posted on January 4, 2001 08:14:39 PM
I have a bunch of old 78 records from the 20s and 30s. I'd like to sell the Kewpie record but need to know if the words to it have to do with Kewpie dolls or if it's just a name picked at random. If the former, I'd list it also under Kewpies at ebay.
I've done a little searching on Google and other engines but can't find this.
posted on January 4, 2001 08:44:21 PM
Roadsmith - Is that the full name of the record?
If not, I might be able to find it on a site that I look at sometimes listing collectable records. I would post the URL for the site, but I always have to look it up, can't remember diddly lately.
posted on January 4, 2001 09:46:21 PM
Gee, thanks jada!
It's a Brunswick label, #4249. "Kewpie" is on one side. On the other side is "A Precious Little Thing Called Love", from "The Shopworn Angel", Jesse Stafford and Orchestra.
No indication whether Kewpie has lyrics or is just played by the orchestra.
I found one site that has song lyrics but they had nothing for Kewpie.
I'll bet it's just a musical selection, since no vocalist or group is listed. Well, whatever you can find out would be greatly appreciated!
P.S. I have 24 of these 78s--RCA Victor Orthophonic Recordings, Brunswick, Vocalion, and Conqueror (Sears, Roebuck red label).
[ edited by roadsmith on Jan 4, 2001 09:49 PM ]
posted on January 5, 2001 12:06:56 AM
Hi Roadsmith: Sorry to be so slow in getting back to you, had to actually do some work tonight.
I didn't find anything on the collectable record site - only goes back to the 50s - but I did find some sheet music for "A Precious Little Thing Called Love". The songs are listed in numerical order and that particular song is number 97 (there are some letters in front of the numbers).
This movie must have been remade several times cause this sheet music is from 1928, but The Shopworn Angel was made in 1938 (of course it could have been made originally in 1928, I have no idea).
That site might be able to help you with the Kewpie song as well. They say they are always looking for the unusual.
I did find a photo from "The Shopworn Angel" and Margaret Sullivan is holding something in her arms, but I can't tell whether or not she is holding a Kewpie doll. Have to find my magnifying glass and take a look.
"Kewpie" was listed on this site (for sale with a minimum bid of $15 for sheet music and a photo from Nov, 2000). It's listed under Novelty Piano Solos, number 272, so I think you're probably right about the "no words" thing.
posted on January 5, 2001 10:25:12 AM
Jada: Thanks loads! What interesting information you've given me. Those sites are fascinating. And yes it does look as though Kewpie was a piano solo. Wish I knew how to listen to these records--any suggestions?
I found a business in Salt Lake City (we live nearby) that transfers 78s to tape, which we did for an old record of my husband as a 3-year-old. Is there any other way short of finding the right ancient record player to hear these?
