George J. Gaskin

Irish-American vocalist (tenor). Became one of the most popular singers the United States in the 1890s and was nicknamed the "Silver Voiced Irish Tenor". He began making records at least as early as 1892 for the New Jersey Phonograph Co. He soon had extensive lists with all of the phonograph companies, specializing in the latest popular hits, with a few oddities thrown in (including sacred selections and even grand opera). His strident, piercing voice was fine for the early days, but unsuitable for the improving technology of the early 1900's, and his career petered out shortly after the turn of the century. He attempted a comeback on Pathe in 1916, without success. Born: February 16, 1863, Belfast, County Antrim, United Kingdom Died: December 14, 1920, New York, NY, United States