George W. Johnson | |
|---|---|
&sq=&lang=&file=File:George_W._Johnson,_1898.jpg) A photo of Johnson from The Phonoscope, July 1898 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | George Washington Johnson |
| Born | October 29, 1846 Virginia, U.S. |
| Died | January 23, 1914 (aged 67) New York City, U.S. |
| Genres | Vaudeville |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, valet |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals, whistling |
| Years active | 1890–1910 |
| Labels | Berliner Gramophone, Edison, Columbia, Victor Talking Machine Company |
George Washington Johnson (c. October 1846 – January 23, 1914) was an American singer and pioneer sound recording artist. Johnson was the first African American recording star of the phonograph.[1][2] His most popular songs were "The Whistling Coon" and "The Laughing Song".
- ^ Possibly George Johnson; 67 years; January 23, 1914; certificate #3164; Manhattan. This would have him born in 1847. The 1900 U.S. Census lists him as being born in May 1850 and should be considered the most reliable, since it was self-reported: Johnson and his wife in the 1900 US Census
- ^ Brooks 2004, p. 17.
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