Arthur Collins (February 7, 1864 – August 3, 1933) was a pioneering American baritone who was one of the most prolific and beloved recording artists of the early 20th century. Known for his rich, resonant voice and comic timing, Collins emerged as a master of the minstrel and comic ragtime songs that were popular during the vaudeville era. His recordings, which span from the late 1890s into the 1920s, featured a wide variety of material, but he is perhaps best remembered for his humorous interpretations and the numerous duets he performed with tenor Byron G. Harlan.
Collins's collaborations with Harlan are legendary, and their work together produced an array of Victor recordings, testifying to the prolific partnership that capitalized on the era's appetite for light-hearted entertainment. Some of their compilations, like "Arthur Collins & Byron Harlan (Comic Ragtime Songs) [Victor Discs]" from different periods (including "Encore 1" for 1902-1909 and "Encore 3" for 1913-1918) celebrate this successful partnership. Notably, Collins's rendition of "Hello! Ma Baby," a tune that remains emblematic of the ragtime era, has been remastered to bring the charm of his voice to new generations. Despite the passing decades, the voice of Arthur Collins continues to resonate, showcasing his significant impact on the world of comic and ragtime music.
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