize an orchestra for this purpose. He began broadcasting weekly dance concerts in December 1924 from New York on station WEAF on Thursday nights and on a network of 15 stations which could be heard by 50% of the country's population. The orchestra was named the B.F. Goodrich Silvertown Cord Orchestra. The Silvertown Cord was the brand name of their premium auto tire. The featured vocalist was the "Silver-Masked Tenor", Joseph M. White. His identity was a closely-guarded secret for several years. Around 1930, his identity was revealed, but that didn't stop him from using his famous identity. He simply continued performing as Joseph White, the "Silver Masked Tenor."
From an article in the March 11, 1928, Pittsburgh Press:
...So great has been the curiosity aroused as to the identity of the Silver-Masked Tenor, the talented singer appearing with the B. F. Goodrich Silvertown Cord Orchestra this week, that various determined efforts have been made to pierce his armor of mystery and cause him to reveal his name. One of these efforts recently was directed at his wife; an interviewer hoping to catch her in an unguarded moment and learn the name of her singer-husband. But to a cleverly formed query, she replied: "Why I'm just Mrs. Silver Masked Tenor!"
