American performer and recording artist From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
William F. Denny (circa 1860 – October 2, 1908) was an American vaudeville performer and pioneer recording artist.
Denny ca. 1899
William F. Denny (also known as Will F. Denny) was born in late 1859 or more likely in 1860 in Boston,[1][2] to James and Elizabeth Denny.[3] He gained fame performing on vaudeville stages,[1] specializing in comic numbers.[2] His first recordings were made in 1891 for the New England Phonograph Company.[4] Beginning in May 1898 his popularity was such that he signed an exclusive recording contract with Columbia that was in effect for one year.[2] He had a singular recording session for Victor Records on September 11, 1901.[2] His last records were made for the Zonophone company. He died in Seattle on October 2, 1908 of atherosclerosis,[5] while touring on the Pantages vaudeville circuit, and was buried in Philadelphia.[2]
Brooks, Tim (1999). The Columbia Master Book Discography, Volume I: U.S. Matrix Series 1 through 4999, 1901-1910 with a History of the Columbia Phonograph Company to 1934. Greenwood Press. ISBN978-0-313-30821-5.
