Spencer and Jones
Sound Recordings (alphabetical by title)

Descriptions in green are taken from the monthly new cylinder reports in the Edison Phonograph Monthly or from other period sources as indicated.

  • Antony and Cleopatra.  Edison Gold Moulded 9036, released July 1905: No. 9036, "Antony and Cleopatra," by Ada Jones and Len Spencer, is a talking and singing selection with orchestral incidental music and other descriptive effects. "Antony and Cleopatra" is a Shakespearean travesty. This style of humorous entertainment has been made popular by Ross and Fenton, the well-known vaudeville artists. Miss Jones and Mr. Spencer give a decidedly realistic rendition of the subject. It is entirely different from either of the two previously listed selections by these artists [Heinie, Edison Gold Moulded 8982, and Ev'ry Little Bit Helps, Edison Gold Moulded 9016], and no collection of Records will be complete without it. (UCSB 6692)
  • August and Katrina.  Edison Gold Moulded 9767, released February 1908: The mere announcement of this selection and the names of the artists making the Record are really enough to cause a wide demand for the Record, so well known are Jones and Spencer as dispensers of fun and music. The title shows that the selection is a German dialect sketch. After a funny dialogue between August and Katrina, Miss Jones sings: "I'd Like to Make a Smash Mit You," and with Mr. Spencer introduces a Dutch wooden shoe dance. This dance is so realistic that if you shut your eyes you can almost see his feet. The sketch is original with Mr. Spencer and is not published. Orchestra accompaniment. (UCSB 3288)
  • Bashful Henry and His Lovin' Lucy (A Darktown Courtship).  Columbia A288, mx 3467 (Internet Archive); Victor 31531 (Internet Archive); Victor 35013B, was 31531 (Internet Archive, RA: raeproductions); Edison Gold Moulded 9335, released August 1906: No. 9335, "Bashful Henry and His Lovin' Lucy," by Ada Jones and Len Spencer, is a vaudeville sketch descriptive of a darktown courtship and introducing the song, "I have Such a Funny Feeling When I Look at You" with incidental music by the orchestra. The dialogue shows how Lucy overcame the diffidence of her bashful lover and how she brought him to the proposal point. Everything ends happily and the Record closes with one of the typical Jones and Spencer duets. (UCSB 3099, RA: [mould 17] Cylinders on the Web)
  • Becky and Izzy (A Yiddish Courtship).  Victor 5034 (Internet Archive); Edison Gold Moulded 9572, released June 1907: No. 9572, "Becky and Izzy," is by Ada Jones and Len Spencer, who enter the Yiddish field this month and present a very funny Record of a Yiddish courtship on the East side of New York city.  The Record is a laugh from beginning to end.  The dialogue touches upon noses, fires, diamonds, failures, etc.  Here are some of the laughs:
       Becky--For why when you kiss me do you hold your head sideways, huh?
       Izzy--Because our noses are (music, "Always in the Way") that's it, always in the way.
       Izzy--Vat's the news, anyway?
       Becky--Nothin, only a fire in fadder's store.
       Izzy--Oi, oi, when is it?
       Becky--It was last night.
       Becky--You promised me a diamond necklace for my birthday, but you failed to buy it.
       Izzy--Dot's what I'd have to do to buy you a diamond necklace.
       Becky--What's dat?
       Izzy--I'd have to fail.
       Izzy wants to be called by some pretty and sweet name.  Becky calls him her firebug and sings: "You Are My Firebug," written by Will D. Cobb (words) and Gus Edwards (music).     (UCSB 3236)
  • Blondy and [Her] Johnny.  Standard [=Columbia] disc 3666 (Internet Archive); Edison Gold Moulded 9599, released July 1907: No. 9599, "Blondy and Johnny," by Ada Jones and Len Spencer, is descriptive of a scene in a Bowery dance hall, with a snappy dialogue in the vernacular between Johnny and his girl Blondy, and a number of incidental effects that add to the realism of the Record. Blondy tells Johnny that she is a mind reader and to prove that she knows what he is thinking of she sings the chorus of "Blondy," a new song by Alfred Bryan (words) and George W. Myers (music). (Internet Archive)
  • Bowery Flirtation, A.  Edison Gold Moulded 10082, released March 1909: An original vaudeville sketch in “Bowery” dialect in which the following song with orchestra accompaniment is introduced:
       I never knew what love was till I fell in love with you,
       You won my heart completely with those dreamy eyes of blue;
       I've jollied Maude and Mamie, and made eyes at Lill and Lou,
       I never knew what love was till I fell in love with you.
    (UCSB 3530)
  • Bronc[h]o Bob and His Little Cheyenne.  Edison Gold Moulded 9720, released December 1907: A highly original, diverting Western sketch, which is crowded with human interest and will certainly be a big seller. The scene opens with the whinny of a horse. Cheyenne (Ada Jones) rides into the camp, her mare blown, to marry Broncho Bob (Len Spencer), who carries her off to the parson on his own horse to the accompaniment of the cowboys' band, which plays "Cheyenne," a verse of which is appropriately sung by Miss Jones at the earnest request of her lover. This Record is out of the common and is going to make a big hit. Original arrangement. (Internet Archive); Columbia A432, mx 3734 (Internet Archive); United [=Columbia mx] 3734 (Internet Archive)
  • Burying the Hatchet.  Edison Gold Moulded 9623, released August 1907: No. 9623, "Burying the Hatchet," by Ada Jones and Len Spencer, is a diverting vaudeville coon specialty in which these favorite artists are so brilliantly successful. Henry has run away from Lucy because of her pernicious habit of throwing the furniture at him in moments of emotion. In this sketch they become reconciled, and as Henry has had the foresight to bring back a chicken with him, complete happiness seems in store. Lucy finishes the sketch by singing the chorus of the song entitled "Henry," composed by Thomas V. White (music) and Claude L. Barker (words). (UCSB 2805, RA: raeproductions); as Henry's Return on Victor 5134 (Internet Archive).
  • Cherry Hill Jerry.  Columbia disc 3566 (Internet Archive); Edison Gold Moulded 9475, released February 1907: No. 9475, "Cherry Hill Jerry," is the title of the monthly selection by Ada Jones and Len Spencer. No feature of the monthly list of Edison Records is more eagerly looked for than these vaudeville sketches by Miss Jones and Mr. Spencer. This one is descriptive of the love making of "Jerry," an East Side pugilist, who is "all to de merry," and his girl "Liza," who is "all to de candy." The dialogue is typically Bowery, the orchestra playing "He's Me Pal" at one part of it. Miss Jones sings "Cherry Hill Jerry," a new song by John B. Lowitz (music) and Earle C. Jones (words). (UCSB 3183)
  • Chimmie and Maggie at the Hippodrome.  Edison Gold Moulded 9079, released Sept. 1905: No. 9079, "Chimmie and Maggie at the Hippodrome," by Ada Jones and Len Spencer, describes Chimmie and Maggie's first visit to the New York Hippodrome. Their characteristic comments during the progress of the performance are highly amusing. Chimmie and Maggie are from the Bowery, of course, as their style of conversation plainly indicates. A number of the features of the Hippodrome are given, among them being the "Dance of the Hours" ballet and the battle scene of the "Raiders." The music of the orchestra lends much realism to the portrayal, as does also other incidental effects. (Internet Archive); as Jimmie and Maggie at the Hippodrome on Victor 35013, was 31483 (Internet Archive, RA: raeproductions)
  • Chimmie and Maggie at "The Merry Widow."  Albany Indestructible 718 (UCSB 3917).  From description of Edison Gold Moulded 9820, released May 1908: Chimmie and Maggie have yielded to the New York craze and have been to see Lehár's operetta "The Merry Widow."  The Record begins as they are leaving the theatre.  The calls for carriages are heard and the boys are selling the sheet music in the lobby.  Maggie is inclined to be sarcastic about the members of her sex whom they have just seen on the "stoige."  She especially comments on the "Widow" thusly:
       Little puffs of powder,
       Little dabs of paint,
       Makes the merry widow
       Look like wot she ain't.
    Jimmie's replies make Maggie somewhat jealous.  He, in turn, is put out when she wants to find the man who wrote the famous waltz.  The sketch is original and is not published.
  • Chimmie and Maggie in Nickel Land.  Edison Gold Moulded 9671, released October 1907: These favorite artists have made an exceptionally good Record; and the clever way in which the dialogue, song, and incidental interruptions are condensed into one cylinder is a triumph in its way. Maggie, as the lady vocalist of "Nickel Land," persuades Chimmie and his friends to come in and give her new song a boost. She sings the East Side character song called "Jimmie," and in it makes her confession of love for Chimmie, who responds instantly, and they go out and get married. This will make a big hit. Original arrangement and not published. Song "Jimmie" is by Erdman and Chapel; published by C. M. Chapel & Co., Chicago. (UCSB 3450, Internet Archive); as Jimmie and Maggie in Nickel-land on Victor 35051B, recorded June 4, 1907 (Meloware $$$)
  • Coming Home From Coney Island.  Columbia A863, mx 3441 (Internet Archive); Columbia cylinder 32981 (UCSB 4813)
  • Coon Courtship, A.  See You've Got To Love Me A Lot
  • Courtship of Barney and Eileen, The.  Columbia disc 3276 (Internet Archive).  From description of Edison Gold Moulded 9143, released November 1905: No. 9143, "Courtship of Barney and Eileen," by Ada Jones and Len Spencer, is another clever vaudeville specialty with orchestra accompaniment. This is quite unlike the specialties heretofore made by Miss Jones and Mr. Spencer, but it is just as clever. It tells in Irish dialect of how Barney courted Eileen.
  • Crushed Tragedian, The.  Edison Amberol 670 (UCSB 1988).  From description of Albany Indestructible 3231 [July supplement]: An entirely new and characteristically clever sketch by Spencer and Jones, in which an actor of the old school gives a recital of his tribulations in a way that would melt a heart of stone if it were not so conducive to laughter.  He admits that there are two great tragedians left but does not enlighten us as to who is the other one.
  • Darktown Courtship, A.  See Bashful Henry and His Lovin' Lucy
  • Down On the Farm.  Edison Gold Moulded 9431, released December 1906: No. 9431, "Down on the Farm," by Ada Jones and Len Spencer, is a vaudeville sketch depicting a scene on the old farm at Christmas time. Numerous incidental effects which add realism to the scene are introduced, such as the shaking and winding of the old clock, sleigh-bells, children's voices, Christmas horns, etc. Miss Jones also sings very appropriately, "I've Grown so Used to You," accompanied by the orchestra. Joy, sadness, pathos and mirth are intermingled, climaxing with the return of the old people's son Zeke in time to save the old farm by taking up old Skinner's mortgage--Dad's Christmas present from Zeke. (UCSB 3153, Internet Archive); Victor 31597, recorded Sept. 11, 1906 (Meloware $$$)
  • Ev'ry Little Bit Helps.  Edison Gold Moulded 9016, released June 1905: No. 9016, "Ev'ry Little Bit Helps," by Ada Jones and Len Spencer, is a realistic portrayal of a vaudeville act, introducing theatre surroundings, audience, orchestra and everything incidental to as bright and amusing [a] little act with a story to it as one would see or hear in a first-class vaudeville house.  The Record in the May list [Heinie, Edison Gold Moulded 8982] made by these artists broke all records for the sale of a single selection, and this one will probably be quite as popular.  Fred Fischer wrote the music of this composition and George Whiting, the words. (UCSB 2830)
  • Fishing (The Fair Fisher [Maid] and Her Catch).  As The Fair Fisher and Her Catch on Victor 4490 (Internet Archive); As Fishing on Edison 9106, released October 1905: No. 9106, "Fishing," by Ada Jones and Len Spencer, is a vaudeville sketch, with orchestra instrumental music, introducing a summer resort flirtation scene, with a witty dialogue by Miss Jones and Mr. Spencer and concluding with Fay Templeton's song "Fishing," sung by Miss Jones. This is one of the best Records that these artists have made. It will be a favorite with everybody and especially with those who spend a vacation at any of the numerous summer resorts of the country. (UCSB 2866)
  • Flannigan's St. Patricks' Day.  Victor 16753, was 4756 (Internet Archive)
  • Fritz and Louisa.  Victor 4550 (Internet Archive); Silvertone [=Columbia disc] 3325 (Internet Archive); Columbia cylinder 32868 (UCSB 4794) as Fritzy and Louisa on Edison 9172, released January 1906: No. 9172, "Fritzy and Louisa," by Ada Jones and Len Spencer, is a vaudeville sketch introducing both singing and talking by Miss Jones and Mr. Spencer, also orchestral incidental music. It is a German dialect sketch, a line of work in which these artists have been more than successful. This sketch was written especially for our Record. (UCSB 2899, Internet Archive)
  • Fun at the Music Counter.  Victor 5476 (Internet Archive).  From description of Edison 9911, released August 1908: A laugh-making burlesque on familiar scenes at a sheet-music counter.  The fun results from the saleslady taking the literal meaning of the titles of songs asked for by customers.  An Irishman calls for "Won't You Come Out To-night, Mary Ann" and she considers he is asking for a date.  Somebody asks for "The Songs My Mother Used to Sing."  "What songs did she sing?  I'm no mind reader," is the answer he gets.  The saleslady, cash boy, floor-walker, also a German, Irishman, Rube, Tough and several other customers get in on the fun, which is fast and furious, and concludes with "Much Obliged to You" sung by the saleslady.  Original vaudeville sketch not published.
  • Golden Wedding, The.  Edison Gold Moulded 9148, released December 1905: No. 9148, "The Golden Wedding," by Ada Jones and Len Spencer, is an original vaudeville sketch, with orchestra accompaniment, written especially for our Record. An aged couple on the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage are talking reminiscently of their wedding day and lovingly exchanging felicitations on the happy years that have marked the span of their married life. Interspersed with the dialogue is incidental music by the orchestra, including "The Golden Wedding" and "Silver Threads Among the Gold." This Record is unlike any that Miss Jones and Mr. Spencer have yet made, but we believe that it will find a large sale among those who appreciate well rendered Records of sentimental subjects. (UCSB 2885, Internet Archive); Columbia A284, mx 3314 (Internet Archive); Victor 16658, was 4549 (Internet Archive); Edison Amberol 312 (UCSB 1758); Edison Blue Amberol 1871 (UCSB 0292, Internet Archive); Albany Indestructible 3093 (UCSB 4099)
  • Good-a-Bye John.  As Italian Specialty on Victor 4908 (Internet Archive)
  • Happy Mammy and Her Joe.  Edison Gold Moulded 10073, released February 1909: An original Southern sketch. Mammy has a happy sunny disposition and she uses it effectively to cheer up her Joe, who is disposed to be low spirited because he’s tired of the struggle for existence. She sings to him and induces him to shake the rheumatism out of his bones by dancing. The Record introduces Ed. Harriagn’s and Dave Braham’s old song “When de Trumpet in the Cornfield Blows.” (UCSB 3522), also issued as Mammy Chloe and Her Joe.
  • Heinie.  Edison Gold Moulded 8982, released May 1905: No. 8982, "Heinie," by Ada Jones and Len Spencer, is a Dutch vaudeville specialty introducing the song "Heinie."  The scene is in the theatre with orchestra, and all the incidental effects are introduced realistically.  The music of this song was written by Ted Snyder and the words by Edward Rose.  The Record is cleverly made by Miss Jones and Mr. Spencer and cannot fail to achieve wild popularity. (UCSB 3017); as Katrina's Valentine on Victor 16528, was 4474 (Internet Archive)
  • Henny and Hilda.  As Henny and Hilda at the German Picnic on Edison Amberol 23, released November 1908: One of the cleverest dialect acts that Ada Jones and Len Spencer have ever put on. Hilda promptly forgets that her escort is on earth when she espies her Henny of the band, proudly carrying his bassoon. Together they make a jolly round of the park attractions. Henny frequently gives vent to his exuberant feelings on the bassoon, and Hilda makes good with a number of short, catchy songs. 240 seconds of racy fun. Original vaudeville sketch not published. (UCSB 1620); as Henry and Hilda at the Schuetzenfest on Victor 5520 (Internet Archive)
  • Henry's Return.  See Burying the Hatchet. 
  • Herman and Minnie.  Columbia A482, mx 3690 (Internet Archive); Edison Gold Moulded 9643, released September 1907: No. 9643, "Herman and Minnie," is sung by Ada Jones and Len Spencer. These favorite artists may always be depended upon to make a good Record when they take part in a German character sketch, as this latest one is. Minnie starts by singing a verse of the song entitled "Herman," (written by William Jerome, music by Jean Schwartz). Thereupon Herman comes up in his automobile. "Ah, what a nice little runabout," says Minnie. "Yes, it runs about ten minutes and then breaks down," returns Herman, who has troubles of his own. (UCSB 3437)
  • House Cleaning Time.  Edison Gold Moulded 9955, released October 1908: A thrilling domestic episode that everyone knows about from sad experience. Ada Jones as the "lady behind the broom" is as peevish as the occasion demands, even if she does say she is "A woman of few words." Len Spencer, as John, only succeeds in getting her way--(Poor John!) He is given a good dusting until he feels he is the most unnecessary piece of furniture in the house. Mary's mood changes suddenly though, when they run across a packet of their old love letters. Household cares fly out the window with the remembrance of happy bygone days. Mary: "You remember how hard I used to try to make the biscuits?" John: "Yes, and how hard you used to make them." (Both laugh.) A tender bit of pathos is added as Mary sings: "In After Years When I Am Old." Original vaudeville sketch, not published. (Internet Archive); Albany Indestructible 870 (Internet Archive); Victor 5521 (Internet Archive)
  • How Matt Got the Mitten.  Victor 5028 (Internet Archive); Edison Gold Moulded 9523, released April 1907: No. 9523, "How Matt Got the Mitten," by Ada Jones and Len Spencer, is a funny vaudeville specialty describing a Down-East courtship which resulted unfortunately for Matt. Sals' reason is given in the chorus of the song, "I don't like your family," the words of which are by Hough and Adams and the music by Joseph E. Howard; sung by Miss Jones:
       I don't like your family,
       They don't make a hit with me
          I don't want to bother
          Lending money to your father
       While you're wife's relations live with me.
          I don't think your Uncle John
          Ever had a collar on.
       You want me for a wife,
       But when I get hitched for life
          I want an orphan.
    (UCSB 3208, Cyberbee)
  • How Sandy Proposed.  Edison Amberol 240, released October 1909: This original sketch by Mr. Spencer is rather a story of how Sandy did not propose. He had courted Jean for a long time and he was rather slow in asking the fateful question. The Record tells how Jean brought him around to the proposing point, and then he wondered how it happened. (UCSB 6170); Edison Blue Amberol 3818 (UCSB 5946, UCSB 5965)
  • Italian Specialty.  See Good-a-Bye John
  • Jealous Julie.  Edison Gold Moulded 9455, released January 1907: No. 9455, "Jealous Julie," by Ada Jones and Len Spencer, is another refreshing coon vaudeville sketch written for our Record. Miss Jones sings the new coon song "Jealous," by F. J. Brown, and plays the part of "Jealous Julie." Mr. Spencer is happily cast as "Jim Johnson," Julie' s tantalizing sweetheart. (UCSB 3169); also issued as Jealous and Jim Jackson and His Jealous Julia.
  • Jim Jackson's Last Farewell.  Edison Gold Moulded 9407, released November 1906: No. 9407, "Jim Jackson's Last Farewell," by Ada Jones and Len Spencer, is another clever addition to the vaudeville Records made by these two talented artists. It contains the usual funny dialogue between Jim and his Desdemona, and the customary duet singing. The Record must be heard to be appreciated. The singing is done with orchestra accompaniment. (UCSB 3137, Internet Archive)
  • Jimmie...  See Chimmie...
  • Katrina's Valentine.  See Heinie
  • Krausmeyer Taking the Census.  Edison Gold Moulded 10422 (UCSB 3781, Internet Archive)
  • Let Me See You Smile.  Edison Gold Moulded 9383, released October 1906: No. 9383, "Let Me See You Smile," by Ada Jones and Len Spencer, is another of Mr. Spencer's clever vaudeville specialties. The dialogue is between a pair of colored lovers. He has worked overtime, because they did not wake him up at quitting time and he slept two hours after six o'clock. He lost his job, consequently the times are out of joint. In his misery he says that he must leave his girl and go to work. After an exchange of witty remarks she gets him to cheer up as she sings, "Let Me See You Smile," a song written by Fred Fischer. (Internet Archive, RA: raeproductions)
  • Little Arrow and Big Chief Greasepaint.  Edison Amberol 108, released April 1909: An original vaudeville sketch, the first part of which consists of an amusing dialogue in Indian dialect. Big Chief Greasepaint represents the type of Indian seen on the stage. Upon learning that Little Arrow can dance he wastes no time in wooing her, for he sees the possibilities of her success in his Wild West Show company. This Record is replete in local color with its Indian grunts, yells and music. After the betrothal of Little Arrow to Big Chief Greasepaint is announced to the “tribe” Little Arrow sings the following song to her chief:
       I will be your Little Arrow,
       And you'll be my beau.
       You're a Big Chief of the Indians and I love you so;
       In a tent we'll live together,
       One that's built for two,
       Little Arrow, Little Arrow, she love you.
    (UCSB 1642, UCSB 1643); Edison Blue Amberol 3899 (UCSB 6315)
  • Louis and Lena at Luna Park.  Victor 4438 (Internet Archive); Edison Gold Moulded 9064, released August 1905: No. 9064, "Louis and Lena at Luna Park," by Ada Jones and Len Spencer, is a talking and singing duet which will equal if it does not exceed the popularity achieved by "Heinie," [Edison Gold Moulded 8982] made by the same artists. It has all the attractive catchiness of "Heinie" and besides has descriptive effects of its own. As its title indicates, the scene is laid at Luna Park, Coney Island. Miss Jones and Mr. Spencer are excellent in this bit of acting and singing. Miss Jones sings "Meet Me Down at Luna Park," and Mr. Spencer joins in the chorus. The singers are accompanied by the orchestra. (UCSB 2851); as Louie and Lena on Zonophone 397 (Meloware $$$)
  • Ludwig's Air Castle.  Edison Amberol 410, released April 1910: The title of this sketch is derived from the description of the cottage which the amorous trombone player, Ludwig, holds out as an inducement to his “schatz” to marry him—a cottage surrounded by gastronomic comforts that would delight the heart of the most exacting Teutonic epicure. Sauerkraut vines are to climb about the porch, a big “Dill” pickle tree to grace the front yard, and a river of beer will be handy to the rear. The dialogue between Ludwig and Augustine is amusing in the extreme, and the brogue of the two artists is rich. The sketch concludes with a wooden shoe dance, and a song with a trombone accompaniment. (UCSB 1819); Albany Indestructible 3048 (UCSB 4090)
  • Maggie Clancy's New Piano.  Edison Gold Moulded 9311, released July 1906: No. 9311, "Maggie Clancy's New Piano," by Ada Jones and Len Spencer, is another most amusing vaudeville sketch, largely in Irish dialect. Maggie has a new piano and is playing Wagnerian music. Her father wants to know whether the piano is broken. An amusing dialogue follows and Maggie sings some Irish ballads to her father's great delight. The vaudeville sketches that Miss Jones and Mr. Spencer have made in the past will suffice to show how entertaining this will be, especially when Miss Jones' singing is so prominent a feature. (UCSB 3089, Internet Archive)
  • Mandy and Her Man.  Victor 4670 (Internet Archive).  From description of Edison Gold Moulded 9236, released March 1906: No. 9236, "Mandy and Her Man," by Ada Jones and Len Spencer, is an exceptionally well put together vaudeville coon sketch and shows Miss Jones and Mr. Spencer at their best. The characteristic dialogue and comic situations have never been excelled, which together with the singing and orchestra embellishments make this Record a great entertainer. The coon song, "On Yo' Way," sung by Miss Jones, with orchestra accompaniment, is a feature of the Record.
  • Meet Me Down at the Corner.  Victor 5252 (Internet Archive); Edison Gold Moulded 9552, released May 1907: No. 9552. "Meet Me Down at the Corner," by Ada Jones and Len Spencer, is a vaudeville sketch of that part of the love-making of Kitty Carney and Barney McCue which leads up to Barney's proposal and acceptance. The sketch opens with Kitty singing of her disappointment at Barney's delay in keeping his appointment. A messenger boy enters with a not[e] from Barney, but before she can read it Barney appears in person. Barney is apologetic and loving; Kitty is inclined to scold and find fault because of the delayed appointment. Barney urges her to read his note. It proves to be a proposal and Kitty sings it. Barney presses her for a reply and gets it in this manner: "Well, all I can say is, I think it's about time." Miss Jones' solo parts are a verse and a chorus of a new song; "Meet Me Down at the Corner," by Harry Hoyt (music) and Will Cobb (words). The singing has an orchestra accompaniment. (UCSB 3225, Internet Archive)
  • Mr. and Mrs. Murphy.  Victor 16100B, was 4400, recorded Dec. 15, 1905 (Internet Archive, Meloware $$$, RA: raeproductions)
  • Muggsy's Dream.  Victor 5410 (Internet Archive); Edison Gold Moulded 9787, released March 1908: Muggsy (Mr. Spencer) is selling his papers on a cold night. He finds a warm corner in which to take a quiet sleep. At this point in the Record, effects to imitate a runaway horse, a dog's bark and a girl's scream are introduced. The girl is crying for some one to save her dog. Muggsy is right "on the job," and after restoring the "mut" [sic] to its owner is invited to ride with her to her home. After experiencing pleasures almost unheard of, he is rudely awakened by a policeman, and feels rather forlorn when he finds out that it was but a dream. During the sketch Miss Jones sings "Won't You Be My Baby Boy." Original arrangement and not published. (UCSB 6610)
  • Original Cohens, The.  Victor 16110, was 4605 (Internet Archive, tcapsule); Edison Gold Moulded 9215, released February 1906: No. 9215, "The Original Cohens," by Ada Jones and Len Spencer, is a vaudeville sketch that differs from all other Records of these artists previously listed by us. As the title implies, it is a Hebrew sketch. It introduces an adaptation of the old-time Hebrew character song, "Solomon Levy," sung by both Miss Jones and Mr. Spencer. The scene is laid in a Baxter street New York clothing store, while the action of the sketch portrays the popular impression of daily happenings in that famous locality. Such expressions as "Fadder, push the blue shade over the skylight, here's a gentleman wants a blue suit," are numerous throughout the Record and provoke many a laugh. (UCSB 3033)
  • Pals.  Edison Amberol 489 (UCSB 1871).  Also issued as He's Me Pal.
  • Paulina, Otto and Fido.  Edison Gold Moulded 10041, released January 1909: A German vaudeville sketch in which the dramatis personae are: Paulina, a teasing German girl, who cannot decide whether she loves her dog or Otto the best, but mostly favors the dog; Otto, very much in love with Paulina and at odds with the dog; Fido, the dog.  Paulina declares that if Otto loves her he must love her dog, too.  The sketch has the usual amount of fun characteristic of the Jones and Spencer work.  Original and not published. (UCSB 3493)
  • Peaches and Cream.  Victor 4720 (Internet Archive); Victor 16102, was 4720 (Internet Archive); Edison Gold Moulded 9359, released September 1906: No. 9359, "Peaches and Cream," by Ada Jones and Len Spencer, is a vaudeville sketch, with orchestral incidental effects, introducing the new waltz song "Peaches and Cream." The scene of the sketch is laid in the Bowery and the dialogue is distinctly of the Bowery. It gives a very hearable talk by Chimmy and his "goil" Maggie, and the song "Peaches and Cream" fits the scene as though built for it. These vaudeville sketches are arranged by Mr. Spencer, and the Phonograph public will agree with us that he has made a great success with them. (UCSB 6409); Edison Amberol 448 (UCSB 1829); Edison Blue Amberol 1913 (UCSB 5173, Internet Archive); Albany Indestructible 3056 (UCSB 4093)
  • Picture of Long Ago, A.  Edison Amberol 69, released January 1909: A vaudeville sketch in which Samantha and Hezekiah indulge in reminiscences of bygone days. Samantha finds an old hymn book in the garret and, while playing one of the hymns on the organ, Hezekiah reminds her that he gave her the book just before they were married, years ago. Then follows an exchange of sentiment, and they live over again the day of their marriage. It is a Record similar to “The Golden Wedding,” by the same artists, which made such a hit on the two-minute Record. Original sketch and not published. (UCSB 1608); Edison Blue Amberol 3921 (UCSB 6327)
  • Return of the Arkansas Traveler.  Albany Indestructible 3108 (UCSB 4105); see also shorter version recorded by Len Spencer (with Billy Murray, uncredited): Edison 10356 (UCSB 3733, Internet Archive)
  • Rudolph and Rosie at the Roller Rink.  Columbia A5027, mx 30055 (Internet Archive); Edison Gold Moulded 9503, released March 1907: No. 9503, "Rudolph and Rosie at the Roller Skating Rink," by Ada Jones and Len Spencer, is a Dutch character sketch, declared to be the best Dutch sketch since "Heinie."  The title and the names of the artists making the Record are a sufficient guarantee as to its fun-making qualities.  An opportunity is given Miss Jones to sing the new skating song, "Take Me on the Rollers," written by W. H. Long, Jr., and Barney Gilmore. (UCSB 3199)
  • Sadie and Abie.  Oxford 5112 (Internet Archive)
  • Santiago Flynn (A Spanish-Irish Episode).  Zonophone 5110, mx 1080 (Internet Archive, Internet Archive); Edison Gold Moulded 9863, released June 1908: Santiago serenades Norah McCarty in true Spanish style. In broken Spanish he sings his love-story to the accompaniment of a mandolin. Norah has nothing for him but sneers and quips, till he tells her that, although born in Mexico, his father's name was Flynn. Then nothing in the house is too good for Santiago, and the priest in due time made them possible subjects for the divorce court. Toward the close of the Record, Miss Jones sings a verse from "Santiago Flynn," of which the music is by Theodore Morse, the words by Edward Madden and the publishers are F. B. Haviland Publishing Co., New York. (UCSB 3335).  From description of Edison Amberol 48, released November 1908: An Irish maiden is courted by an Italian wooer.  He plays the mandolin beneath her bower in true Romeo fashion and asks her to be his Irish Rosie, but she is able to make very little sense out of his "dago blarney."  He asks her to cast her eyes on him and she answers sweetly that she has no cast in her eye.  Santiago Flynn entreats her to take the name of Signora Santiago.  "A fine name--for a five-cent cigar" she exclaims.  The ending is happy, however, for Santiago convinces her that his father was Paddy Flynn, a good, true Irishman.  She then agrees to have him to the accompaniment of "Killarney," on the mandolin.  Several clever songs are introduced by Miss Jones.  Orchestra accompaniment.
  • Schoolday Frolics.  Victor 16067, was 5385 (Internet Archive); Albany Indestructible 739 (UCSB 3922)
  • Si and Sis, the Musical Spoons.  Edison Gold Moulded 9815, released April 1908: Si and Sis are typical down East lovers. They engage in a series of "swops," or exchange of compliments, and Si convinces Sis that he is a musical prodigy. He plays on two clarinets at one time, giving an imitation of bagpipes; on a violin with one string, and on two ocarinas at one time. The musical features are played by Mozart, the playing of two clarinets at one time and of two ocarinas in unison being an unusual "stunt." This vaudeville sketch is original and not published. (UCSB 3313)
  • Si Perkins' Barn Dance.  Edison Amberol 133, released May 1909: Not the kind of barn dance now so much in vogue, but a most realistic side-splitting sentimental imitation of an old-fashioned country dance in the barn.  The dialogue is by Miss Jones and Mr. Spencer as Susan and Elmer, the spooney couple, but other special features are introduced.  The incidental singing has an orchestra accompaniment. (UCSB 0035); Edison Blue Amberol 2280 (UCSB 5079, Internet Archive); Victor 16294 (Internet Archive); unspecified version transferred very fast at VVL.
  • Sweet Peggy Magee.  Victor 16765, was 5712 (Internet Archive); Victor 5712 (Internet Archive); Edison Amberol 148, released June 1909: An Irish dialect story of the courtship of Paddy Flynn and Peggy Magee. Paddy has proposed many times, and as many times been refused by the coquettish Peggy. Paddy finally outwitted her and won her consent to be married. The Record includes more than the usual number of incidental effects, all of which add to its desirability. (UCSB 1664); Edison Blue Amberol 3261 (UCSB 4469, Internet Archive)
  • Tony and Rosetta.  Edison Gold Moulded 9945, released September 1908: Ada Jones and Len Spencer in their element.  As Tony and Rosetta they run a "dago" fruit stand and make a fair start to riches.  The competition for laughs is very keen between their fast and witty repartee and that of their customers.  These include an Irish cop, a Jew, a bootblack, and Danny, Rosetta's second-best friend.  The mandolin, harmonica, popping corks, fizzing soda and steaming peanut roaster provide incidental music, and Rosetta (Ada Jones) tops it all off with a great dialect song, "He's My Brud."  The sketch is original and not published. (RA: Cylinders on the Web)
  • Wedding Bells.  Edison Gold Moulded 9739, released January 1908: A Down East character sketch suggestive of No. 9148, "The Golden Wedding" in that the characters and subjects are similar. The dialogue, however, is quite different and original. The old couple review their courting days, and make amusing references to John's bashfulness in "popping the question." A clever short song concludes the Record. Orchestra accompaniment. Original arrangement. (UCSB 9739, RA: [mould 27] Cylinders on the Web)
  • Widow Dooley, The.  Victor 16019, was 5582 (Internet Archive, Internet Archive); Edison Gold Moulded 10017, released December 1908: This up-to-date dramatic sketch opens with a flute solo, “Sweet Molly Oh,” announcing a visit by Larry Connor to court the widow Dooley, whose Mike has been dead only a month. The courtship is spicy and full of laughable scenes. By request the widow sings “Come All Ye,” and Larry plays a reel on his flute, to which she dances. At the psychological moment he pops the question, but learns that he is too late, as Pat Murphy proposed and was accepted at the lamented (?) Mike’s grave. Larry makes a sorrowful exit, whistling “Farewell Mavourneen.” Orchestra accompaniment; original sketch, not published. (UCSB 2484)
  • You've Got To Love Me A Lot.  As A Coon Courtship on Edison Gold Moulded 9695, released November 1907: A really funny vaudeville sketch by two of the most popular artists before the Phonograpic public, in which Miss Jones introduces the coon song, "You've Got to Love Me a Lot."  Mose is supposed to be "a midget niggah," who makes love to a two-hundred-pound beauty, who is inclined to doubt his kissing capacity.  Susie is a connoisseur at the osculatory game, and her creed is contained in the song she sings:
       "If you are going to love me, love me at all,
       You've got to love me, love me a lot."
    Orchestra accompaniment.  Music of coon song, John Lowitz; publisher, The Seminary Music Co.     (Internet Archive).
  • Zep Green's Airship.  Edison Gold Moulded 10254, released November 1909: A very clever Record. Zep Green is making his initial trip as a navigator of the air, as well as of the sea of matrimony. The two voyages start at the same time for they take the parson up with them in the airship—and down also when it collapses and falls into the river. Mechanical devices, a band, singing, cheering and remarks from the crowd contribute to the novelty of the Record. Orchestra accompaniment. (UCSB 3665).  Also issued as Zeb Green's Airship.

 

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