Ben Selvin

Ben Selvin (September 12, 1898 - July 15, 1980), son of Russian-immigrant Jewish parents, started his professional life at age 15 as a fiddle player in New York City night clubs. A husky lad, he looked older than he was and as such was permitted into such establishments. A mere six years later, as leader of his own dance band, he had recorded what is universally regarded as the first popular recording ever to sell a million copies. That recording, Dardanella, eventually went on to sell more than 5 million copies and some 2 million pieces of sheet music.

Related Topics:
September 12 - 1898 - July 15 - 1980 - Russia - Jewish - Fiddle - New York City - Night clubs - Dance band - Sheet music

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In addition, according to The Guinness Book of World Records and many other sources, he is acknowledged as having recorded more musical sides (on 78-rpm discs), than any other person, living or dead. One reason for this prolific output is that he recorded for dozens of different labels during this high-growth time in the industry, using a different name (or slightly different name) on each label.

Related Topics:
The Guinness Book of World Records - 78-rpm discs - Labels - Label

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