Character Studies-- J. W. Myers(c.1862-1917)

"Damn!" is what Fred Hylands would yell amid his broken breath after a take with J. W. Myers.

That's a good way to sum up how Myers worked in the studios. He wanted specifics, power, and finger-tangling accompaniment always. The attention was always intended on J. W. Myers, by J. W. Myers, not really on the pianist, even though he allowed for some freedom in the accompaniment, which whether he liked it or not, screams attention to the accompaniment. Myers is also a mysterious character in the early recording business, as he wasn't born in the United States, and he never really spoke of his personal life, nor his background. He came from Wales, around the year of 1874 is the time he moved here, and once he was here, got some typical laboring jobs here and there; similar to mining, and working as a tailor. It is not known how he got interested in music, but it was probably while he was working in the early 1880's that he began to take an interest in music. He became a recording star by 1891, making records very often, while also performing in theatrical troupes and singing at regular "gigs" around the east coast. He also wanted to try to start his own record company in late-1896, one of these few records he sold can actually be heard here. Myers' "Globe Phonograph Company" was a very small success for him, as it only lasted from late-1896 to the middle of 1897. That bust didn't keep him from recording like a fiend, which by 1898, he was surely doing. 

Myers was a real sight in the studio, with his appearingly anxious expressions when he sang, they were not to be expected upon seeing him only on a cover of sheet music. He would flip around his black hair when he sang something vigorous, much like the poor Freddy Hylands behind him inevitably at Columbia's rooms. Myers always came in with a pile of music, ready to throw around at Freddy and scrutinize every note played beforehand. He was always ready for each take that came along, and always wanted to own the room when he walked in, which in many cases, this was actually true.  His voice bounced off the long tall walls of Columbia, but didn't have such the power and length of Len Spencer's, or even Fred Hylands for that matter! His voice was not one that was deep, in the sense that is was like a chasm in his throat, his tones never had that ability. This made for a pleasing sense to his voice, not like the harshness of Len Spencer's freakish voice. He always fixed his whiskers after each take, as his hair would get out of place after anything he did, no matter if it be"Will O the Wisp" or "Violets" he sang. He wasn't too much of a drinker, at least he barely ever did so in the studio, it was a very special week if he brought in any kind of alcohol. But for all we know, he could have been just as terrible a drunk as George Graham outside the studio. He wasn't one to speak of his personal life, or past, somehow, he was just anxious to get his music work done, and do whatever he did outside Columbia's rooms. He was one of the few on Columbia's staff who treated Hylands' Rag-Time abilities as a novelty or a a freakish curiosity, he always did, even when is became more "updated" by 1902, as that was when styles were starting to change. That was also a year that Captain Myers began to sink, with his career dropping in popularity and significance year by year. He still enjoyed doing the recording work, and this was probably why he stayed in the business for a few more years, even if he must have known that it would end very soon. After 1907, he vanished, probably staying in the states for a few more years, but after that, he was probably back to Wales, where remained to his death, forgotten.

Not many who were interviewed later recalled Myers too much, but Dan Quinn remembered him a little in his letters here and there. Other than that, there really isn't any information on Myers out there. He is, in many ways, just as mysterious as George P. Watson. It's unfortunate really, as he was one of the most popular early recording stars, and certainly recorded some of the biggest hits of the time, some that other's skipped, or just left to Myers.

Here are two records that I referred to in the section above describing Myers:
http://cylinders.library.ucsb.edu/search.php?queryType=@attr+1=1020&num=1&start=1&query=cylinder13285

http://cylinders.library.ucsb.edu/search.php?queryType=@attr+1=1020&num=1&start=1&query=cylinder6821
Hylands playing beautifully, what a concept! He had it in him. 

I hope to be doing more of these "Character Studies" within the next few days, and I hope you're all liking them so far! 

I hope you enjoyed this!