[78-L] Oldest recording artist

[Ray Kilcoyne]

Kristjan,
I now dub you the oldest living authority on this subject.
I can't dispute any of your firsts.
But it is interesting to note that Luise Rainer, closing in on 105, had a 78 
released in 1936 by the Famous Record Company of New York.  She did sing in 
"The Great Ziegfeld" but this 78 is a recording of her famous telephone call 
in that film.

http://luiserainer.wordpress.com/tag/78rpm/
RayK
>
From: Kristjan Saag
Old topic but worth reviving every now and then.
Does anyone know of a living recording artist who recorded before French
vocalist Léo Marjane? Marjane made test recordings for French Gramophone
in 1931 (which were never issued), and recorded for French Columbia in
1932 (issued).
She may also be the oldest now living person who has recorded
commercially. Léo Marjane was born on August 27 1912 - 102 years old.
Danish jazz violinist Svend Asmussen may be the oldest now living jazz
musician who recorded. He made his first recording as leader of a
backing group for vocalist Lulu Ziegler in 1934 and recorded as main
artist in 1935.
Svend Asmussen was born on February 28 1916 - he's 98 years old.
Also: does anyone know of any living band vocalist who is older than
Vera Lynn? Lynn was born on March 20 1917, and started her career as
band vocalist (Ambrose, Charlie Kunz, Jay Wilbur, Orlando - first
recording with Joe Loss in August 1935). She beats Bea Wain with about a
month - Bea was born on April 30 1917.