That Year in Music 1910

1910 was a year of transition in the music world, with ragtime and early jazz continuing to dominate the airwaves. As the first decade of the 20th century came to a close, new sounds were beginning to emerge, foreshadowing the innovative and boundary-pushing music that would come in the years ahead.

In Britain, music lovers were treated to the release of "The Whistler and His Dog" by the Edison Concert Band, a popular instrumental piece that captured the playful and melodic spirit of the time. Across the pond in America, performances by classical violinist Fritz Kreisler and vocal quartet the American Quartet were all the rage, showcasing the diverse range of musical talent flourishing in the early 1910s.

One of the standout albums of 1910 was "Songs of the Sea" by Royal Marines Band, a collection of stirring naval anthems and sea shanties that appealed to patriotic and adventurous listeners alike. Another notable release was "Nobody" by Bert Williams, a groundbreaking African American artist whose comedic and soulful performances challenged racial stereotypes and resonated with audiences across the country.

On the birth front, 1910 saw the arrival of legendary blues singer and guitarist T-Bone Walker, whose electrifying performances would later influence generations of musicians. The year also welcomed jazz pianist and composer Mary Lou Williams, whose innovative and emotive compositions would shape the future of jazz music for years to come.

As the world continued to grapple with social and political upheaval in the early 1910s, music provided a much-needed escape and release for audiences on both sides of the Atlantic. From the lively tunes of ragtime to the soul-stirring melodies of blues and jazz, the sounds of 1910 painted a vivid picture of a world in flux, where tradition collided with innovation to create a musical landscape unlike any other.