RARE/UNIQUE? ca 1899 9" Zon-O-Phone Record Imperial Minstrels George Johnson
$
100
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Description
Well, I am listing tonight one of the rarest and most historically important records that will be listed on ebay this year or any year. It is a Zon-O-Phone disc in the rare early 9" size and the artists are the Imperial Minstrels, a group which contained George Johnson, considered by most to be the very first African-American recording star. The disc is numbered C5081 and there is a "1" upper middle. The song is Johnson's Laughing Song. I dont have a way to play it so I will give a visual description: The disc is one-sided, white fancy writing for the title and artist, with a bit of the white worn away on the "Zon-O-Phone" name. The back has a fancy pattern. The song side retains gloss, the disc is flat, there are no cracks or chips, and there are scattered light scuffs and scratches - so not mint but a nice example of a very rare 115 year old disc!! After lots of research my best estimate is that the disc was recorded in person by Johnson and the others around 1899, but I cannot find any notation anywhere of this particular disc's existence other than my example. So, advanced collectors and institutions: do your homework on this one, as it surely is one of the earliest minstrels recordings ever and a true rarity from George Johnson!! I am starting the disc with a modest starting bid so we can have an auction!! Thanks!
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