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 Audio
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 November 2, 2024, https://adpprod2.library.ucsb.edu/names/101951.

Spaeth, Sigmund. (2024). In Discography of American Historical Recordings. Retrieved November 2, 2024, from https://adpprod2.library.ucsb.edu/names/101951.

"Spaeth, Sigmund." Discography of American Historical Recordings. UC Santa Barbara Library, 2024. Web. 2 November 2024.

DAHR Persistent Identifier

URI: https://adpprod2.library.ucsb.edu/names/101951

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