Sigmund Spaeth

Sigmund Gottfried Spaeth (April 10, 1885 – November 11, 1965) was an American musicologist who sought to de-mystify classical music for the general public. His extensive knowledge of both the classical repertoire and popular song enabled him to trace the melodies of current hits back to earlier sources; this talent garnered him fame as the "Tune Detective," a role he played as an entertainer, educator, and as an expert witness in cases of plagiarism and infringement of copyrighted music. Spaeth wrote over thirty books on both popular and classical music. He promoted his ideas about music and music appreciation with vaudeville appearances, books and magazine articles, lectures, and radio and television programs. A serious academic, an athlete and a musician, Spaeth described himself as a "writer, broadcaster, lecturer, composer, arranger and general showman and entertainer."

Birth and Death Data: Born January 1, 1885 (Philadelphia), Died November 11, 1965 (New York City)

Date Range of DAHR Recordings: 1913 - 1932

Roles Represented in DAHR: lyricist, composer, songwriter

= Recordings are available for online listening.
= Recordings were issued from this master. No recordings issued from other masters.

Recordings

Company	Matrix No.	Size	First Recording Date	Title	Primary Performer	Description	Role
Victor	B-14234	10-in.	12/22/1913	Dreaming of you	Florence Hinkle	Female vocal solo, with orchestra	lyricist
Victor	B-25214	10-in.	4/13/1921	Querida	Titta Ruffo	Baritone vocal solo, with orchestra	lyricist
Victor	B-29614	10-in.	3/3/1924	Chansonette	Lambert Murphy	Male vocal solo, with cello, piano, and orchestra	lyricist
Victor	BVE-37838	10-in.	2/25/1927	My little nest of heavenly blue	Maria Jeritza	Soprano vocal solo, with orchestra	lyricist
Victor	BVE-41526	10-in.	1/6/1928	Down South	Harry Reser's Banjo Boys ; Tom Stacks	Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo	lyricist
Victor	BRC-Test-500	10-in.	2/17/1932	Sing a song of contract	Frank Crumit ; Julia Sanderson	Mixed vocal duet, with instrumental ensemble	composer
Columbia	78977	10-in.	2/17/1920	Madrigal of May	Jeanne Gordon	Contralto vocal solo, with orchestra	lyricist
Columbia	W141685	10-in.	2/17/1926	Madrigal of May	Franklyn Baur	Male vocal solo, with orchestra	lyricist
Columbia	145704	10-in.	3/1/1928	Down South	Manhattan Dance Makers	Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo	lyricist
Brunswick	12267-12269	10-in.	1/11/1924	Chansonette	Marie Tiffany	Female vocal solo, with orchestra and violin obbligato	lyricist
Brunswick	12506-12508	10-in.	2/11/1924	Chansonette	Marie Tiffany	Female vocal solo, with orchestra and violin obbligato	lyricist
Brunswick	E3292-E3294	10-in.	6/25/1926	My little nest of heavenly blue	Kensington Serenaders	Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo	lyricist
Brunswick	E23995-E23998	10-in.	7/15/1927	Down South	Anglo-Persians	Jazz/dance band, with male vocal trio; without vocal (take E23988)	lyricist
Brunswick	577	10-in.	May 1928	Chanson	Fred Elizalde Music	Jazz/dance band	songwriter
Edison	10834	10-in.	2/16/1926	My little nest (Of heavenly blue)	Walter Scanlan	Male vocal solo, with orchestra	lyricist

Citation

Discography of American Historical Recordings, s.v. "Spaeth, Sigmund," accessed April 18, 2024, https://adp.library.ucsb.edu/names/101951.

Spaeth, Sigmund. (2024). In Discography of American Historical Recordings. Retrieved April 18, 2024, from https://adp.library.ucsb.edu/names/101951.

"Spaeth, Sigmund." Discography of American Historical Recordings. UC Santa Barbara Library, 2024. Web. 18 April 2024.