Billy Baskette

William James Baskette (October 20, 1884 – November 8, 1949) was an American pianist and composer who wrote popular songs of the Tin Pan Alley era. He also wrote one of the most successful World War I war songs, "Good Bye Broadway, Hello France".

Baskette was born in Henderson, Kentucky. His career in music began as a bassist in a circus band. He also was involved in vaudeville performances as a dancer and a pianist. Later, he became a staff composer for various music publishing firms in Chicago and New York City. He died in Culver City, California on November 8, 1949.

Baskette was a part of the Tin Pan Alley movement of music. In 1918, there was a focus on music called "goodbye songs" referring to U.S. soldiers who were deployed to France during World War I. One of Baskette's most notable works was "Goodbye Broadway, Hello France," which was a hit song of the period.

Birth and Death Data: Born October 20, 1884, Died November 8, 1949

Date Range of DAHR Recordings: 1917 - 1945

Roles Represented in DAHR: composer, songwriter, lyricist, piano

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

Recordings (Results 126-131 of 131 records)

Company Matrix No. Size First Recording Date Title Primary Performer Description Role Audio
Edison 10986 10-in. 5/17/1926 Talking to the moon Palais D'Or Orchestra ; B. A. Rolfe Jazz/dance band composer  
Edison 10994 10-in. 5/21/1926 Talking to the moon The Frolickers Jazz/dance band composer  
Edison 11073 10-in. 6/25/1926 Let me spend the journey's end with you Kaplan's Melodists Jazz/dance band composer  
Edison 11728 10-in. 6/10/1927 Hoosier sweetheart (Say who) Jack Kaufman ; Al Lynn ; Music Masters Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo composer  
Edison 19110 10-in. 3/18/1929 Dream train Golden Gate Orchestra [California Ramblers] Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo composer  
Edison N-801 10-in. 3/18/1929 Dream train Golden Gate Orchestra [California Ramblers] Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo composer  
(Results 126-131 of 131 records)

Citation

Discography of American Historical Recordings, s.v. "Baskette, Billy," accessed November 24, 2024, https://adpprod2.library.ucsb.edu/names/106782.

Baskette, Billy. (2024). In Discography of American Historical Recordings. Retrieved November 24, 2024, from https://adpprod2.library.ucsb.edu/names/106782.

"Baskette, Billy." Discography of American Historical Recordings. UC Santa Barbara Library, 2024. Web. 24 November 2024.

DAHR Persistent Identifier

URI: https://adpprod2.library.ucsb.edu/names/106782

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