Wax Cylinder Record, "Carry Me Back to Old Virginny," 1896-1901

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Artifact Overview

In 1878, African-American composer James A. Bland -- born in the North into an educated, middle-class family -- wrote this ballad sentimentalizing the Old South for the minstrel stage. Bland's skill as a composer made this song a popular piece in the late 19th century. With the introduction of affordable phonographs and recordings, favorite songs could be now enjoyed at the drop of a phonograph needle.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Cylinder (Sound recording)

Date Made

1896-1901

Creator Notes

Performance by the Edison Male Quartet; cylinder manufactured by the National Phonograph Company, Orange, New Jersey. Music composed by James Bland.

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

94.0.28.55

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Wax
Cardboard

Technique

Molding (forming)

Color

Brown

Dimensions

Height: 4.75 in
Diameter: 2.625 in

Wax Cylinder Record, "Carry Me Back to Old Virginny," 1896-1901