"Where the River Shannon Flows", Will Oakland

Edison Blue Amberol 1798 [Take 1, Mould 12]. "Where the River Shannon Flows" (James I. Russell) Will Oakland and Chorus. First year of release: 1913. Played on my Amberola 50.

"EDISON RECORD No. 1798
Sentimental Song
Orchestra Accompaniment By Will Oakland and Chorus
'Where The River Shannon Flows'
Music & words by James I. Russell
Published by M. Witmark & Sons, New York

------------------------------------------

It was John Russell, of the famous Russell Brothers, who, in their inimitable sketch 'The Irish Chambermaids' beguiled countless theatre-goers to laughter for a number of years, instigated the writing of this beautiful ballad 'Where The River Shannon Flows,' notwithstanding that both the words and music were composed by his clever brother, James I. Russell. John was the vocalist of the team and, after featuring one great song for years, dreading to change it for fear his audiences would not take kindly to it, he decided that something new was absolutely necessary, and called upon his brother to write it. It was during the trying month of July, in New York, when the army of piano-player fiends and back-yard minstrels make the night hideous with discordant sounds, that James tried to woo his muse in vain. Throwing aside his writing pad in disgust he jumped to his feet with 'It's no use, Johnny, a man can't hear himself think in this din, I'd better leave it 'til we move out to where the river Shannon flows'-alluding to a tiny stream about a yard wide that flowing by their bungalow in the Catskills, they had jokingly named 'Shannon.' James reached for pencil and paper and calmly wrote down his brother's words. Hardly a week later 'Where The River Shannon Flows' began to find its way into the homes of the multitude, who christened it the 'Irish Swanee River' and James I. lost a part of his signature because, from that day to this, he is spoken of as James 'Shannon' Russell."

From Edison slip inserted in original record box.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Amberola
• Edison
• BlueAmberol
• WillOakland
• RiverShannon
• JamesI.Russell
• Ireland
• Irish
• 1910's
• 1913

[LittleIrishDancerGal]

Thank-you, and I actually got 1st!

[fuzzbear6240]

LIDG, BRAVA! Congratulations! I'm so happy to hear this old music still lives in the hearts and minds of at least some younger folks.

Regards, J.

[LittleIrishDancerGal]

I love this song. I'm actually singing this for an Irish competition (feis). It has a great sound also. Good video.

[fuzzbear6240]

LIDG, (Sorry for the delay in responding.) Thank you-I'm pleased you enjoyed the clip. I certainly hope you took top honors in the Feis!

Regards, J.

[hdmk5]

Thank you dfor keeping this memory alive!!!!

[fuzzbear6240]

You're so very welcome-and Thank you for the kind words. Regards, J.

[Nojnotpu]

I have always associated this song with that wonderful early recording artist, John McCormack. But this is pretty fantastic as well.

[kathmc22]

My grandmother was married to Will Oakland at the time of his death. I have been searching for the clips from the Ed Sullivan show for years. Can't find them anywhere.

[kgiblin33]

Good post...Named my daughter after this song. First time I heard this man sing it, I had Tony Kenney's cd but I think I like this feller, is he the original singer?

[MikeBlitzMag]

Will Oakland was of course one-fifth of one of the best vocal groups of the 20th century, the Heidelburg Quintet. Nearly a century after their heyday, the Heidelburg Quintet remains the standard of excellence in group harmony and barbershop harmony, as well. Will Oakland was the last surviving member of the group when he died in 1956. A clip of his early 1950s appearance on the Ed Sullivan show is rumored to have survived. Would LOVE to see it!!

[LittleIrishDancerGal]

Thanks

[fuzzbear6240]

Highlander1745, I'm so glad this brings back fond memories. Enjoy and thank you for the kind words. Regards, J.