The Edison Files: Andre Benoist

Thomas Edison invented the phonograph in 1877. No one knows for sure who the very first recording artist was. Here is a look at an early recording artist I have in my collection.

The French pianist, Andre Benoist, was born on April 4, 1879 in Paris. He studied at the Paris Conservatoire and then later toured Europe and America as accompanist to Pablo Casals, Albert Spalding and other celebrated artists. He made several recordings for Edison Records and Victor. Benoist died June 19, 1953 in New Jersey.


To listen to recordings of Andre Benoist, or other early recording artists, visit the Cylinder Preservation and Digitization Project at the University of California at Santa Barbara.

 
 
 
To listen to recordings of Andre Benoist, or other early recording artists, visit the Cylinder Preservation and Digitization Project at the University of California and Santa Barbara.