Billy Jenkins and Betty Jones
I’m not sure if I've ever mentioned it (or atleast as often as I think I might’ve) here, but I’m a huge record nut. I collect records, I bid and buy records on ebay, I study all different kinds of labels, companies, bands and their vocal artists, and even the size and material of them. More specifically, I love 78rpm records. There’s just something so fascinating about the kind of music those discs can give out once again. It’s a lost art that’s nearly impossible to fully recreate. Even with the same kind of instruments and technical techniques one might’ve used back then, it still never quite matches that kind of sound records from around 1905-1940 can produce. Though, one key factor as to why could be because some artists are completely unique compared to many of today, especially when it comes to Vocal artists. Two that come to my mind (although usually as a duo even though they’re more well-known for their own separate solo performances) are Billy Murray and Ada Jones. Both of them (especially Murray) have a kind of singing voice that’s so completely his own. It gives off a very chipper early 20s bachelor who barely goes out for drinks but still would be caught walking out in town with a nicely tailored sweater. Then again, some of that is true according to many reports on his private daily life, so that’ll do it.
This piece specifically was done for one of my main partners and closest friends, Corey, who’s just as much of a Billy-nut as I am (although I’m gonna be honest, considering alot of the information I know about the chap comes from Corey, He’s the bigger fan compared to me).
