Description

Vaughn DeLeath, “The Original Radio Girl”

Though scarcely remembered today, she was once referred to as the “First Lady of Radio” and later as “The Original Radio Girl.” Her crooning style of singing caught on and this was later picked up by the likes of Bing Crosby and Rudy Vallee, and then later by Frank Sinatra. In a studio too small to include a piano or other musical instruments, she stepped up to the microphone and sang, a capella, “Swanee River.” It was at that moment that she earned the position of the first person whose singing voice was heard on the air. In these early days of radio, she was known for her perseverance. According to Variety magazine, “She was known for her ability to entertain for long periods.” In the early days of radio, two or three performances might furnish an entire evenings entertainment.

Vaughn De Leath recorded for Edison throughout the 1920s and these recording were taken from some of the last recordings made for Edison in 1928 and 1929 on the “Lateral Cut” series.

Songlist:

1. Mah Lindy Lou  September 6, 1928
2. Nobody But Baby  August 14, 1928
3. Birmingham Bertha*  May 28, 1929
4. Come Back Chiquita  July 27, 1928
5. Everything we Like, we Like Alike  September 11, 1928
6. Mariana  September 11, 1928 
7. Honey  May 14, 1929
8. Honey, I’s a Waitin’ jes fo you  September 14, 1928
9. Jeanine, I Dream of Lilac Time  September 14, 1928
10. I Ain’t Got Nobody  September 19, 1928
11. Me and the Man in the Moon  January 21, 1929
12. When I’m Walking With My Sweetness  March 13, 1929
13. Some Sweet Day  April 17, 1929
14. Reaching for Someone  May 14, 1929
15. Happy Days and Lonely Nights  January 21, 1929
16. I’ve Got a Feeling I’m Falling  April 17, 1929
17. There Ain’t No Sweet Man  September 19, 1929
18. I’m Ka-razy for You  March 13, 1929
19. Dusky Stevedore  June 7, 1928
20. Giggling Gertie  June 7, 1928
21. Am I Blue?*  May 28, 1929

Total Playing Time: 67:05

* with B.A. Rolfe and his Lucky Strike Orchestra