Transcription Mystery Disc #253

This is the B-side of that Sherman Clay disc I ripped back in December. It's a metal-core, 6.5-Inch acetate recording bearing the date February 16th, 1950.  Both sides were recorded the same day. It's unclear which is Side A or B. the subject is still an audio letter by Louise and Bill Murphy.

Louise & Bill Murphy

In this episode Louise is trying out to be an opera star. Bill thinks he may find work as a Chorus Girl. Louise comes on to sing more and does a version of "Oh, You Beautiful Doll" Which in 1950 was already a 40-year old song with a long history in Ragtime. Which is to say...it's nothing she'd sing at the opera. Regardless we all hope she found work, it was 1950. WWII was over, the economy was booming and hopefully everythign worked out for them.

TranscriptionTranscription Mystery Disc #244

This is a metal-core, 6.5-Inch acetate recording on a brand of blank I've never heard of before: Sherman Clay. The company was founded in San Francisco in 1853, as as A. A. Rosenberg, and renamed Sherman Clay when partners Leander Sherman and Clement Clay bought him out in 1879. the company then sold Organs, pianos, and other musical instruments. In 2013, Sherman Clay announced it was going out of business on May 31, 2013 after 142 years. More here.

Louise & Bill Murphy


In the middle of that company's lifespan, this recording was made by Louise and Bill Murphy. The disc is clearly dated to February 16th, 1950.  They were in San Francisco and it's unclear if it's a vacation or a new home for them. The recording is a letter to Bill's parents and Louise sings a quick rendition of My Sunshine. They planned to go to Lake Tahoe the following day. Bill mumbles a bit,and then Louise says she'd like to come home.