Billy Murray -- America’s First Recording Star [39min @ 12:20]

We look at the career of America's first recording star, Billy Murray, who made thousands of cylinders, discs, and radio appearances from the 1890s-1940s. We’ll learn about the birth of the recording industry and listen to a few archival recordings. Guests: Frank Hoffman, author of the biography and discography Billy Murray; Neal Lavon (co-host), director of VOA English Programs Division and sound collector; Dick Bertel, radio historian and former VOA"Talk To America" Executive Producer.