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From 1899, enjoy Whistling Rufus played by "The Banjo King", Vess L. Ossman.

Whistling Rufus
 
Company Consolidated Phonograph Companies (?)
Cylinder # Unknown
Category Banjo solo
Title Whistling Rufus
Performed by Vess L. Ossman
Circa 1899
Announcement "Banjo solo, Whistling Rufus, played by Mister Vess Ossman."
 

Vess L. Ossman began recording in the early 1890s, becoming the preeminent banjoist throughout the 1890's and well into the first decade of the 1900's – earning his nickname "The Banjo King".   He continued recording up through the first World's War.

Whistling Rufus, written in 1899, was fairly new when this recording was made.

Notice the thunking about 1:27 into the recording; Ossman may have accidentally hit the horn.

To hear Whistling Rufus  —

 
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— This cylinder is from the collection of Leo Kimmett —

                                       

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