Unique Quartette

The Unique Quartette was an American "barbershop" vocal quartet from New York City active throughout the 1880s and 1890s and best known as the earliest African-American ensemble to make commercial audio recordings. Founded and managed by the group's leader and 2nd tenor, Joseph M. Moore, the Unique Quartet toured extensively, often performing with other troupes, like the Georgia Colored Minstrels, Primrose and West Minstrels, and "O'Dowd's Neighbours" comedians. The group's earliest wax cylinder phonograph recordings were made in December 1890 by the New York Phonograph Co. established by brothers John and Richard Haines. They further recorded for the North American Phonograph Company and other early phonograph labels. Unique Quartette (1895–1896) James Settle — 1st tenor J. M. Moore — 2nd tenor Joe Cayson — 1st bass R. W. Marks — 2nd bass