Charting the Music of the Early 20th Century

What is the number 12 popular single of 1900-1904? "A Bird in a Gilded Cage" by baritone Steve Porter. The ballad was known to leave listeners in tears. How about the number 12 popular single of 1910-1914? "When I Lost You" by Henry Burr. The song was written by Irving Berlin in honor of his first wife, who had passed away. How about the number 12 popular single of 1920-1924? "Wang Wang Blues" by Paul Whiteman, one of numerous instrumental hits recorded by the "King of Jazz" of his era. The recording features Henry Busse on trumpet. The number 12 popular single of 1925-1929 is "Keyhole Blues" by Louis Armstrong & his Hot 7, one of several of his classic jazz tracks to return to the charts years, or even decades later. The number 12 popular single of 1935-1939 is "Music, Maestro, Please" by Tommy Dorsey & Edythe Wright, the top male and female artists of that half-decade. For the entire 40-year period, 1900-1939, the number 12 Christmas single is "March of the Toys" by Victor Herbert, from his operetta "Babes in Toyland." And, the number 12 Classical composition is "Bolero" by Maurice Ravel. Its repeated theme and progressive crescendo are captivating. In addition to the rankings of recordings and compositions in the Christmas, Classical, and Popular genres, the book also features mini-biographies of notable artists and composers from the period of coverage. There are links to the top recordings, as well as a lengthy bibliography for extended studies.